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03 Dec 20

A colour lover’s Christmas gift guide

AlunCallenderPhoto SophieRobinson 001 0295

 

It’s here! My Christmas round-up of gift ideas for fellow colours lovers. Finding the perfect gift for those of us who are of a maximalist spirit is pure joy. Bring on all the colour, all the pattern and all the gorgeousness.

This is also the first year that I have a gift idea offering! You can buy my online course ‘Bold Brave and Beautiful‘ interiors for a loved one and I’ll post out a gift box of goodies to them, including the online gift voucher and a handwritten note from me. The gift box includes my limited edition sketchbook as well as other goodies all adding up to a value of £50, all beautifully wrapped in this leopard print gift wrap by Petra Boase. You can purchase the gift box here.

Year on year I think we are all trying to be more mindful about how we shop and I think this year, in particular, has sharpened our focus on how we spend our money. Our high street stores and independent retailers, artists and designers have had their plans dashed by the lockdown. All the Christmas fairs cancelled and here in the UK, we continue to see some our most loved and established high street stores buckle under the strain of having their doors closed. But thank goodness for the postal service!

In this round-up, I include a mixture of gift ideas across the shopping spectrum, from favourite high street stores, online retailers to small brands and craftspeople. Sustainability is a mission that must be championed and I’m pleased to report that many retailers are using biodegradable (ie not plastic) packaging which in this online shopping age is as important as the objects themselves. But there is still work to be done and we should continue to apply pressure for businesses to do better.

But on with the colour joy, this my lovely readers is my round-up of gift ideas for the colour lover in your life. Unleash a little rainbow love under your tree this year.

1. The follow up to Conscious Creativity this workbook is perfect for those with a love of creativity or for those looking to unlock it. I adore Philipa’s talent for unbridled inspiration, Conscious Creativity, The work book: Experiment, explore, create £12.99, 5ftinf |

2.  Oh you know how I love an oversized earring, and these bejewelled beauties are sure to dazzle (and spot the ombre effect on some of the stones- nice!), Rainbow rhinestone hanging earrings, £35, & Other Stories |

3. Two things to love here. Super soft retro velour for some luxey lounging. And rainbow detailing!  Velour sweatshirt, dress blue, £60, St Bert’s |

4. We all need a little mood boost this time of year, and I turn to scent when I want to switch the vibe. With proven therapeutic qualities known to relieve stress, improve sleep, energize, balance or calm the mind, essential oils aim to contribute to an overall improvement to your well-being and I’m here for that!  Essential oils gift set, £35, FYG |

5. Who could resist that fabulous fringe! How to instantly up-level your interior with one fabulous lampshade, Grey Tiger Chinoiserie Crown Shade, £245, Abigail Hardie Home |

6. If, like me, you can never have too many notebooks, Emilio Braga has been producing these beautiful ones since 1918. They are still produced in the same handmade way, sewn and glued using techniques over 100 years old. I adore how the paper edges are sponged with a contrast colour to give a wonderful dappled effect. Emilio Braga A5 notebook, £19.50 each, Petra Boase |

7. I was overjoyed to see one of my favourite designers launch his online shop last month. A treasure trove for the magpie eye! This playful bud vase looks great with your favourite blooms or as a standalone piece, Little glass vase, £85, Matthew Williamson |

8. My husband is obsessed with his wireless speaker he takes it everywhere with him, either doing stuff in the garden or DIY. Now I can get in on the portable disco fun with this rainbow design, Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker, in Unicorn, £99, John Lewis |

9. The Colour File has been one of my long time favourite colour loving Instagram accounts and now Martha has bought her collage work into the real world! For all your rainbow chasers out there, check out her selection of art prints and cards, A3 Art print £35, The Colour File10. As a stylist, I love a cake stand. Not just for confections its a wonderful prop for styling fruit, nuts and ornaments at this time of year and adding some height to your tablescape. So I just have to have this rainbow one to my collection.  Phoebe cake stand, £42, Anthropologie |

