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17 Oct 18

Interiors podcast launch- The Great Indoors

The Great Indoors Final2

So when Kate Watson Smyth- my good friend who writes the formidably successful Mad about the House blog, and author of the best selling book of the same name, called me up and asked “Fancy doing a Podcast with me” , I said, yeah of course- will be fun. Just talking innit?

I must admit I had no idea of the herculean task it would take to bring it to fruition, but here we are on launch day! As our podcast goes out into the podiverse I’m like an expectant mother with a mixture of emotions; bursting with pride and trembling with anxious anticipation. Will anyone listen to it? Will it be any good? Either way, we have had a tonne of fun making it.

Interior designer Sophie Robinson and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth The Great Indoors podcast, pink velvet sofa in garden

The Palace sofa from Dfs in blush pink velvet

One thing’s that’s really amazed me is how much we have to share and how quickly you can rip through half an hour when talking about something you love and are passionate about. And oh how we can talk. For our first episode we recorded well over two hours of fabulous content and producer Kate Taylor worked her magic and tailored into a lively 30 minutes but not missing out any of the value or heated debate.

It’s been a fascinating process working with Kate and discovering what we agree on and more intriguingly how much we disagree and that’s what I really love about interior design. It’s not a science, it’s an art and there is so much anxiety about getting it right but when the experts can’t agree that’s when you know you have to throw the rule book out and follow your gut!But needless to say with over 50 years experience in the business between us you can count on tonnes of tried and tested advise as well as some out of the box ideas.

Interior designer Sophie Robinson and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth The Great Indoors podcast, pink velvet sofa in garden cushion fight

Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth, The Great Indoors podcast, photographed by Alun Callender

So as for format, our intention in this first series is to share some topical discussion about interiors, the latest news, launches and trends and then finally take one room in the house and share our ideas on how to best plan and decorate it. We’ve signed up to six episodes in the first series, going out every other week and most excitedly within that, episode 4 is a live recording in which you can be in the audience.

Our sponsor, Dfs, is holding a pop-up event The Staying Inn, in Bermondsey London on the 30th October, and we will be hosting a live audience podcast recording as part of that event! It’s a relaxed affair, glass of wine, get comfy on the sofa and have your interior design questions put to the experts face to face. The Staying Inn event features five inspirational living spaces, designed by our chums 2LG Studio, and a swanky bar for eats and drinks. And as staying in is the new going out, I’m very much looking forward to it. If you’d like to join us and be in the audience, it’s a small intimate affair, you can buy tickets and find more details here.

 

Interior designer Sophie Robinson and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth The Great Indoors podcast, pink velvet sofa in garden cushion fight

Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth, The Great Indoors podcast, photographed by Alun Callender

Finally I must share how we’ve managed to launch in such a short time. We have a real whizz bang team behind us. Our producer Kate Taylor has been instrumental in guiding us through the podcast publishing maze. The technical bits – as well us helping us to produce a format that offers something to everyone with an ear for interiors, keeping it light and entertaining while packed with information. DFS have been a dream sponsor in so much as they’ve supported the series but have given us total editorial freedom to talk about the stuff we really care and know about. Then my photo shoot A -team came to the house for our publicity shoot, Alun Callender behind the lens and Jade Farmilou on hair and makeup. Alun really captured the fun that Kate and I have had making this podcast and was patient while Kate managed to repeatedly fall off the back of the sofa. . Finally a massive shout out to Aye Oo at Headlight designing for our logo and the wonderful Maria for keeping the whole project on track.

Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth photographed for The Great Indoors podcast, photographed by Alun Callender

So what’s coming up? We launch with the first episode where I challenge Kate with the news that grey is dead as a decorating trend, followed by our round up of some of the key design trends we spotted during London design week. We throw in a few design crimes (you are going to love them!) before finishing off with discussing how to plan a kitchen. Moving swiftly onto episode two and we revel the new paint colours that have recently launched, discuss colour psychology, followed by how to plan a bathroom. In which we discuss strategic positioning of mirrors a lot!

