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Sophie Robinson
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19 Jan 22

Arabella and Mark’s hallway and living room- Dream home makeovers

IMG 5759

Well isn’t this a Dream Home makeover the absolute dream! I was so in my lane with this design and it played to all my maximalist strengths. I was able to go completely bold on colour, indulge in my love of pattern and more is more interiors. Although for Arabella, it was actually a case of less is more! Here I share pictures of the reveal (SPOLIER ALERT) and you can scroll to the end for the full list of products sourced for the reveal. Otherwise please enjoy the show streaming at My5.

Arabella and Marks Georgian pile presented itself as the absolute dream. Perfect proportions, beautiful period details and they had but aside a nice budget to breath new life into their very tired and dated decor. My challenge was going to be bring Arabella’s fabulous exuberance, creativity and dare I say it eccentricity, to the interiors. These two are fabulous fun, hugely sociable, and their interiors spaces just were not hitting the mark.

 

The hallway hadn’t been decorated since they moved in. Chipped paintwork, grubby carpet and peeling wallpaper all had to go!

To transform the hallway it all began with a hunt for a fabulous large scaled wallpaper. Nothing too floral- because that reminded Arabella of her mother, and nothing too modern that would jar with the period features. This over sized super colour Protea design by small British brand 17 Wallpapers kicked off the scheme nicely. Next Arabella was adamant that she needed a pattern carpet to hide the dirt from busy family, 3 gorgeous Frenchies and kids coming and going. This is a really practical choice as a pattern carpet hides a multitude of sins, and is still sound softening and warm underfoot. AND is another opportunity for colour and pattern. I matched this design by Alternative Flooring in with the wallpaper so the theme hangs together- even though there is a lot going on.

 

Walls in Proteas Dream pink wallpaper, 17 Patterns; Below dado rail painted in Picture gallery red, woodwork in Dimity, ceiling in Pink ground,  Farrow & Ball. Carpet in Quirky B Ben Pentreath collection in Cube Soane,Alternative Flooring.  

LIVING ROOM

Arabella and Marks living room was rarely used by the family and Arabella admitted she found it too embarrassing to show to friends. Mark came in here to watch TV but that was it. It was a mixture of Arabella’s collection of vintage furniture and oh-my-goodness- how many paintings! Number one thing to change first in here was the layout0 to create a sociable space that was primarily for entertaining as their is a TV in the separate snug/home office. I must admit it was refreshing to design for a family not obsessed with their TV!

The living room had not been decorated in 13 years and was a hodge-podge of random furniture and Arabella’s treasures

After

Arabella and Mark were clear on the palette. They liked warm and dramatic colours. Using the hallway wallpaper as my colour palette I pulled the deep blues and rich reds over into this room. Setting plaster pink is on the ceiling and Inchyra blue on the walls- offering up the perfect dramatic backdrop to Arabellas collection of art and objects. Because Arabella loves mixing different periods and has a particular love of mid century modern pieces we had a oversized circular mirror made for the alcove, that contrast beautifully with the marble fire place. The silver and chrome metallic continues with the original 60’s wall lights and this oversized globe light that Arabella bought in the sale at Graham and Green. Another bargain of Arabella’s was the antique Persian rug she bought off Ebay for £500. Arabella had her heart set on a patterned sofa and this beauty from Ian Snow holds the colour scheme together beautifully. Arabella loves collecting ERcol furniture and has amassed quite the collection. However to elevate it to match in with this rather glamorous scheme we had the tables painted black, and the cocktail cabinet got a makeover with a malachite paper stuck on the front. Another midcentury modern piece- her gorgeous armchairs also got a reinvention with fabulous bengal tiger motif fabric in the schemes petrol blue and ruby red. A mixture of pattern cushions (yes, more pattern) completes this joyful, eccentric, eclectic and rather fabulous look.

Walls painted in Inchyra blue modern emulsion, Farrow & Ball; Ceiling painted in Setting plaster modern emulsion, Farrow & Ball; Carpet in Quirky B Ben Pentreath collection in Cube Soane, Alternative Flooring; Large antique rug, bought on eBay; Florence Sofa covered in mustard tree of life, Ian Snow; Oscar sofa in Claret, Sofa.com;  Mirrored illusion coffee table, Sweetpea & Willow; Extra large Nosto light (discontinued), Graham & Green; Vintage wall lights, Arabella’s Own; Large bespoke round wall mirror, Fitted Mirrors & Glass; Lampshades on silver pug lights, teal bouquet velvet, Susi Bellamy.  

 

Lampshades on table lamps in carnelian velvet, Graham & Green;

Cabinet covered in Fornasetti malachite wallpaper, Cole & Son; Floating shelves, Dowsing & Reynolds 

Cabinet covered in Fornasetti malachite wallpaper, Cole & Son;  Handles on the cabinet, Dowsing & Reynolds

Tiger prints, florals, and the persian rug pattern all jostle together, united by a tight colour palette

LIVING ROOM

DECORATION

Walls painted in Inchyra blue modern emulsion, Farrow & Ball 

Ceiling painted in Setting plaster modern emulsion, Farrow & Ball

Wall undercoat painted dark tones primer, Farrow & Ball  

Carpet in Quirky B Ben Pentreath collection in Cube Soane, Alternative Flooring.  