11. Skye McAlpine is not only a wonderful host and cook, but she’s also a fabulous colour lover to boot. Her latest book is a must for the budding entertainer, and the photography and styling is mouthwatering too, A Table for Friends: The Art of Cooking for Two or Twenty, £15.98, Amazon |

12. Can you have too many oversized rainbow-themed earrings?! Quite. I’d love to see these slipped into my stocking this year, Prism Bar & Circle Gem Inlay Statement Drop Earrings, £24 Oliver Bonas 

13.  Toiletries make a fabulous gift and I declare that soap is making a come back as it cuts back on plastic packaging and is has a wonderful retro vibe too. I love this set by one of my favourite designer makers, Purse and soap set, £18.80, Molly Mahon |

14. One thing I love to do at Christmas is make up little hampers for people as gifts. This would make the most marvellous receptacle and jolly useful too, Bolga storage basket Peppy, £35, Lola & Mawu |

15. It wouldn’t be Christmas without the moody glow of candlelight and these would make a stunning centrepiece, Two-Tone Javelin candles, £17.50 set 3, Sunshine & Snow |

16. The classic chocolate gift, I would love to see these stuffed in a stocking or added to a hamper. Its the packaging that caught my eye but Pump Street imports it’s beans direct from co-operatives and family-run farms and uses non-plastic compostable packaging so that almost makes it guilt-free right! Mini bars, selection of 6, £14.40, Pump Street Chocolate |

17. The best things come in little packages but sometimes the little package is the best bit!  Small wooden lacquer rainbow box, £110, Matilda Goad |

18. Fashion brand Kemi Telford is always on my wish list but delighted to see the riot of pattern and colour rolled out into these cute hair accessories. And an ingenious way to reduce fashion waste too! Remnant hair bows, £19.99 set 4, Kemi Telford

19. These exquisite glasses are so much more than just for drinks. I use mine as candle votive holders and mini vases too. I can guarantee they spark joy! Set of 6 Peony glasses, £89, Graham & Green |

20. This book is as likeable, relatable and as stylish as the author herself. Erica is my go-to gal for fashion advise because she keeps it real while also giving you the confidence to break the rules in order to carve out your own unabashed sense of style. Leopard is a Neutral: A Really Useful Style Guide by Erica Davies, £11.97, Amazon 

21. If having your daily cuppa is one of life’s most treasured rituals, then you might as well do it in colourful style, Mugs, £12 each, British Colour Standard |

22. Repeat after me ” I want all the patterns and all the colours, all at the same time!” Who knew you could apply this design rule to one piece of clothing but Wee Beauties have! , Lambswool knitted scarf, £58, Wee Beauties |

23. A fabulous pair of pyjamas has to be one of life’s lushest luxuries. I wouldn’t mind Santa catching me out in these, Bocas Print Lilac long pyjamas, £150, Desmond & Dempsey |

24. If you like your gifts to be useful as well as beautiful, and let’s throw sustainable in there too then I think I’ve found the perfect combination. Gomi innovate products made from plastic trash that would otherwise end up in landfills or the oceans. And it looks super cool too, Portable charger, £69, Gomi |

25. I admit, I can’t knit, but with people taking up new crafts a pace I might be tempted by this beautiful idea. A kit with just enough yarn to make your own pair of colourful woolly socks.  Mimo Mash-Up Sock Kit, £20, The Mimo Yarn Co. |

26. Ooh I do love a good cushion and my home can never have enough. But if I was to treat my home this Christmas, I’d make it something really special, super-sized, super soft and velvety and in my go-to favourite colours. Sapphire Marbled Velvet Large Square Cushion, £185, Susi Bellamy.

Please note: All prices correct at the time of posting 03/12/20.

Featured photography by Alun Callendar

 

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

One of the questions I’m asked more than any other One of the questions I’m asked more than any other is, “How do you choose the right paint colour?” My answer is always the same… please don’t rely on those tiny paint cards! They’re simply too small to judge a colour properly.

For my mum’s annexe makeover, we started with the inspiration, not the paint chart. She wanted to bring the magic of her garden indoors, so green was an obvious choice. I suggested introducing pink too because it’s one of my favourite colour combinations and always feels fresh and uplifting.

