Sophie Robinson
  • Home
  • Workshops
    • Marrakech Retreat
    • Ban the beige
    • Home Masterclass
  • Online Courses
  • Collaboration
  • Podcasts
  • Blog
  • About
    • About me
    • Work with me
    • Press
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • podcast
19 Aug 21

House tour with interior designer Guy Oliver, Podcast show notes S12 Ep4

Guy Oliver 26

So here we are at the nearing the end of the twelfth series of The Great Indoors and do we have a treat in store. But first, a huge thank you to Geberit for supporting the series and do head on over to geberit.co.uk for oodles of bathroom inspiration and planning tips.

On today’s show, we get to have a nose around a beautiful Mews house in west London owned by the prestigious interior designer and director of Oliver Laws Designers, Guy Oliver. You can listen to the full episode here.

Credit: Photo by REX (3699466d) British Designer Guy Oliver and Sculpture Sophie Dickens Unveil a Life-Size Bronze Sculpture of a Diver at the Connaught Hotel.

Over the last ten years, Guy has been responsible for the re-design of some very famous swanky hotels, including the Connaught and Claridges in London and the Shelbourne in Dublin. Although he says the thing that excites him the most is the work he does as Creative Director for The Turquoise Mountain Foundation working with artisans in Kabul, Afghanistan to restore all the old adobe houses. He says: “Taste is experience and I absorb so much through my life, travel, and study”

Guy and a master woodcarver from Afghanistan worked together to create Prince’s Lodge suite, inspired by Kabul’s Peacock Palace at The Connaught Hotel, Mayfair, London.

Guy has lived in his idyllic mews house for twenty years, quite a change from when he was growing up – he moved every 18 months with his parents “That’s probably why I’m a designer, they were constantly changing and doing up houses. Staying put is amazing for me and I feel lucky to be here.”

 

We have interviewed lots of designers on the podcast and the common theme seems to be that most of them have had the same peripatetic childhoods. Guy agrees that this could be the basis of their want to create beautiful homes and stability, not only for themselves but for others too. 

He carried on this transitory lifestyle and signed up to join the Navy at the age 16 –  the youngest cadet in the college. “The whole this was a total accident, the Navy got lost and turned up at my school by mistake, and was one of the five kids to go and watch the presentation. Being prone to flattery, the admiral said to me ‘You’d make a perfect naval officer’ so I thought, good idea and joined 6 months later.”

Did you love it or hate it?

“It was a weird move for me, in some ways, it was a way of creating a society, community and a home – you live and work with these people so in that respect it felt safe. I don’t know how they didn’t know I was gay, at the time it was a court-martial and a dishonourable discharge but they didn’t do that. Instead, they put me in charge of the parties and events.”

So in a way, when you left the navy, design felt like the natural next step?

” Yes in a way, my mother had an antiques business and nothing was stationary, things always changed. I got to understand how to bring things together, create space, and how to edit. I don’t get attached to objects, I love them and love working in interiors – I don’t feel materialistic about the stuff.”

 

Guy’s kitchen is painted in my kind of blue – it’s British Navy (of course) which unfortunately was by a brand that no longer exists.

Do you think that helped you with your career?

“I exercise all my materialism vicariously through the clients, as sometimes I like to close the door on those things. You can’t help loving space and the things around you. My house is very eclectic as it’s full of things I’ve collected on my travels so there’s no overarching design style but it reflects my personality.”

Some interior designers use their home as a showcase for the ‘brand’ is yours a retreat?

“Some interior designers use other interior designers to do their homes and I’ve done that too. I’ve been employed by an interior designer to do their house. Part of being a designer is being a therapist – you’re there to listen, and giving them confidence that they won’t make a mistake.”

So I wanted to know who his go-to paint brand is now?

“We often work with painters that mix colours – but Rose of Jericho do wonderful distempers which add warmth and great for country houses. Mylands have a fantastic range, Paint & Paper Library and Farrow & Ball.

Upstairs via this curved staircase which Guy thinks is very ‘yacht like’ and the mirrored bannisters helps make it feel wider.

The house is full of personal memorabilia and unique finds from his travels and Guy told us “My grandfather was a poor man and didn’t believe in shares or anything like that and said ‘always buy things you can touch and see’ so I buy things that I like.”

A painting bought with inheritance from Guy’s grandmother and a map of Aberdeenshire – where Guy is from.

There is a clear influence from the Middle East and Afghanistan and understandably so with the work, he does with the charitable foundation, Turquoise Mountain.  “I love the idea of working with artisans and promoting craftsmen.”

“I was doing the restoration of the Connaught Hotel and I worked with them on one of the suites up in the eaves and I wanted the Afghan carvers to work on it. So I got a friend in the airforce to fly the wood back on a Hercules transport plane and that room became the most successful room in the hotel.