So if any of that tickles your earlobes then hop on over and have a listen. You’ll find us on Apple podcasts,   Tune In,    Spotify,   Stitcher,   Pocket casts,   Acast.

See you in the Great Indoors!

 

 

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Forget the turkey, I’m all about the table!! It re Forget the turkey, I’m all about the table!! It really is the central spectacle of Christmas day for me and where everything comes alive, as I go all out on colour and pattern with full permission that more is more this time of year.

I love to create a real sense of occasion and for me, it is not just about formal place settings, more about making everyone feel special and welcome. Some people show their love through food, but I do it through my tablescapes. I want everyone to feel that excitement as they sit down, surrounded by candlelight, rich colour, beautiful flowers and thoughtful touches. So while others perfect their roast potatoes, I will be perfecting my place settings and hoping all that effort will distract everyone from my lack of culinary flair.

Tell me, how do you show your love at Christmas?
Five unforgettable days hosting my interior design Five unforgettable days hosting my interior design retreat with the legendary @elfennmarrakech  and my heart feels wide open. What an incredible experience to gather with such inspiring, like-minded women, all hungry to learn, create and connect, while we explored how to design homes that tell our stories, lift our spirits and spark joy every single day. Watching everyone’s confidence and creativity blossom was pure magic.
And Marrakech… it never stops surprising me. Every visit brings new treasures to discover, from hidden restaurants to gorgeous boutiques and brilliant local designers. I’ve come home recharged, inspired and brimming with ideas.
If you’re feeling the pull to join me next time, comment RETREAT and I’ll DM you the link to our January dates. I couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart the new year!

Thanks @jothornephotography  for capturing the magic 📷
AD Introducing my very first home fragrance collec AD Introducing my very first home fragrance collection for @dunelmuk, and I couldn’t be prouder. 😊 I’ve poured my heart into creating three distinctive scents that each evoke a different mood: ‘Retreat’, ‘Joy’ and ‘Wanderlust’. Because the perfect scent really is the final flourish that makes a room feel special.

Beautifully packaged, they make gorgeous gifts too. Candles are just £12, reed diffusers £18, so whether you’re creating a feeling of calm, sparking happiness or chasing adventure, there’s a scent to suit your space.

Which one would you choose first?
There was a time when I thought the big milestones There was a time when I thought the big milestones in life were meant to come in neat little packages. Rings, romance, the whole shebang. Life had other plans, and honestly, I am quite glad it did.

Because what I kept, what I built, and what I still wake up grateful for every day is my beautiful colourful home. This house has seen me through the joy and the heartbreak. It has held me, inspired me, pushed me to be braver with my creative ambitions and clearer about what truly lights me up. It is my safe place, my creative lab, my technicolour sanctuary.

So yes, some women want diamonds. I want a home that feels like pure joy.

If you feel the same, you are absolutely in the right place.

Tell me… what’s the one thing in your home that makes you feel most like yourself?
AD There’s no better time than Christmas to go all AD There’s no better time than Christmas to go all out with colour and creativity. When I lay the table, I see it as a chance to build layers of joyful, jewel-like colour that make everything come alive. In true maximalist spirit, I clash pattern and contrast tones so the table feels like a real celebratory riot.

Texture plays its part too – glistening glassware, beaded runners and flickering candlelight all add that touch of magic. I adored creating this collection for Dunelm, which perfectly captures my “more is more” philosophy. Because if there’s ever a time to embrace abundance, it’s Christmas!

So layer up the colour, the pattern, the flowers and let the candlelight do its thing. Who else is excited for Christmas?

Enchanted Garden dinner plates and pasta bowls, £8. Enchanted Garden side plates £6. Enchanted Garden serving platter, £25. Pack of 2 scalloped placemats, £12. Midnight Garden tablecloth, from £35. Wine goblet, £10. Tumbler, £8. Twisted candlestick holder, £8. All Sophie Robinson x Dunelm.
November Roundup. As winter gently settles in, her November Roundup. As winter gently settles in, heres what i’ve been up to lately.

