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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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Marrakech is immersive, inspiring and has always a Marrakech is immersive, inspiring and has always attracted creative pioneers. It feeds my soul and I love sharing that magic. 

Having just got back from a girls trip to Barbados, I am feeling the full power of a getaway with women who lift you up. Time away helps you reconnect with who you are. It gives you those deep, meaningful conversations, the laughter that resets your nervous system, and the space to dream again. Which is exactly why I adore hosting my design retreats in Marrakech.

@elfennmarrakech is the most fabulous backdrop. Every corner glows with colour, craft and soul. Days are spent wandering the souks while evenings are for dressing up, cocktails on the roof terrace. It is a perfect mix of creative inspiration, sunshine, colour, and a spot of Christmas shopping.

We have had a few cancellations which means four spaces have opened up for the 1st- 5th December retreat. We also taking the last bookings for January. Comment RETREAT and I will send you the link to find out more. Join me to broaden your appreciation for this amazing city, deepen your design knowledge, with me as your personal guide. And i can promise you the best company, and a life affirming experience ❤️
Barbados, you absolute beauty! Sunshine, sea, sun Barbados, you absolute beauty! 
Sunshine, sea, sunsets and a riot of colour at every turn. Balm for the soul indeed. 

From sky-blue rooftops to pink sunsets, I set out to share ten joyful things to do… but who was I kidding? There are at least eleven.

Save this for your next girls’ trip, tag your favourite travel buddy, and tell me, which one’s calling your name first?

Thanks for having us @skybluepink_barbados 

@socialites.bb
@motionsofclay
@snorkelingtripsbarbados
@thelocalbarbados
@tmlonelovebar

💛 #LifeInColour #Barbados #GirlsTrip #ColourLover #TravelInColour
While i’ve got the knife out, what are your interi While i’ve got the knife out, what are your interior design Icks? 

(Look at me hopping on a Tik Tok trend!)
Just back from the most magical girls’ trip to Bar Just back from the most magical girls’ trip to Barbados  and my heart feels so full. There’s something truly special about taking time out with your girlfriends. No schedules, no responsibilities, just sunshine, swims, long lunches, deep chats, and laughter that rolls late into the night. All set against the back drop of @zoe_brewer_ beautiful villa @skybluepink_barbados which felt the most perfect home from home.

Great girlfriends lift me, ground me, inspire me and remind me who I am. The power of great friendship is something to be celebrated and cherished, and I’ve come home recharged, reset and ready for what’s next. And @sophieabbottartist  is inspired for a fresh set of new paintings. Imagine the pink sunsets! 

Here’s to more sunshine, sisterhood and soul-nourishing adventures. Tag friend you’d love to spend some quality time with, preferably under the sun! And good news is Zoe’s just put her gorgeous villa available to rent. It’s honestly the perfect base for a gorgeous girls getaway ❤️
Is this your sign? I first read The Secret by Rho Is this your sign?

I first read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne twenty years ago, and it opened my eyes to the power of manifestation. Since then, I’ve used those principles to create a life filled with joy, colour and adventure. More recently, I’ve been inspired by neuroscientist @drtaraswart and her new book The Signs, which brings the science to the spiritual.

This year has been a tough one, and I’ve spent much of it in “doing” mode. But when we stay there too long, it’s easy to lose the openness that creativity needs to flow.

Travel has always been a big part of my vision. It fuels my creativity, connects me with inspiring people, and fills me with fresh ideas and energy for my work. My recent trip to Barbados reminded me of that; those colours, that light, that joy. I came home renewed and re-inspired.

While I was there, I found myself dreaming about hosting a retreat somewhere just as magical. But for now, the universe has opened a few spaces on my @elfennmarrakech retreats this December (1–5) and January (12–16).

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to travel, reconnect, and recharge your creative energy… this might just be it.

✨ Link in bio to find out more and to grab the last few spots!
AD It’s a real pinch me moment… my brand new table AD It’s a real pinch me moment… my brand new tableware collection for @dunelmuk Dunelm has officially landed!

We’ve created four joyful colourways, designed so you can mix and match like a true maximalist, or pick your favourite palette and play with the patterns. i wanted every plate, bowl and mug to have that perfectly imperfect painterly, handmade feel that makes it feel just a little bit more special.

Look out for my signature wavy edge and the tiny bug motif that pops up throughout the collection and there’s even more from the new festive collection that will mix in perfectly with this if you’re planning your Christmas table!

All dishwasher safe and ready to bring colour, charm and personality to your table. Available in store and online at @dunelmuk now. Dinner plates and pasta bowls, £8. Side plates £6. Large serving platter £25.

Because why should your plates be beige when they can be this beautiful?! 
Which is your favourite, let me know in the comments
AD It’s not often I find a holiday home that gets AD It’s not often I find a holiday home that gets colour just right – but this Barbados villa had me at hello. A joyful mix of tropical brights and soft pastels set against crisp white walls, with a playful nod to Palm Springs mid-century style. Think banana prints, bold stripes and even a few traditional British antiques woven in for charm. It felt like a true home-from-home, full of personality and thoughtful details, all taken care of by my friend and fellow interior stylist Zoe @skybluepink_barbados 

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms it is situated in St James, super central and just a 5 min drive from the Paynes Bay and Sandy lane. It was the perfect backdrop to our girls get away! 

Good news is you can book it yourself via @_oliverstravels_  and yes, there’s still plenty availability, even for Christmas! Wouldn’t that be the ultimate gift! 

#ad #prstay
Welcome to my happy place! Every room in my home Welcome to my happy place!

Every room in my home is bursting with colour, pattern and joy. It’s where I found my colour confidence and created a space that feels perfectly me. And now, I’m opening the doors and inviting you in too.

Join me here for my new Discover Your True Colours masterclass, an intimate, hands-on creative day at my home near Lewes. We’ll gather around the kitchen table, play with palettes, and have transformative conversations about how knowing your true colours can change your life.

I’ll share the tricks, tips, and mindset shifts I’ve learned over years of designing, so you can start creating spaces that feel joyful and authentic.

It’s a cosy day with laughter, lunch and proper connection, a chance to soak up some inspiration, and to see what being surrounded by colour can unlock for you.

Thursday 20th November, only a few spots left.

If you’d love to spend the day with me and leave with the gift of confidence in your own style, write the word RETREAT in the comments and I’ll send you the link.
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