“At the time the executive asked why are you creating an ethnic room in a luxury Mayfair Hotel? I said, in the 19th-century people collected interiors and they went around the world and might have had an Indian, Hindu, or an African room and I said, it’s the same logic.

“Everyone from the king of Malaysia to the Kings of Leon loves that room and it’s got a broad appeal and what’s great is that the hotel gives a percentage of the profits from that room back to the charity.”

Guy Oliver’s eclectic living room

Do you think it’s important to have a historic or geographical reference within a home or do you believe that you can do what you want if you like it? 

“Someone might have a thing for Star Wars characters and if that’s something that they celebrate and love, then that’s completely valid.”

The very neat and compact spare bedroom.

Guy loves the challenge of spatial planning and his mews house is quite small so we wondered he had any tips for making the most of small spaces.

“I love problem-solving and making a space work. I was very lucky that the navy trained me how to deal with that, it’s about efficiency and don’t do things that aren’t worthy of your time. Edit, edit – for me I love things and it’s not about the value – I feel affection for certain things.”

I just loved that as we go through Guy’s house it really felt like the journey of his life with the objects he’s collected along the way, most of which tell a story.

“I was working in Tokyo and went to a flea market and saw this temple and I didn’t think about how I was going to get it home – on the plane. Luckily a champion gift wrapper made a polystyrene box for it and when asked at check-in what it was I said it was my temple and it had to travel with me.”

Guy’s house has such a wonderful grand house feel and he managed to pack a lifetime of treasures into a mews house without it feeling stuffy or overbearing.

A huge thank you to Guy for showing us around his beautiful home and for being such a charming guest, Geberit for sponsoring the series and to the fab producers at Feast Collective.

 

  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • podcast
Interview with 2LG Studio and a guide to wallpapers, Podcast show notes S12 Ep5 The trend for rattan and new design books Podcast show notes S12 Ep3
  • Christmas
  • Interiors
    • colour crush
    • colour psychology
    • DIY
    • dream home makeovers
    • Home Office
    • Home Tours
    • Interior Design
    • Interior Styling
    • podcast
    • Sophie Robinson X Dunelm
    • trends
  • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Life
    • My House
    • Nosh
    • Travel
  • Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kids rooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living rooms
    • Outside
  • Videos
online influence award winner 2019
Interior Design Winner Sophie Robinson Insta
Videos

Listen

Listen Here

Online courses
by popular demand

Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Before and after! This room took me on a real jour Before and after! This room took me on a real journey.
At first, I thought I needed a calm, blank space to focus… so I painted it all white. I know - can you believe it?! I told myself it was for clarity and creativity, but the truth is, I hated it. I felt flat and totally uninspired.

So, I ripped up the rulebook and went back to what I know works for me: bold colour and big pattern. I painted the whole space in my favourite cobalt blue (Lazuli by @zoffanyfw) and installed the ‘In the Woods’ mural from my @Harlequinfw collection - and now it’s everything I wanted and more.

I feel creative, energised, and completely connected to the beautiful garden just outside the window. A daily reminder to trust your instincts, feel from your gut and be brave. 

#OfficeGoals #CreativeWorkspace #BoldInteriors #BeforeAndAfter #SophieRobinsonStyle 
#CobaltBlue #HarlequinWallpaper #ColourLovers #InteriorDesignUK #InTheWoodsMural 
#DesignForJoy #MoreIsMore
A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨ It was such A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨

It was such an honour to guest judge the Interior Design Masters final alongside the fabulous @michelleogundehin and wow, what a finale it was!

The setting? The magical village of Portmeirion.
The challenge? Transform a bland holiday cottage.
The winner? The brilliant @john_cooper_design and what a winning design it was! 

John’s scheme was a glorious celebration of colour and perfect  storytelling. I loved how  he used bold Mediterranean hues and motifs from room to room which cleverly held this maximalist vision together. It felt like being whisked away to a land far far away. And thereby perfectly capturing the spirit of Portmerion. Honestly, it felt magical to be there!

I’ve unpacked all Johns clever ideas and design takeaways over on the blog (link in bio) — but I’d LOVE to hear what you thought.

Was John your winner?
What design moment caught your eye?
Could you stay in a house like this?

Tell me in the comments 👇

#interiordesignmasters #maximalistinteriors #maximalistdecor #portmerion #colourlover #banthebeige
Longing for a life-changing escape? You’re not a Longing for a life-changing escape?
You’re not alone. Our next Discover Colour Retreat at @elfennmarrakech just sold out in just a few hours, snapped up by our incredible subscriber community who said yes to more colour, creativity, and the trip of a lifetime. 💫

If you missed out, don’t panic, we’re already planning more dates in this dream of a design destination. Think: bold design, deep connection, sun-drenched inspiration, and the kind of joy that lingers long after you get home.

