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05 Mar 20

Kate’s new book, wallpaper and retoxing, Podcast show notes S6 Ep5

Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth record the Great Indoors podcast at Kate's London home. #thegreatindoors #sophierobinson

Hello and welcome to my show notes for the latest episode of the Great Indoors podcast, as always you can listen to it in full here, and don’t forget about our ever-increasing Facebook group. I can’t quite believe we’re almost at the end of series 6 already – time flies when you’re having fun! Firstly though a huge thank you to Topps Tiles for sponsoring the series.  I just found out that in a selection of their stores they have a virtual 3D room visualiser, which does exactly what it says on the tin, if some of you out there (like many of us) have trouble visualising how your room will look, then you must check this out! If you don’t have a store near you there is also a super handy online version too.

On with the show. We appropriately recorded this episode at the Mad House to coincide with the launch of Kate’s new book, 101 Interior Design Answers, we also take a look at different ways with wallpapers – it’s not just for the walls and we cover Spring Retox where we urge to cling on to your clutter!

My partner in crime, the fabulous Kate Watson-Smyth and her third book!

Today is a very special day – not just podcast day but it also sees the launch of Kate’s latest book and if didn’t manage to get your pre-order in we’ll give you a quick rundown of its wonderful contents.

Following on from her first book, Mad About the House: How to Decorate your home with style, which was about finding out what you like and find your own style as well as some tips for all the rooms in the house, the new book covers everything that the first one didn’t. Which turns out more than I could have imagined as the first one was pretty good! This new book is coming from a practical level and will become more of a long term companion helping to answer all the questions (all 101 of them) you might have when decorating your home.  You may not need 101 answers to your 101 questions but there is something in there that relates to everyone and Kate’s cleverly divided it into helpful sections: lounging, working, sleeping, cooking and bathing so it’s easy to go straight to your dilemma.

My husband Tom (who is ‘the builder husband’) even gets a mention,  sharing his knowledge on underfloor heating. She Other contributions include Lisa Dawson on how to do a gallery wall, check her out on Instagram and Bianca Hall aka @frenchforpineapple  who shares her top tips on a half-painted wall. She didn’t ask me…the cheek! Probably because she knew we’d disagree.

The fabulous illustrations are part of what makes this book stand out from the crowd for me. These were key for Kate as she felt there is enough ‘house porn’ out there via magazines and Instagram etc., and she also wanted the book to be timeless and support the words perfectly. In fairness to Kate, there is an illustration of my living room. Buy the book and see if you can spot it. You simply must order this book, it truly reflects Kate’s clever use of wit and bottomless font of knowledge. I highly recommend!

Ways with wallpapers

Who said you can’t wallpaper your wardrobe! The gorgeous Scallops design by Ottoline De Vries, styled by Lorraine Dawkins for House Beautiful

I have long loved wallpaper and we’ve seen quite a revival of late thanks to the shift towards the maximalist camp (alleluia!). We’ve mentioned before that papering all four walls really shows the pattern to its full glory and whether the feature wall is officially dead? But I thought what about using it in other creative ways – it doesn’t have to be just on the walls, does it? I did a post on this subject last week but wanted to continue the conversation.

Stripes work particularly well and I love this Schumacher design on the ceiling.  Room designed by Tali Roth and Tina Rich

We agreed that we are loving a papered ceiling and Kate hasn’t taken the plunge just yet, I have – my downstairs loo features the Splatter in Ink by Sanderson and I love it! Word of advice – a floral design can be tricky to use on the ceiling as they tend to be designed to trail up the wall so won’t work horizontally.

So what about furniture? Well,  it seems that more and more people are giving this a go but if you’re not quite brave enough to cover the outside of a second hand find you could always try lining the inside of a glazed cabinet, or just the doors perhaps. Check out eBay for both furniture and the odd roll of designer wallpaper and you could end up with a rather snazzy bespoke piece!

The original fixer-upper, Zoe Pocock of Muck ‘n’ Brass knows a thing or two about covering furniture!

We’ve talked about pattern on the walls, ceiling and furniture but don’t forget it doesn’t have to be all about the pattern – can you believe I’m saying that! But seriously adding some texture with a grasscloth or linen backed wallpaper can really add a layer of luxury and a bit of warmth to a space. It would work really well in an alcove or behind some shelving or even the ceiling! You’ll find a wide variety of grasscloths and textures at Andrew Martin.

Medina’s creative wallpapered floor

Lastly, how about the floor? We brought this up before when we reviewed Medina Grillo’s (@grillodesigns) book, Home Sweet Rented Home where she had wallpapered her hallway and used a varnish to seal it. I have never attempted this myself but I would be interested to know how it stands the test of time!

I get asked a lot whether it’s ok to wallpaper a bathroom or kitchen and I say a big fat yes! I have done both and the key is to use a very strong adhesive and have good ventilation. If you use a foil or vinyl wallpaper you want necessarily need to varnish over it as it already has a protective layer but if you go for a very flat matt design then use a decorators varnish to ensure longevity.