Once we’d shortlisted a few shades, we ordered tester pots and painted large A3 swatches. Trust me, this one simple trick will save you a lot of expensive decorating mistakes. Tape the samples to the wall, move them around the room and compare them together in different light before making your final decision.

We also used a beautiful painting by @sophieabbottartist to refine the palette. I love building colour schemes from artwork because the colours have already been thoughtfully brought together.

The final colours? Slaked Lime, Pea Green and Hellebore by @littlegreenepaintcompany 

Now it’s time to get the paint on the walls… come back soon to see the transformation.
June has been one of those months that fills your June has been one of those months that fills your creative cup. From inspiring days wandering London’s galleries and catching up with the design world at WOW!house and the Maison&Objet dinner at The Mandrake not to mention the coming together of my two favourite hotels in a design collaboration . But the summer heat called for slower moments with long lunches in the garden, sea swims and soaking up the sunshine. A beautiful reminder that inspiration often comes from balancing creativity with rest.

1. Hanging out in my favourite London spot @broadwicksoho 
2. and always head for the loos. top marks to @martinbrudnizki 
3. Hanging out to the Wow House @designcentrech with @mad_about_the_house 
4. Enjoying @interiordesignmasters and a close final between @liagoldinteriors @shaginterior 
5. Shop opening for @liefcollectivelewes in my local Lewes celebrating the wonderful jewellery designers @rawsolace  @vivienne.ridley 
6. London weekend on the south bank fuelled by coffee
7. Mesmerised by the colour palettes of @hurvinanderson at @tate 
8. Moved to tears by the big @traceyeminstudio retrospective 
9. Time for a big clear out and new mini makeover in one of the spare bedrooms pending ….
10. Wonderful lunch with friends hosted at the stunning home of @annastandish.interiors 
11. The only way to deal with the heat wave along the south coast was to hit the beach 
12. Pool party and a triple Sophie threat @sophieabbottartist @sophie_darling_ 
13. Hosted a Summer solstice celebration at home which involved making wild flower crowns…
14. … and a beautiful cooked lunch at home 
15. Reaping the rewards of Mums vegetable patch 
16. Planning a big colourful makeover in Mums annex inspired by her favourite @sophieabbottartist painting 
17. Celebrating the @elfennmarrakech x @broadwicksoho rooftop collaboration with @vanessabranson
18. The iconic @elfennmarrakech red and white stripes and Moroccan lanterns take over the London roof terrace at @broadwicksoho 
19. Celebrating women in design with @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel 
20. Beautiful dinner hosted by @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel  with sensational hotel interiors by @talafustokstudio
After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbeli After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbelievably hot weather, I need to remember sometimes to simply be more Lucy. 

Her Sundays are like nothing else. Curling up on my colourful cushions, finding the cosiest spots and always inserting herself into any task that requires no dog. Never underestimate the power of doing nothing and focusing on the things that fill your cup!
Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirati Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirations and one of the best places in the world to shop if you love colour, craft and beautiful things that tell a story. I’ve been visiting for years, leading retreats and filling embarrassingly large amounts of luggage, and I still come home buzzing every single time.

This city has never subscribed to the idea that less is more. It is pure, glorious, unapologetic abundance and if you are a maximalist at heart it will feel like coming home.

Swipe for my little black book of favourite shops, rug dealers, ceramicists, fragrance makers spontaneous finds - the places I return to again and again and recommend to everyone who asks.

And yes - bring an extra suitcase and fill it with things that just make you smile!! You will not regret it.

Comment ‘Maximalism’ and I’ll send you my recent blog post with web links and addresses. happy shopping!

@soufnyartgallery 
@studiolidmarrakech 
@pophamdesign 
@maison.blaoui 
@heritage.berbere 
@cotebougiemarrakech 
@elfennmarrakech
On the longest day of the year, I gathered twelve On the longest day of the year, I gathered twelve wonderful women beneath the shade of our willow tree to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

We were guided through a beautiful cacao ceremony by @alexadecastilho , created the most joyful flower crowns with @aliceeden , and spent the afternoon soaking up the golden sunshine, connection and conversation.