Want to be first to hear?
Comment ‘ELFENN’ below and we’ll send the link with details + the option to add yourself to the VIP waitlist.

Because beautiful things come to those who wait…
and this one’s worth every second. 🌺

#elfennmarrakech #discovercolour #designretreat #marrakech #moroccanstyle #designinspo
Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically YOU?

For me it’s about bold joyful colour, striking pattern, and those magical touches that light you up every time you walk through the door. This isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about crafting a home that celebrates the uniqueness of who you are and how you want to feel. 

In my exclusive online course How to Create a Maximalist Interior, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step design process—so you can confidently design a space that’s full of heart, soul, and style.

🎉 25% OFF ends TONIGHT! 🎉
Comment MAYJOY below and I’ll send you the link.

And yes, you’ll get a personal tour of my own technicolour home, so you can see exactly how I bring it all together.

Let’s unlock your dream home. One room at a time. 💥
EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignm EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters ! 

Thankyou @john_cooper_design for a beautiful LIVE taking a deeper look into your amazing experience being on the this most loved show. We all loved watching you grow and develop as a designer and your collection with @johnlewis is an absolute triumph! Cannot wait to see what you do next 🙌
All the Finale feels ✨ What a joy was filming t All the Finale feels ✨
What a joy was filming this series of @interiordesignmasters with @michelleogundehin , @chattyman , not mention this year’s insanely talented finalists @john_cooper_design 💙 @ritamillat ❤️ There is a lot of love and positive energy that goes into making this show.

And it doesn’t end here…

TONIGHT at 7pm I’ll be going LIVE right here on Instagram with this year’s winner… SPOLER ALERT….

@john_cooper_design 
I cannot wait to chat all the behind-the-scenes design insights, and what it really takes to win Interior Design Masters. What a smashing journey John has been on. Wow his final design blew me away, it’s was soo well executed and his vision was perfectly in step with the flamboyant eccentricity of Portmerion. Top marks! 

Come join us and ask your questions during this exciting Live event or come back later and watch the replay! 👀

Missed the show? Catch  up with @bbcone  Interior Design Masters on @bbciplayer 

#InteriorDesignMasters #IDMFinal #DesignShow #BehindTheScenes #InteriorDesignUK
Beware of listening to the ‘experts’! I get i Beware of listening to the ‘experts’!
I get it though, designing a house is hard, especially if your taste leans towards the 
maximalist style. There is every chance you’ll feel overwhelmed or stressed about getting it wrong with the end result one hot mess. However here are some of those common ‘design rules’ that I absolutely disagree with! Would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and fully embrace creating a home that truly reflects you, my specially designed online course has everything you need to keep you falling into any more traps. I’ll guide you through uncovering your unique style, choosing colours with confidence, and mixing patterns like a pro, all while making it feel beautifully cohesive and creative. And the best bit? It’s 25% off until the end of May! That’s right, just a few days left to pick up a massive discount.

Just comment MAYJOY and I’ll pop the link over in your DMs.


#maximalisthome #colourfulhome #interiorinspo #designmyths #interiordesignadvice 
#patternclash #dopaminedecor #banthebeige #maximalistdecor #interiorstyle 
#colourmyhome
Ready to step into your best life? Start with the Ready to step into your best life? Start with the place that holds it all. Your home.

I’ve always believed that a joyful, soul-filled home isn’t just a reflection of who you are… it’s a catalyst for who you want to become. When you’re surrounded by colours that lift you, patterns that energise you, and decor that tells to your story, something magical happens.

You feel confident, calmer. More you.

And if you’re ready to design a home that feels like you, my brilliant online course is here to help.

I walk you through how to bring your personal style to life — from choosing colours and mixing patterns, to making it all beautifully hang together. And right now, it’s got a whopping 25% off — but only until the end of this week! 🏃‍♀️

Simply comment MAYJOY and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.

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

And that feeling? It ripples out into every part of your life. 💛🌟

#FeelGoodDesign #JoyfulHomes #MaximalistInteriors #ColourConfidence #InteriorInspo #DesignWithSoul #SophieRobinsonInteriors
Follow on Instagram
Sophie Robinson
  • © 2025 Sophie Robinson

    /
  • Contact/
  • About/
  • Design by MW

You're almost inside!

Leave me your best email to sign up for the Webinar

MG0001 Magnet Sophie using Tap 021 copy

You're almost inside!

Leave me your best email to sign up for the Webinar