1. Brighton seafront colour spotting.
	2.	A visit to Voysey House to see the team at @harlequin_fw.
	3.	So excited to be creating fresh brilliance with the @harlequinfw creative team Claire Vallis and @floraisabelledaly 
	4.	The Beaver full supermoon lighting up the sky spectacularly. 
	5.	I made a pact to see at least one live gig or theatre show each month. @ejthackray is a phenomenal act.
	6.	My other pact: to wake early, walk, and watch the sunrise instead of scrolling in bed. The rewards have been glorious.
	7.	A festive dash to my local @dunelmuk to stock up on Christmas decorations before they sell out. 😬
	8.	My heart spills over seeing my glorious tableware collection stocked on the shelves. I can’t wait to style it all up for Christmas.
	9.	Welcoming guests into my home for the final At Home design retreat of the year. Beautiful connections made while discovering the magic of creating a beautiful heart felt home.
	10.	A new restorative yoga class in this gorgeous barn with the wonderful @theacupuncturist .
	11.	@theacupuncturist always curates such a nurturing inspiring space as we shift into the season of rest.
	12.	The family tradition of picking our Christmas tree, a little earlier than usual this year.
	13.	Another amazing night out, dancing to @brandnewheavies with my partner in groove @shelleymariathasanholland 
	14.	Shooting Christmas at home means beautiful chaos reigns.
	15.	Fresh hair and a little sparkle thanks to new earrings from @loelandco 
	16.	Packing for something very exciting… my Interior Design Retreat at @elfennmarrakech 
	17.	A magical evening at @wakehurst_kew for Glow Wild with Mum and Arthur.
	18.	The light show was utterly spectacular this year, we all loved it!
	19.	Arrived in @elfennmarrakech  unpacked and excited to welcome our Retreat guests for a week of creativity, colour and mouthwatering design inspiration. ❤️ 
20. Sunday night Moroccan style. Lamb tagine in front of the fire. Feeling blessed 🙏
AD Decorating the tree has always been steeped in AD Decorating the tree has always been steeped in nostalgia for me. As a little girl it was the highlight of the season, helping my mum unwrap the decorations we’d made and hanging them with great care. These days I honour that same tradition with Arthur, who still insists on choosing the tree and always gets stuck in helping me decorate.

I bring out my old decorations like old friends every year, adding just a few new ones from my Christmas collection with @dunelmuk to give it a fresh look.

Here are my tried-and-true tree styling tips:
1. Always a real tree for me. Nothing beats that pine scent filling the house.
2. Warm white lights only. I actually fancied multi coloured this year but Arthur put his foot down!
3. Tinsel for sparkle. Nestle it deep into the branches so it catches the light and shimmers in the back ground.
4. I’ve used haberdashery trims as garlands this year. They add such pretty texture and something unexpected.
5. Go big with bows. A few oversized decorations add instant drama.
6. Mix in sentimental pieces collected over the years. I treasure my grandmother’s vintage glass baubles and Arthur’s early nursery school creations.
7. Finish with giant paper decorations tucked under the lower branches to fill the gap before the presents arrive.

And there she is… full of colour, sparkle and nostalgia. Just how Christmas should feel.
AD Some people want diamonds… I just want colourfu AD Some people want diamonds… I just want colourful gifts under the tree!

My top Christmas picks from my @dunelmuk collection, full of joy, colour and festive cheer. The kind of presents that make you grin before you’ve even opened them. Available in store and online but selling like hot cakes! Let me know if Santa will be popping any these under your tree this Christmas! 

Ban the beige Mugs £8, Wine glasses £10, Resin coasters £14, Twisted candlesticks £8, Six Dining candles £10, Cake stand £22, Notebooks from £5, Snug as a bug cushion £22, Joy Scented Candle £11, all Dunelm x Sophie Robinson 

##SophieRobinsonXDunelm #ad
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