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26 Sep 24

The joy of maximalism

Sophie Robinson Maximalist Master Bedroom Interior

Be you, be free, and embrace the maximalist way of life.

Maximalism! Just saying the word brings a rush of excitement, doesn’t it?! It’s not just a trend; it’s a love affair with everything vibrant, daring, and unapologetically YOU. If you’ve ever dreamt of filling your home with bold colours, rich patterns, and treasured objects that tell your unique story, then maximalism might be your style. But first, let’s see if it’s really your cup of tea!

Maximalism isn’t a fleeting crush; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about embracing what you love and joyfully mixing it together without worrying about everything matching perfectly. Imagine a beautiful tapestry woven with your memories, passions, and quirks! Sure, it can feel intimidating—what if it looks like a hot mess?! But if you’re willing to take the plunge, maximalism will reward you with a home as unique and fabulous as you are.

 

Maximalist Snug - clashing patterns and colour

Sofa fabric and Cushions: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson

There are no rules – Maximalism is deeply personal

It’s about celebrating the best in interior design—lush patterns, exquisite art, sumptuous textiles, and a glorious palette of colours. There’s no one way to do maximalism because it’s deeply personal. Whether you dream of gallery walls bursting with art or a sofa swamped with cushions, maximalism is about embracing your own joyful chaos.

Remember, maximalism isn’t something you can just buy off the shelf. It’s a journey of collecting, curating, and evolving as you discover new things to love. And the best part? Your maximalist home will never be ‘finished’—it will grow with you.

 

maximalist master bedroom with two chairs placed by the window. Clashing patterns and fabrics - Sophie Robinson

Wallpaper and feature chairs: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson Collection

Maximalism doesn’t have to break the bank

Worried about cost? Don’t be! You can be a thrifty maximalist. Antique fairs, car boot sales, and charity shops are perfect for finding unique treasures that add character to your space. Maximalism doesn’t have to break the bank—it’s all about creativity and clever finds. So, embrace abundance, self-expression, and a touch of fearlessness. Whether it is adding personality to your Kitchen, or reupholstering your favourite chair; trust your intuition, have fun, and create a space that reflects the things you live and the way you like to live.

 

Sophie Robinson's Maximalist and bold pink and burgandy Kitchen with floral wallpaper

Kitchen by Magnet. Wallpaper and fabric blinds: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson

Here are a few tips to get you started on your maximalist journey:

 

  • Be Bold with Colour: Maximalism loves rich, vibrant hues! Go big with contrasting colours for maximum drama—jewel tones, inky darks, or even chalky pastels. But steer clear of plain white!

 

  • Pattern Play: Don’t shy away from mixing florals, stripes, geometrics, and animal prints. The secret to making it work? Keep a tight colour palette that ties them all together.

 

  • Mix Old and New: Combine heirlooms with modern pieces. That old sideboard from Grandma? Pair it with a sleek, contemporary lamp. Avoid matching sets—embrace unique pieces that tell your story.

 

Bold and Beautiful Guest Bedroom Sophie Robinson with mustard yellow curved headboard

Beech bed base with Splendid Mattress by Naturalmat. Headboard covered in plush velvet Saffron: Harlequin. Bedspread: Basket weave by Harlequin X Sophie Robinson. Side tables; sourced from Etsy. Ines lamp: Oliver Bonas.

 

  • Create Focal Points: Amid all the visual excitement, it’s key to have focal points that guide the eye. An oversized headboard, a statement chandelier, or a bold artwork above the mantelpiece will do the trick.

 

  • Balance with Symmetry: Symmetrical arrangements can create a sense of calm in a busy room. Try placing matching lamps on either side of the sofa or arranging prints in a grid to bring order to the chaos.

 

  • The Art of Repetition: Create cohesion by repeating a favourite colour, pattern, or material throughout the space. This common thread will tie everything together beautifully.

 

  • Edit and Curate: Maximalism isn’t about clutter—it’s about being well-organised. Regularly edit your space and make sure everything has its place. When you add something new, consider letting something else go.

 

Interior Designer Sophie Robinson in her Maximalist Conservatory

Sideboard: @vinestreetvintage on Instagram. Conservatory fabric sails: Wildflower Meadow Harlequin X Sophie Robinson. Rug: That Rebel House.

 

Feeling inspired?  If so, check out my fabulous new course: How to Create Maximalist Interiors where I walk you through my tried and tested process for creating magical interiors. And it absolutely not about copying my look as I’m devoted to helping you discover your own unique style.

Better still there’s  20% off to celebrate the launch if you purchase before 7th October using code MAXIMAGIC20. Don’t worry, there’s no rush—you can start whenever you’re ready.

Let’s make your home a riot of colour and joy!

 

 

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The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite event The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite events in the interiors calendar. Think of it as the design Olympics, where the industry’s biggest names are given free rein to dream big, push creative boundaries and showcase the very best in craftsmanship.

This is where you’ll find extraordinary fabrics,  wallcoverings, breathtaking joinery, sculptural lighting and decorative details that make your heart skip a beat. Budget takes a back seat and unbridled creative ambition takes the wheel.

What I loved most this year was the sheer diversity of design. From full-fat maximalism to serene minimalism, every room had its own unique story to tell. Yet a common thread emerged: retreat, cocooning and comfort. Rich deep colours, layered super soft textures and immersive spaces designed to help us slow down and escape the noise of modern life.

Here are a few of my favourites. The exhibition runs until the end of the month and I can highly recommend a visit. I never wanted to leave.

