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

The trend for rattan and new design books Podcast show notes S12 Ep3

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-resourceful and inspiring Facebook group. We are halfway through season 12 already and for this one, we are back to our duvet dens, and although life has been a bit unpredictable recently we still have some great topics and uplifting content to share. Firstly though a huge thank you to our sponsor Geberit for supporting the series.

Today we are reviewing some fab interior books, looking at rattan which has had somewhat of a revival and we discuss whether it can be luxurious and stylish.

Book reviews

I think this is the perfect time of year to indulge in some gorgeous books whilst relaxing in your sunlounger with your favourite drink – I think we could all do a bit of a respite after such unprecedented times.

Design Secrets by Kit Kemp

Not only is Kit Kemp a much loved and established interior designer but she is also Creative Director and co-owner of the Firmdale group of hotels each of which features her fabulous signature style. It’s fair to say that’s she up there as one of my favourite designers with her love for colour, pattern and celebration of craftsmanship.

This is her fourth book and I have all of the previous ones, which I would say are flickers with beautiful full-bleed images whereas this one is a smaller format and is very much in a magazine style with lots of tips and how-to projects – perfect for popping in your beach bag for a bit of holiday indulgence.

Kate’s favourite was the last third of the book which offers some do’s and don’ts by subject – hanging art, dressing shelves, paint and much more. There’s also a ‘Found Fabric’ section in which Kit shares some ideas of what to do with remnants of fabric you may have lying around. Although being an interior designer who loves pattern and colour, I loved the first two sections too, I learnt a lot from this book and found it really insightful to learn how she breaks down her design process. If you like her style you’ll find this book really valuable.

Design a Healthy Home by Oliver Heath

A good friend of the show, Oliver Heath let us loose in his wonderful Brighton home on a previous episode (you can see my show notes here). His latest book is a reader and not a flicker, but first I think it’s worth highlighting his background – he first trained as an architect then had an interior design practice for many years, and more recently has devoted his life to the study of wellbeing and biophilia. He has done tons of scientific research and has worked with many people within the industry which has mainly been for commercial purposes. But now he has made it his goal to pass all of this on to the likes of us and how we can incorporate it into our own homes and schemes.

This is a juicy read as it comes with oodles of experience and research although there is still a lot about decoration, layout, colour and use of light but it all comes back round to enhancing your sense of wellbeing. He takes every element in your house and shows how you can improve it. Early on Oliver says you need to tune into your ‘fractal fluency’ which does sound a little terrifying but I shall explain: it’s basically about patterns in nature which we are hard-wired to look at. Our ancestors would have looked at patterns on the riverbed, leaves, beehives and so on, so it’s natural patterns and examining them. By looking at these patterns it can reduce your stress by 60% so the obvious next step is to bring them into your home and Oliver explains how to do it – albeit in subtle ways.

This really is an informative book and it is beautifully broken down, illustrated and bullet-pointed in bite-size nuggets of info. After reading just one page there were plenty of things that I think I could implement straight away and help feel better about my home.

By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers, Phaidon Editors

Our very own Kate was part of panel who supplied suggestions of the best interior designers in order for Phaidon to compile this very hefty book. If you appreciate good design, this will really take pride of place with fantastic photography and amazing room schemes. It covers all styles from around the globe, there’s minimalism, maximalism, modern, traditional – it’s just a real celebration of the world of interior design.

Yes, it has beautiful photography and showcases at least two rooms by each designer, what is really interesting is that there is background info on each of them and how they started their route into the industry. So in summary, it’s great to look at and a great read.

The return of rattan

Heatherfield King Bed by Anthropolgie

This is a trend that is not brand new but it is picking up the pace a bit. The high street is awash with it and seems to have taken inspiration from the 70s revival. One word of caution before we go any further, dont overdo it and don’t be a pastiche of the 70s – to make it look modern and up to date perhaps have a couple of vintage chairs or the odd lampshade but definitely not all matchy-matchy.

The bargain Buskbo chair at Ikea

This is one trend that will appeal to all budgets, you can pick up the lovely curved Buskbo chair at Ikea for £99 or head to Soane Britain for the other end of the spectrum and pick one up for about £6,000! We may have Lulu Lytle, co-founder of Soane, to thank for the popularity as about 10 years ago she bought the last remaining UK rattan workshop and saved it from administration. There are cheaper options from Asia but I think it’s great that there is still quality craftsmanship available in the UK – we’re talking high end however!

Kate quizzed me on the question we get asked a lot – what is the difference between wicker, cane and rattan? So here goes:

Rattan is a group of about 600 plants – it’s a vine, malleable, fast-growing, and easy to work with.

Cane is the bark of the rattan and is not as porous as rattan so good for damper environments so you may see it wrapped around stronger furniture.

Wicker is anything made from woven plant materials – it’s the technique.

Image via @folie_chambre

Kate spoke to Nat Tillison who sells vintage rattan furniture through her Instagram account, @folie_chambre and they sell so fast she hasn’t had time to sort out a website. She mainly sells Italian rattan and says it’s the best because it’s good quality, heavy, and often mixed with wood so will work any room other than conservatories. French tend to be more cane and has a more delicate vibe and is highly sort after.  For our American listeners, Nat mentioned Circa Who for Hollywood, Palm Beech looks.

