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08 Dec 16

Shiplap bathroom inspiration

BlackwallsinthePowderBath StudioMcGee

This post is all about why I’m lusting over shiplap.We’re thick in the throws of designing the bathroom in the annex and during my daily drools over Pinterest I’ve come across a lot of Shiplap, which I am LOVING! Check out my board here for all my Shiplap inspiration. It’s a very American thing,  and talented design duo Studio McGee use it alot. (Check them out they have a lovely style to their projects). Probably because timber houses are common over the pond, but I think it’ll look perfect in our Timber new build. A lot of the Pinterest pins talk about Shiplap hacks, where you glue super thin strips of wood onto the wall to mock the effect. But as we’re designing from the build up I can do the real thing.

Black+shiplap+walls,+cement+tile+and+wood vanity Studio McGee

Image from Studio McGee

We’re going to plaster board the room out first and then pin 15 x 145mm planed pine planks all around the room, but here’s the thing, horizontally instead of vertically. In our small bathroom, which is 2200 x 2600 but 2600 tall, it will help to re proportion the space. My theory on small bathrooms is that you want to have as few finishes as possible to help create the calm. You also want to homogenise the space as much as possible in order not to clutter up the eye line. The most obvious way to do this is with tiles and large-scale tiles give fewer grout lines so are often a good choice for small bathrooms. But for me wall-to-wall tiles feel cold so I jumped on the idea of wall-to-wall timber cladding instead. Painted in an acrylic eggshell, it’s durable enough for above the sink and bath but not the shower, so that will be a tiled area.

Patterned+Floors+and+Shiplap+Walls+--+Studio+McGee +sophie+Robinson

Image of bathroom designed by Studio McGee

I bought the planks from the local timber merchant Wenban Smith and they’re fairly standard dimensions. They’ll need treating with knot solution, primer undercoat and top coat before we fit them as the wood will be prone to moving, so its best to seal it with paint first. A topcoat can then be applied when it’s in position.  But the most exciting bit is I suggested to my Mum that we paint then a charcoal grey/ black as it’ll look really sleek and cosy, and with the John Cullen lighting design, will look sooo effective. The tiny bathroom has got no less than 10 light fittings going in it. If you’re going to go dark then the lighting really comes into play. Anyway and she’s totally gone for it! Squelas of excitement, I might have even done a little cart wheel. Suddenly this little bathroom is the room I’m most excited about. It’s great how colour can do that. Follow our progress in my new instagram feed @myhouseinthewoods

If you have any tips for small bathrooms I’d love to hear them in the comments below.

 

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April, you’ve been the reboot I needed! And it’s April, you’ve been the reboot I needed!

And it’s been a month of firsts…
First sea swim (bracing but invigorating)
First time as a mum to a 15-year-old (how did that happen?!)
First sunglasses of the year went on
First washing out on the line
And… my first proper deadlift at the gym 💪

I’m feeling full of that gorgeous spring energy now. Light, optimistic and ready for what’s next as May comes galloping in.
Who’s feeling it too?

1. Arthur’s birthday table setting
2. New bike taken out for a trip along Brighton sea front 
3. I’ve been cooking a lot for friends and family this month! Just to prove I can
4. Attended a fabulous Designers dinner to celebrate the new @wmorrisandco 
5. First deadlift with @teamyo_weight_training 
6. @interiordesignmasters is back on the box!
7. Waiting for the oak trees to break out into leaf
8. Finally got the washing line out!
9. Breathwork session with @wildwillowwellbeing @theacupuncturist 
10. New moon meditation at the fabulous home of @alexadecastilho 
11. Easter table setting 
12. . 
13. The brilliant @joshuaidehen live at @chalk
14. Movie nights
15. Suns out on Brighton Beach
16. First sea swim with @sophieabbottartist Was bracing! 
17. Mini makeover using my latest collection with @dunelmuk
18. @sophieabbottartist house ready for Artist Open Houses and Brighton festival 
19. Hair and makeup by @jadefarmiloemua 
20. It’s a wrap! Phew!
AD Sun’s out, the garden’s calling… and I might ha AD Sun’s out, the garden’s calling… and I might have just the thing! 🌸

If your outdoor space is feeling a little lack lustre, the quickest way to bring it to life is through colour, pattern and personality. You don’t need a full redesign. Just a few joyful prints, some feel good colour and you instantly shift the mood.

From bold tasseled parasols and squishy bench pads to playful outdoor lighting and characterful wall décor, my collection with @Dunelmuk is designed to make it easy and affordable. Whether you’ve got a tiny city terrace or a sprawling country garden, these are the pieces that instantly elevate a space and make it feel special.

I had so much fun creating this range, inspired by my travels to Marrakech, and seeing it come to life in real homes and gardens is always the best bit.