Ready for a retox?

No, it’s not a typo! Now we’re at the start of March most of us think about Spring cleaning, detoxing, getting the linen spray at the ready. Kate read an article in a recent issue of Elle Decoration about the notion of whether we want to declutter, detox and clear our houses out? This certainly won’t be for everyone so how about a curated collection of stuff that means something to you so instead of getting rid of things, retoxing encourages you to add more! Not sure I’m convinced, as much I seem to be in a battle with all my ‘stuff’ there’s something about Spring that gives me a new lease of life and makes me want to have a re-fresh and take on new challenges. So the lesson here is not to feel the pressure of conforming to the ‘perfect’ minimal tidy box but surround yourself with stuff you love and makes you feel comfortable – we’re not talking piles of laundry by the way but we did come up – #keepyourclutter so let’s see if it will catch on!

Thanks again to Topps Tiles for their sponsorship and our great producer Kate Taylor. Please do leave us a rating and better still a review. I read each and every one you know and it gives me such a boost! Even the rude ones- they make me laugh. Which is usually the reviewers worst nightmare.

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House tour with Orla Kiely, Podcast show notes S6 Ep6 Six ways with wallpaper

comments

Anna Lysik on 05.03.20

Ah didn’t know Katy is launching a new book, and oh gosh so much going on in here Sophie! I started doing more research toward interior while decorating my new home in Wales and came across your blog. It has grown so much, podcats, series- so much! My evening tonight is sorted!

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Melanie Lavoie on 11.03.20

I fell for your style madame! I just discoverd you on that design competition show on Netflix. When i was done watching all the épisodes i wanted more! I google your name and found your website! My husband and i are curently giving our home a makeover and I’m going To take your advice here on your site and Im also exploring with repurposing and building new designer furniture instead of running To the store and spend money on new stuff. Merci Sophie!

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Sophie Robinson on 12.03.20

Yes I’ve been a very busy bee!!!!

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Sophie Robinson on 12.03.20

Lovely that you have found me here! Glad you loved the TV show and hope you continue to find plenty of inspiration here!

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Deborah Buchanan on 13.03.20

Love your podcast!! So funny listening to you two giggling! I’ve only just discovered these blogs and podcasts!! I know; I must have been in a cave for years, I hear you say! Really loving this community where everyone can share interior styles and experiences. Lots of trends coming back from the 80s and 90s when I first started making for Allders soft furnishing workroom! Let’s just hope chintz doesn’t make a return!!!

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According to some recent research 24% of us look t According to some recent research 24% of us look to friends and family for design Inspiration, 21% to makeover tv shows and 18% to instagram. But while it’s great gathering ideas and opinions, ultimately creating a stylish home has to come from you if you are going to love the home you live in. The extraordinary Colour Psychology framework helps you unlock the colour palette that is perfect for you and gives you the superpower to create rooms that feel as good as they look. Suddenly other peoples opinions, trends, and influencers no longer hold sway. Creating a home is deeply personal, an exploration of what makes YOU happy. For me it’s all about the pattern, texture and plenty of intense colour. Tasteful grey interiors leave me feeling flat, I love the energy of a colour clash! If you want to understand your relationship with colour and how to design schemes that affect your emotions in a positive way, this is the last weekend to enrol in my online course, Colour Psychology for interiors. You can find the link to learn more up in my bio. It’s my most popular course to date and has transformed the way thousands of people feel about their interior spaces. 
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Did you know 50% of people use social media to fin Did you know 50% of people use social media to find inspiration on how to decorate their living rooms? I’m definitely one of them! That’s according to a study by Sky Glass, the streaming TV from @sky_uk . I’ve been investigating the latest interior trends we are lusting after, and how our living rooms are changing- as we say goodbye to three piece suites, and hello to sustainable vintage furniture, statement rugs, wall prints and cosy-ing up the sofa with throws and cushions. As you can see I’m all over the trends! If you head over to the @sky_uk channel today, I’ll also be answering some interior design questions all about styling your TV. Would love to hear what you think are the living room trends to watch. 
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Ah @the_rhs Chelsea! What a feast for the eyes! In Ah @the_rhs Chelsea! What a feast for the eyes! Inbetween biblical downpours, thunder and lightning, it was a wonderful day of colour, design and chatter with some wonderful women! I’m slowly falling in love with gardening and my phone roll is full of inspiration after being immersed in natures finest. Thanks @michelleogundehin and @hazelgardinerdesign @thesohoagencyuk for the company. And a big congratulations Hazel on this stunning floral installation. And don’t forget if you want to hang out and be inspired by all things colour then my FREE live webinar is on tonight (25th) at 7pm tonight! Hop on to my profile for the link to sign up. Cannot wait to share some inspirational colour filled time with you all 

