THE GREAT INDOORS PODCAST IS BACK - RELAUNCH ON THURSDAY 19TH JUNE

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
16 Dec 21

Last minute Christmas tips, Podcast show notes S13 Ep3

Annie Sloan

Here we are halfway through season 13 of the Great Indoors podcast and here you will find my handy notes for episode 3. We are undeniably in the Christmas zone so today we are going to embrace the festive season wholeheartedly and you can catch the full episode here.

We recorded this episode at Kate’s London home and I couldn’t help but notice that there was no sign of anything Christmassy and she certainly didn’t deck the hall with boughs of holly. Firstly, she was waiting for a photoshoot featuring her new Eco sofa but unfortunately, it was cancelled. However, believe it or not, she has never put up her decs until the last Sunday before Christmas (or at least one week before). I get her point that she finds it sad to see a droopy Christmas tree on Boxing day with no pressies underneath and it would have to go by 27th.

Traditionally she has always gone for a real tree, although she now has a green painted wooden tree and as for the decorations –  they date back 20 years including ones her sons have made including snow angels made at nursery, so there is an element of sentimentality to the Grinch after all.

I really went to town on the decor last year! photographed by Alun Callender

Despite your family dynamic and pressures that go along with it, especially during the festive period, one thing we can help with is easing the stress of getting your house ready. You may feel the pressure after scrolling through reels and reels of ‘the perfect’ tree, wreath etc on Instagram but remember these aren’t always reality.

Let’s face it, we’ve been through quite a lot and last year was a bit of a rollercoaster and I wanted to pull out all the stops as I wanted to re-invent the house and make it feel different. This year, I’m a bit burnt out after a full on working summer and I just want to keep things simple.

Just one of the fabulous floral creations by my favourite florist Sage & Co

Last-minute Christmas deco ideas:

We are trying to move away from tacky plastics and one thing I think can have a huge impact is the paper ball decoration – when used en masse. They look great and easily fold away until next year.

Set of 7 Christmas Tropics Paper Fans £8, Dunelm

Paper decorations are becoming more popular especially if you do decide to change your ‘theme’ we can’t condone checking out loads of plastic decorations each year. But I don’t think it’s necessary to have a theme as, like Kate, many of us have decorations that have meaning and memory so if it’s a mish-mash of colour and style then so be it – Christmas is all about nostalgia.

If you don’t like a tree without presents, put some paper balls as decorative placeholders. photographed by Alun Callender

How to add touches of sparkle

  • This is the time of year I love to go foraging in the garden and snip some evergreens and dot them around the house and why not add some holly and berries.
  • If space is limited go for a mini tree to sit on a table – real or faux, they can still look just as colourful and festive.
  • Re-using: Use newspaper as an alternative gift wrap and add some fabulous ribbon; fabric is also a great wrapping alternative, also known as Furoshiki although can work out more expensive – unless you have lots of remnants lying around.
  • If you have a real tree in the corner, start snipping off branches at the back to use as decorations elsewhere or to pimp up your presents.
  • For the little ones, don’t forget the good old potato prints – they look fab on some plain parcel paper.

Recycle your daily read and add some personal touches. Image via Southern Living

For those who are tricky to buy for, think about which room is their favourite and what they do in there – the garage, workshop or bedroom and think of something that will suit that room and activity.

Layering your gifts: for example, don’t give just a cookbook, add the wooden spoon and the dish! As with an experience, pop a note into an oven glove for a cooking class – you get the idea!

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for someone special, check out my gift guide here.

Huge thanks to our producer Kate Taylor of Feast Collective and to you lovely lot out there. Have a very happy Christmas!

Image at top: Annie Sloan

  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • podcast
At last- My new TV show- Dream Home makeovers is here! Christmas gift guide for colour lovers
  • 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