FURNITURE

Floral Florence Sofa covered in mustard tree of life, Ian Snow

Plain claret Oscar sofa, Sofa.com

2 vintage Armchairs, Arabella’s own, covered in Bengal Petrol, Bengal Red, Warner House

Mirrored illusion coffee table, Sweetpea & Willow

Upcycled cocktail cabinet produced by Magdalena Zajac

Cabinet painted in coal-black fusion mineral paint, Colour Mekt 

Cabinet covered in Fornasetti malachite wallpaper, Cole & Son

Handles on the cabinet, Dowsing & Reynolds

Lennox drinks trolley, Oka

LIGHTING

Central light, extra large Nosto light (discontinued), Graham & Green 

Vintage wall lights, Arabella’s Own

All lamp bases, Arabella’s own.

Lampshades on table lamps in carnelian velvet, Graham & Green.

Lampshades on silver pug lights, teal bouquet velvet, Susi Bellamy.  

ART AND MIRRORS

Large bespoke round wall mirror, Fitted Mirrors & Glass

All paintings from Arabella’s collection.

Floating shelves, Dowsing & Reynolds

ACCESSORIES

Large antique rug, bought on eBay.

Red Strata Cushion, Susi Bellamy Blue Strata cushion, Susi Bellamy Teal bouquet cushion, Susi Bellamy 

Tiger cushion, Paloma Home; Tree of life cushion, Paloma Home; Vintage botanicals cushion in blossom, Paloma Home 

Glassware in cocktail cabinet a selection from Oka

All other glassware and vases, Arabella’s own.

HALLWAY

DECORATION

Walls in Proteas Dream pink wallpaper, 17 Patterns

Below dado rail painted in Picture gallery red, Farrow & Ball. Woodwork painted in Dimity eggshell, Farrow & Ball; Ceiling in Pink ground, Farrow & Ball 

Carpet in Quirky B Ben Pentreath collection in Cube Soane, Alternative Flooring.  

ACCESSORIES

Odette swan wall light, Dowsing & Reynolds 

Arabella’s Ercol Table in hallway painted in Yellowcake eggshell, Farrow & Ball

Ada black console table, Graham & Green

Flowers, The Funky Flower Shop

All paintings, ornaments and grandfather clock, Arabella’s own. 

Special thanks to David Bull at Hang My Art 

 

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You’re in the right place. 💛 Around here, we You’re in the right place. 💛
Around here, we don’t do beige boxes or design-by-numbers. This is a joyful, all-inclusive space where colour is celebrated and self-expression is the whole point.

I believe every room in your home should make you feel happy, positive, and 
unapologetically you. 

If that sounds like your kind of vibe, follow along!
✨ Save the ideas that make your heart sing
✨ Explore the joy of colour with confidence
✨And when you’re ready to dive in… there’s 25% off my incredible course How to Create a Maximalist Interior - all through May. Just use comment MAYJOY and I’ll send you the link.

Because great design isn’t just about how it looks - it’s how it makes you feel.


#dopamindecor #boldinteriors #interiorinspo #joyfulhomes #colourmyhome 
#interiordesigncourse #maximaliststyle
If like me you hate your shiny white UPVC windows If like me you hate your shiny white UPVC windows then this tip is for you!

I painted all of ours, inside and out, and it totally transformed our home (costing hundreds of pounds on paint rather than thousands of pounds replacing them with more traditional timber that would suit the Victorian character of our house better). 
The best thing about painting UVPC is with the right primer, there is no sanding or lengthy preparation. It’s important to make sure the frames are clean and dry, and then on with the All Surface Primer, which then ensures that the exterior acrylic eggshell, in a colour of your 
choice, can easily go on top. For many the beauty of UVPC windows is they don’t need decorating or maintaining, unlike timber windows. However, while these have not flaked or scratched yet (three 
years in) I know they will need a lick of paint at some point. But UVPC is a more stable substrate to traditional timber which cracks and swells, so the maintenance will be far less. 

And heres the best bit… you can’t tell the difference!

Works on Front doors and conservatories too! Would you try it? Let me know in the comments!

We used an All surface primer, mixed to match the top coat, of External eggshell in Lamp Black. Walls painted in masonry paint, in Lamp Black. All products @littlegreenepaintcompany 

#paintedwindows #upvcglowup #budgetrenovation #windowmakeover #diyhomedecor
I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but I I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but I’ve needed to hear it again and again this past year.

This little affirmation has carried me through some of the hardest moments of my life; navigating a divorce, facing the possibility of losing my home, and somehow still showing up for my business, my family, and my creativity.

And here’s the thing: I didn’t lose my home. 🏡 I’m keeping it. 🙌 That’s the biggest takeaway for me. Because in the midst of fear and uncertainty, I held on to hope. I kept creating. I kept believing.

Stress and anxiety can really crush creativity. They make us shrink, second-guess, and settle for less than we deserve. But when we give ourselves even the tiniest flicker of faith,  that’s when the magic can return.