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This is the first room we decorated after our reno This is the first room we decorated after our renovations. The entrance to your home creates the first impression. It’s also the room you walk into first thing in the morning and when you return home at the end of a long day. It needs to create the right welcome and what that feels like is hugely personal. For me I chose my favourite colours, this powerful cobalt  blue has always been a colour I’m drawn to. My wardrobe is full of it. And the bright pink is another one that always makes me instantly happy. Together they are a striking combination and I think anyone who walks through my front door, immediately gets a sense of what I’m about. I’m passionate about creating interiors that authentically  reflect the people who live there. Studying the psychology of colour made it so much easier for me, giving me a deeper understanding on the affects of colour and streamlining my process. If you’d like to know how to unlock your colour super power, join me for a free webinar this Wednesday evening (available to up for 48 hours after). It an introduction into colour psychology for interiors and my hope is it inspires you to have the courage and conviction to know what’s right for you.  And for a deeper dive my online course Colour Psychology for interiors has opened for enrolment. All links to sign up are in my bio on my profile @sophierobinsoninteriors 
What does your hallway say about you? 
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CREDITS walls in lazuli by @zoffanyfw stair runner @roger_oates floor tiles @claybrookstudio door painted in rose ash @sanderson1860 

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My kitchen, the heart of my home. The smallest, da My kitchen, the heart of my home. The smallest, darkest room in the house with no view, but that’s old houses for you! You’ll often find the kitchen in the worst place. So to amp up the joy I chose a forest green (hunters green by @zoffanyfw) for the cabinets to mirror the woodland outside. We sourced reclaimed school science lab work tops and I wrapped the room in one of my favourite papers, Rubarber by @borastapeter. Tom put in retro fit underfloor heating and we used reclaimed terracotta tiles from @ca_pietra_  so the floor looks as old as the house but feels so warm! . For the ugliest darkest room in the house it’s become our favourite because of the colours, patterns and rustic textures.that’s the power of great interior design! 
Next up in my series of posts about the psychology of colour is the Autumn personality. You’ll have a love of rich deep warm Colours, natural finishes, nature inspired patterns and period features. The autumn palette is warm, earthy abs rich and perfect for making spaces feel cosy and inviting. 
To learn more about the autumn personality, hop on up to my bio and click the link to be taken to the blog. And you can sign up to my FREE webinar I’m hosting next Wednesday if you’d like to learn more about this powerful framework. 
Meanwhile have a gorgeous weekend! 
📷 @aluncallenderphoto Styling @katemcphee 

#colourpsychology #banthebeige #autumnpersonality #colourpsychologyforinteriors #kitchen #greenkitchen #countryhomesandinteriors #countrykitchen #ihavethisthingwithcolor #myeclectichome #maximalistdecor
Come and join my FREE webinar on Colour Psychology Come and join my FREE webinar on Colour Psychology next Wednesday 25th at 7pm GMT 🤩 hop on up to the link in my bio @sophierobinsoninteriors to register.
My brilliant online course, Colour Psychology for Interiors, is open for enrolment this month, so if you fancy finding out a bit more about this utterly game changing framework I’d love to have you join. It’s SO MUCH more than ‘ red is energising’, ‘blue is calming’ stuff you’ve all heard before. This is a deep dive into discovering how colours work, how to harmonise them and discovering your own unique and authentic style. Only then can you create a home you live and one that supports you emotionally. I LOVE teaching this stuff because the feedback I get from students is mind blowing! Don’t take my word for it, sign up for the free webinar today! 😍 and if you’ve already done my course, please share in the comments below what you loved about it. 

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Have you found your design mojo? Do you gravitate Have you found your design mojo? Do you gravitate towards a style of interiors that just feels so ‘you’. Making a home is so much more than creating beautiful squares for Instagram. It has to FEEL right and this is where the psychology of colour comes in. Colour is light, it has an energy which directly impacts your brain and emotions. And we all have a unique relationship to it. So rather than follow the crowd, be swayed by trends it’s so important to understand your own authentic relationship with colour. Over on the blog today I’m starting a series of posts all about the seasonal colour personalities. First up is spring which is all the joy, uplift and energy. My bathroom, pictured above, is very ‘spring’ with light reflecting walls, energetic patterns and bright colours. The mood  is uplifting, fresh and feel-good. Hop on up to my link in my profile to read the blog post in full and discover if you are a Spring personality and how to create rooms that reflect this joyful mood. 
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So proud of mr best mate @sophieabbottartist who o So proud of mr best mate @sophieabbottartist who opens her house this weekend to showcase her artwork in her home as part of Brightons artists open houses. She’s always been a creative whirlwind and keeps the joy of colour alive in her paintings inspired by the sea, and the local woodlands that surround her home in Brighton. For Sophie, colour gives her life, she’s the ultimate joy monger and I’m so blessed to have her as my side kick in life. If you get a chance today, pop round to heed for a bolt if the feel good vibes

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