If you’re near Brighton, you can experience it in person as part of the Brighton Festival.
My best friend Sophie is opening her home for Artists Open Houses on the 8th, 9th, 10th May
from  11–4pm. Drop her a DM for details @sophieabbottartist 

Otherwise, you know where to go… pop into your local Dunelm or shop online and bring a little joy outdoors this bank holiday.

So Tell me, which piece are you adding to your garden first?

Beldi Parasol £89
Outdoor wall art  flowers £18
Beldi and Ourika Bench pads £45
outdoor cushions £22
Pavilion chair £69
Raid star tray £30
Mint jug £8 glasses £2.50
It’s Interior Design Masters episode 2 and this we It’s Interior Design Masters episode 2 and this week things got romantic!

The task was castle hotel bedrooms, all centred around a “romantic retreat” brief… and what I love most is how wildly different each interpretation turned out. Some designers ran with the medieval theme while others left it at the turret and went full whack whimsy. From bold and playful to soft and serene, it’s a showcase of diverse design aesthetics and proof that one style certainly doesn’t fit all.

As always, it’s not all just paint and pillows. Add in 4m-high ceilings, tricky stone mullion windows and some very traditional furniture that needed a fresh twist, and it’s no small feat. Once again I take my hat off to the amateur designers and am in awe of their creativity and ingenuity given the time and budget constraints. 

So… which room are you checking into? Let me know below 👇

@interiordesignmasters 
@frankieratford 
@jonniknightdesign 
@byajeetjugnauth 
@bensmithinteriors 
@duran_deedee 
@emmely 
@our_bears_home 
@liagoldinteriors 
@shaginterior
A little silliness, a little colour, a little faff A little silliness, a little colour, a little faffing … and suddenly life feels more beautiful 🌸

For me, it’s never just been about how my home looks. It’s how it feels to live in it. This is your reminder that creating a beautiful life isn’t about big, grand gestures… it’s built in the small, whimsical moments you make for yourself every day ✨
AD It takes an army to bring a collection together AD It takes an army to bring a collection together, and here is a sneak behind the scenes for my latest collection from @dunelmuk. 

The team is made up of photographer, stylists, art director, a team of PR and marketing folk, the social media crew, set builders, couriers, make up artists and me. Its a really busy day where we take over a location house and bring in flats for wall colour, hang pendant lights on tripods, steam bedlinen, plump pillows and arrange flowers. Its a real creative whirlwind and I feel blessed that I get to work with the best in the business. I’ve created three homewares collection with Dunelm and they have been just the best team of people to collaborate with, so this really is a happy reminder. I’m so proud of everything we have achieved, bringing my particular take on maximalism to your high street, so do check it all out in store and online while stocks last.

I’ve got another shoot, this time for my own exclusive collection at my house this week, ready for my AW ‘26 collection that will be launching very soon! Pinch me! And make sure you watch this space.
Interior Design Masters is BACK and it’s come out Interior Design Masters is BACK and it’s come out swinging…

Take ten bold new designers and give them a row of iconic British beach huts, with a first challenge that demands serious confidence. To decorate them in your signature style demands no playing it safe here.

The talent this year is strong. What I enjoyed was the brilliant mix of ideas, confidence and creativity. It’s a reminder that there is no one way to design a beautiful space… and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.

Now I need to know…

Who would have won Stand Out Space for you?
Which beach hut are you mentally moving into?
And whose ideas are you absolutely stealing for your own home?

Watch @interiordesignmasters with @chattyman on BBC One and @bbciplayer Tuesdays at 8pm… then come straight back here and let’s get into it 👀

Also make sure to follow the budding Design Masters 

AJEET – @byajeetjugnauth 
BEN - @bensmithinteriors 
DURAN - @duran_deedee 
EMMELY - @emmely
FRANKIE - @frankieratford 
JONNI - @jonniknightdesign 
KATE - @our_bears_home 
LIA - @liagoldinteriors 
SOPHIE -  @shaginterior 
TEO - @teovillacci
Are you on board the Colour Revolution?! While the Are you on board the Colour Revolution?! While the majority of people continue to numb them selves out on neutrals a growing number of us are banning the beige and leaning into leading a full life in colour. 

The colours you love say everything about you and to you. It’s deeply personal and I’m passionate about helping people find their own colour palette. But it starts with listening to your heart. So what is your home saying to you?
A small room loves a deep rich dark colour. I knew A small room loves a deep rich dark colour. I knew that but my goodness the opinions! 

If you struggle to block out the well meant advise this is your sign to follow your gut and do what you want, it’s your house! 

This small room was once a cramped kitchen until we switched things up and made it our cosy TV Snug. I drenched the walls in the dark leathery red and its created a really atmospheric cocooning feeling, perfect for cosy movie night and box set binges. The jewel bright fabrics really pop too which is why I love it more! 

Wall colour is Cordoba @littlegreenepaintcompany . All fabrics are from my collection with @harlequinfw . Rug is vintage from @studiolidmarrakech and pictures by @beckyblairartist
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