I think there are two key looks – for me, the vintage pieces evoke a sense of grandeur and luxury whether that’s the Riveria or classic English country house. Then there’s the 70s vibe, which features simple shapes and is generally less decorative.

So whilst this is a hot trend at the moment it is also a classic so is safe to invest in a quality piece.

Thank you so much to Geberit for sponsoring the series, you our lovely listeners and our fab producer Sarah Cuddon.

Image at top: The Charlotte Street Hotel, Kit Kemp.

  • Interior Design
  • Interiors
  • podcast
House tour with interior designer Guy Oliver, Podcast show notes S12 Ep4 Floorplans and top building tips Podcast show notes S12 ep2

Leave a Comment

Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Interiors
    • colour crush
    • colour psychology
    • DIY
    • dream home makeovers
    • Home Tours
    • Interior Design
    • Interior Styling
    • podcast
    • trends
  • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Life
    • My House
    • Nosh
    • Travel
  • Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kids rooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living rooms
    • Outside
  • Videos

mailing
list

Videos

Listen

Listen Here

Online courses
by popular demand

Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Relaxed wild flowers are having their moment. The Relaxed wild flowers are having their moment. The award winning gardens at the recent Chelsea flower show all showcased wild style flower gardens, celebrating the diversity of nature, supporting wildlife.  Their soft willowy randomness is a lovely antidote to the strict structures of life. I love to see wild flowers ( and a fair fee weeds!) in my garden and in the motifs I choose to decorate my house in. But partnered with a tight geometric creates the tension I enjoy. A little bit of structure, a little bit dishevelled, it is the perfect balance for me, shown here in the patterned tiled floor and botanical print chest. Helps me go with the flow without losing my way. ❤️ are you up for taking it to the wild side?!
Ban the beige hey?! Popping the colour as usual l Ban the beige hey?!

Popping the colour as usual lols. I’m lusting after this green and purple combo right now. What colours are lifting your vibe today?

Tap for credits 😉x 
#bantgebeige #colourlover 
#dopaminedressing
Who else is absolutely struggling today after the Who else is absolutely struggling today after the four day party weekend! I’ve abandoned my desk and resorted to tidying the house instead. Here is a rare glimpse of my sons tidy room! 
While Arthur chose this colour scheme 5 years ago, it’s still going strong but I’ve updated it with a large area rug from @alternativeflooring designed by @margoselbystudio . I’m a BIG FAN of big rugs and what I like about this one is you can order it in a specific size. I recommend 30-50cm clear of the skirting boards all round, tucked under the bed and armchair it feels luxurious and fills the room with more colour and pattern. Floors often go unthought of but is another place to add impact to your schemes. ✅

CREDITS [ad: press product]
Walls painted Atomic red, ceiling gentle sky @littlegreenepaintcompany 
Made to measure rug in Margo Selby loop @alternativeflooring Pouffe in Aluro green @evasonaike 
Blind made in textile Hawai by Joseph Franks @svenskttenn 
Bed linen in liberty Margaret Annie @cocoandwolf 
Kantha bed throw by @matthewwilliamson at @johnlewis 
Bed bolster in Casper Seagreen @linwood_fabric 
Cushions @finecellwork 
Wire Shelf @cotswoldco 
seletti bird lamp @amaraliving 
Armchair is vintage 
📷 @aluncallenderphoto 

#bedroom #boysroom #kidsroom #banthebeige #colourlover #mycolourfulinterior #colourfulhome
Happy jubilee! It has been a weekend of parties an Happy jubilee! It has been a weekend of parties and celebrations and a much needed 4 day break! I felt like a queen in this @needleandthreadlondon gown for the school jubilee ball and am wearing it again tonight for the @thefeverclub jubilee shenanigans. Dancing is so good for the soul, I’ve not done enough of it for too long! Feet are feeling it though so I’m ditching the heels and wearing the air max  with this dress tonight! How have you celebrated this weekend? 

Ad @needleandthreadlondon dress bought with press discount. 
#schoolball #ballgown  #costperwear #redress #jubilee #platinumjubilee
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. 
Let me know what your happy colours are down in the comments below. 

Tap for credits 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto styling @katemcphee #colourpsychology #colourpsychologyforinteriors #banthebeige #ihavethisthingwithcolour #myeclectichome #patternclash #maximalistdecor #colourcourse #mycolourfulinterior #punchyhome #cosyhome #countryliving #bedroom
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. 
 #skyglass #ad 

#banthebeige #colourlover #livingroomdecor #livingroom #maximalistinteriors #livingroomdecore #livingroomdecorideas #homestyle #instahomedecor #chintz #colourmyhome #colourmehappy #cushionlove #styleithappy #florals #gallerywall #berberrugs #ihavethisthingwithpatterns #ihavethisthingwithcolour
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 

#rhschelsea
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? 
📷 @aluncallenderphoto 
CREDITS walls in lazuli by @zoffanyfw stair runner @roger_oates floor tiles @claybrookstudio door painted in rose ash @sanderson1860 

#colourpsychology #colourpsychologyforinteriors #banthebiege #punchyhome #hallway #boldcolourinteriors #colourlover
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Sophie Robinson
  • © 2017 Sophie Robinson

    /
  • Contact/
  • About/
  • Design by MW

Don't forget to join!

You're almost inside!

Leave me your best email to sign up for the Webinar