Hello!

I'm Emma Barker, Owner & Principal Designer

Every great adventure starts with someone willing to take the first step.

That's exactly what Embarking On Design was created to celebrate.

The name isn't just a play on my own name—Emma Barker. It's an invitation for families who are ready to embark on one of life's biggest adventures: creating a home that truly reflects who they are.

I've always been drawn to creativity. Long before interior design, I spent my time painting, creating art collections, teaching art lessons, studying fashion design, and eventually discovering visual merchandising while attending Ball State University. That career ultimately led me to furniture merchandising, where I discovered my love for designing spaces that are both beautiful and deeply functional.

Today, I specialize in helping homeowners navigate renovations, custom homes, and furnishing projects with confidence. While beautiful finishes certainly matter, I believe great design starts long before selecting paint colors or fabrics. It begins with understanding how your family lives.

As a wife and mother, I've learned firsthand that the most beautiful homes are the ones that support real life. That's why I prioritize durable materials, thoughtful storage, easy-to-clean finishes, and layouts that grow alongside your family. A home should invite you to slow down, gather together, and create lasting memories—not require constant maintenance.

My design style is rooted in timeless architecture and classic proportions, drawing inspiration from Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Cape Cod, Greek Revival, and Neoclassical homes. I enjoy blending old with new, layering collected pieces alongside fresh selections to create spaces that feel curated instead of decorated.

Clients often tell me, "I never would have thought of that."

Whether it's reimagining a floor plan, finding hidden storage opportunities, or bringing an idea to life they couldn't quite put into words, helping people see the full potential of their home is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

When I'm not designing, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband and children, working on a new craft project, trying a local restaurant, traveling whenever possible, or enjoying a walk with my family. Family has always been my greatest priority, and it's the reason I care so deeply about designing homes where others can build meaningful memories of their own.

Because at the end of the day, I don't just design beautiful rooms.

I help families create homes they never want to leave.

Our journey

My design experience started at a young age with parents that loved to build their home from the ground up and infuse them with their own style. All through out my school years, I studied art and fashion which led me to event decorating and visual merchandising. I loved styling the stores and wanted to apply those skills to commercial spaces and homes.

I started working as an Interior Designer in January of 2020. While this was a challenging time to transition rolls, I got a lot of practice creating a great customer service experience for my new clients, virtually. In January of 2023, I was able to book my first client as an Independent Designer. Embarking On Design was then founded in April 2023!