The Summer Solstice is a moment to honour the light, pause, reflect and give thanks for all that is flourishing in our lives. As I looked around at these incredible women, surrounded by nature and laughter, I felt such deep gratitude.
I feel very blessed to be able to open my home in this way and create space for creativity, friendship and celebration.
Here’s to sunshine, sisterhood and the simple joy of being together. ✨☀️🌿
Marrakech has completely stolen my heart... There Marrakech has completely stolen my heart...

There really is nowhere else quite like it. The colour, the creativity, the beautiful chaos of the souks, and the endless treasure hunting. I’ve been visiting for years and I never come home empty-handed. My suitcase is usually bursting with ceramics, textiles, scents and slippers and little trinkets that find their way into my home and wardrobe.

What I love most is the Moroccan approach to decorating. Homes feel collected rather than curated, layered with handmade pieces, vintage finds and bold design choices that tell a unique story. It’s maximalism at its most artful and soulful, rich in colour, craftsmanship and personality.

I’ve pulled together this edit of the things I always bring home, along with some of my favourite makers, ateliers and artisan shops that I return to time and time again.

A highlight of my year is when I get to share it all with a wonderful group of colour-loving creatives on my Moroccan Interiors & Styling Retreat at the glorious @elfennmarrakech . Think inspiring workshops, artisan visits, medina adventures, delicious food and the kind of conversations that leave you buzzing with ideas. And their boutique is a must see shopping destination for the best in contemporary Moroccan design.

Want my Marrakech shopping wish list for bringing a little Moroccan magic into your own home without having to pack the suit case and hop on the plane? Comment MARRAKECHMAGIC below and I’ll send it straight to you.

Meanwhile here is my list of go to boutiques and shops for when you plan your visit:
@poterieserghini 
@pophamdesign 
@we_are_roxas 
@maison.blaoui 
@hanoutboutique 
@soufnyartgallery 
@sahanamarrakech
@heritageberbere 
@lallamarrakech
@heritage.berbere 
@ourikathelabel 
@studiolidmarrakech 
@elfennmarrakech
AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration with @dunelmuk is coming to an end but it’s not too late to snap up some of my uniquely designed pieces online or in store. This has without doubt been quite the career highlight, sharing my love of bold colour, unapologetic pattern and more-is-more aesthetic with this leading UK high street retailer to bring you my maximalist tool kit. So if you’ve had your eye on anything within my exclusive collection this is my reminder to snap it up now, while stocks last. 

Please let me know what have been your favourite pieces from this collection. I love to learn how they have been used in your own home. 

And take a little comfort, I’ve got plenty more exciting product launches planned this year and beyond so watch this space!
The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite event The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite events in the interiors calendar. Think of it as the design Olympics, where the industry’s biggest names are given free rein to dream big, push creative boundaries and showcase the very best in craftsmanship.

This is where you’ll find extraordinary fabrics,  wallcoverings, breathtaking joinery, sculptural lighting and decorative details that make your heart skip a beat. Budget takes a back seat and unbridled creative ambition takes the wheel.

What I loved most this year was the sheer diversity of design. From full-fat maximalism to serene minimalism, every room had its own unique story to tell. Yet a common thread emerged: retreat, cocooning and comfort. Rich deep colours, layered super soft textures and immersive spaces designed to help us slow down and escape the noise of modern life.

Here are a few of my favourites. The exhibition runs until the end of the month and I can highly recommend a visit. I never wanted to leave.

#WOWHouse26

@benjaminmooreuk 
@younghuh 
@blackedition_byromo 
@studioduggan 
@studioenass 
@zardi_and_zardi 
@seansymington 
@martin_kemp_design 
@roisinlafferty 
@schumacher1889 
@max_rollitt 
@salvesengraham 
@perennialssutherland_uk 
@fettledesign 
@elicyon 
@nucleus_av 
@russellsagestudio
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