So if there’s something you’re holding on for, don’t let go. Keep the faith. You’ve absolutely got this.

And if someone you love needs that reminder too — feel free to share this with them. 

#CreativeJourney #InteriorTherapy #DesignAsHealing #MyHomeMyStory #HomeInspo #LifeLately #PersonalGrowth #ThisIsRealLife #WomenSupportingWomen #OvercomingObstacles
Can you believe this unexpected May sunshine? It’s giving me total garden party vibes, and with that in mind here’s how I set the table outdoors, in my maximalist style!
- Layered pattern textiles, joyful colours, coloured glass, and flowers spilling over with abundance… because when the sun shines in spring, it calls for a table that celebrates more is more.
Everything here is from my new collection with @dunelmuk where I worked to create a collection that you could effortlessly mix and match, that way you can be creative and make it your own style statement. From furniture to tableware, textiles to glassware it’s a full more is more collection! Let’s hope that sun keeps shining as I think we are in for a beautiful summer!
Before ➡️ After From beige to boom! My bathroo Before ➡️ After
From beige to boom! My bathroom is now full of colour, joy and serious personality. Proof that interior design can totally shift your mood and how you feel in your home.

Want to do the same? My online course ‘How to Create a Maximalist Interior’ gives you the tools to design boldly and beautifully — your way.

Get a whopping 25% off all May just comment MAYJOY and I’ll send you the link 🙌
Because design should feel amazing and I can’t wait to show you how.

#MaximalistInteriors #BathroomGlowUp #BoldDesign #ColourLover #SophieRobinsonInteriors #FeelGoodDesign
A monthly round up of a very busy April. Mostly ma A monthly round up of a very busy April. Mostly made up of Easter and plenty of birthday celebrations. Love how this time rolls in fresh optimism and joyful colour!
1. Spring flowers bringing all the joy. 
2. I just invested in a sonic cleaning brush and attacked all the grout. Result! Kicking off the season for Spring cleaning and sorting!
3. Celebrating the launch of my new doll! Courtesy of the latest AI viral trend! 😂
4. Bracing sea swims under the blue skies with @sophieabbottartist @jothornephotography 
5. Easter table. featuring the stunning Dhalia Bunch Fabric from my collection with @harlequinfw
6. Easter eggs
7. Spring walks delivery all the feel good vibes
8. The bluebells are out!
9. My boy turns 14!
10. who remembers the joy of magic candles! 😂
11. Working with the jeweller @vivienne.ridley on a very special commission
12. The jewellers worktop! 
13. My bestie @sophieabbottartist turns 50!
14. Throwing a little surprise by spamming her house with bunting and glitter
15. working the red carpet at the @bafta craft awards
16. my gorgeous date for the evening @edwardrobinsonid 
17. The special @vivienne.ridley commissioned necklace for @sophieabbottartist birthday. including a sentimental family diamond, freshwater pearl and gold plated name tag.
18. Lunch at @burntorangeuk honestly the best food i’ve been served in Brighton 
19. My best girls @sophieabbottartist @attunedlandscapes
I’ve always said—when the budget’s tight, th I’ve always said—when the budget’s tight, that’s when the real creativity kicks in. If you’ve been watching @interiordesignmasters, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Tiny budgets, tight timelines… and yet the designers deliver seriously awe-inspiring results!

My biggest tip? Take your time, because you’re not in a TV show! I’ve been decorating this house for 9 years, and it’s only just (almost!) finished. Sometimes that means saving up 
to splurge on the perfect piece. Other times it’s about stretching the budget with pre-loved or vintage finds—or patiently waiting for the sales to roll around.

Either way, I truly believe the go-slow approach gives you better results, helps you stay on budget, and creates a home that feels perfectly you.
But—here’s the catch—you need a plan.
Want more tips like this from me? Drop VIP in the comments and I’ll send my design secrets straight to your inbox 💌✨


#DecoratingOnABudget #InteriorInspo #ColourLover #BoldInteriors #CreativeInteriors #BudgetFriendlyDecor #HomeStyleTips #MaximiseYourBudget #HighStreetHome 
#InteriorsWithImpact #PaintPower #DIYDecor #InteriorDesignTips #SmartSpending
There are no words to describe the gratitude I fee There are no words to describe the gratitude I feel for this home.

This house isn’t just where I live — it’s my sanctuary, my creative expression, the beating heart of my family, friendships, and of course, my business. I’ve always put huge importance on making a house feel like home and see it as the foundation to my feeling of ease and happiness. 

When my marriage ended, I faced the devastating and very real possibility of losing it all. But I refused to give up on the home I’d always dreamed of.

I leaned into every manifestation tool I knew (vision boards, mindset shifts, deep emotional work) to not just create this home, but to keep it when it mattered most.

And now, I want to share exactly how I did it! 🎉

On 15th May, I’m hosting my At Home Masterclass — a chance for you to step inside my world, see my home for yourself, and learn how to manifest your dreams and design the interiors (and life) that truly light you up.

If you feel the pull, this is your invitation.

Spaces are very limited — if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it!

Just pop the word ‘Masterclass’ into the comments below 👇and I’ll DM you the details.

Because home is where the heart is. ❤️
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