#WOWHouse26

@benjaminmooreuk 
@younghuh 
@blackedition_byromo 
@studioduggan 
@studioenass 
@zardi_and_zardi 
@seansymington 
@martin_kemp_design 
@roisinlafferty 
@schumacher1889 
@max_rollitt 
@salvesengraham 
@perennialssutherland_uk 
@fettledesign 
@elicyon 
@nucleus_av 
@russellsagestudio
An exclusive interview with the WINNER of @interi An  exclusive interview with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters !

The fabulously talented @liagoldinteriors joins me to share her highlights from the show, her high speed creative process and the deep friendships she made on the show. 

Look out for her new collection  with @nexthome which drops tomorrow and stay tuned for her podcast launching next month with @jonniknightdesign called ‘Until design do we part’

And let’s all like round here for an Italian supper club full of her maximalist colour and flair! 

Congratulations Lia. Can’t wait to see what you do next x
It’s the FINAL of @interiordesignmasters tonight 8 It’s the FINAL of @interiordesignmasters tonight 8pm and I’ve been having some fascinating conversations lately about the role the show plays in the world of interior design.

I passionately believe that great design should be for everyone. Whether you’re building a career in interiors, decorating your own home, styling content, designing products or simply transforming a room you love, creativity belongs to all of us.

The world of interiors is so much bigger than the traditional design studio which is why I’m not a fan of gatekeeping. I want more people to discover the confidence, joy and magic that comes from creating beautiful spaces, and TV while it always aims to entertain first, has the power to inspire millions to get involved.

I have nothing but admiration for the contestants who put themselves out there on one of the biggest platforms in British television. To share their creativity, ideas and vision and put themselves up for being judged, not just by the judges but everyone sat on their sofas at home takes real courage.

Tonight, one designer will be crowned the winner. But in many ways, the most exciting part starts now. Interior Design Masters has launched many successful careers in interior design, styling, content creation,  product design and television, and I can’t wait to see what these finalists go on to achieve.

I’m incredibly proud to play a small part in this journey.

Tune in tonight on BBC One and iPlayer, then join me here tomorrow at 7pm LIVE when I’ll be interviewing the winner!

So tell me… who’s your money on? @liagoldinteriors and @shaginterior will be joined by @jonniknightdesign and @bensmithinteriors  which i’m so beyond excited to see return! Wishing  them the best of luck!
The WOW!house at @designcentrech is THE date in ev The WOW!house at @designcentrech is THE date in every designer’s diary. Think of it as the interior design Olympics where the biggest names and most prestigious brands come together for some seriously competitive room dressing.

Maximalism was out in full force, with gloriously colour-drenched, pattern-layered, personality-packed interiors around every corner. Think upholstered silk walls, tassels the size of a small child, and enough backlighting to rival Mariah Carey’s dressing room.

Another consistent theme was designs that felt in deep conversation with heritage and culture while making something that felt completely alive and of the moment.

I came home absolutely bursting with inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of great design. It’s open until 2 July, so if you’re in London, do yourself a favour and go - soak it all up. Your creative batteries will thank you and a portion of every ticket goes to United in Design, which is doing brilliant work opening up the industry to underrepresented talent.
This week on @InteriorDesignMasters with @chattyma This week on @InteriorDesignMasters with @chattyman, our designers took on the challenge of transforming bland corporate hospitality boxes at Brighton’s Amex Stadium into spaces worthy of Premier League passion.

Local legend @officialfatboyslim outlined the brief was all about celebrating football fandom while bringing a sense of luxury, style and occasion to the experience. Not an easy balance to strike but @liagoldinteriors @shaginterior @emmely  gave it their all 🙌

From bold colour palettes and clever layouts to unexpected design details, each designer approached the challenge in their own unique way. I’m decoding the colour schemes and highlighting the ideas I think were particularly clever.

But the best part of the show? We never all agree! Did you agree with the judges’ decisions this week? Let me know in the comments below…

And if you missed the show you can catch up on @bbciplayer. And next week the FINAL and I’m thrilled to announce I will be interviewing the winner live HERE on Instagram the day after the show. ⭐️
May you were magnificent! 1. wearing green. 2. May you were magnificent! 

1. wearing green. 
2. celebrating @chattyman 50th
3. @sophieabbottartist open artist house
4. Daytime Dancing at @brightonsundae 
5. New moon meditation at @alexadecastilho 
6. Artists pin board at @sophieabbottartist open house
7. Bought a painting! @beckyblairartist 
8. Visited @rhschelsea 
9. Enjoying Brighton Festival 
10. Lunch at home
11. Time out in my hammock
12. Dad turns 81
13. Love my Mum and bro @edwardrobinsonid 
14. Lucy in a heat wave
15. Working at my desk in a bikini 
16. working out with @teamyo_weight_training @charlottetsw 
17. Sea swimming with @beckyblairartist @sophieabbottartist 
18. My ❤️
19. Keeping cool watching the wildlife 
20. sunsets
I love nothing more than entertaining at home and I love nothing more than entertaining at home and this weekend we were blessed with the most gorgeous weather to celebrate my brilliant dad’s 81st birthday. My brother cooked the most glorious food, and I brought the colour - naturally! - with the table laying. I am obsessed with tablescaping and for this one I layered floral motifs throughout, mixing my Dahlia Bunch fabric from @harlequinfw with my classic Willow Bow china that only comes out for special occasions, armfuls of flowers from the supermarket and my Moroccan cups and jugs and my napkins from @mollymahonblockprinting It was so easy to put together and I love it because I think it’s the colour that creates the visual feast, while my brother brought all the yummy food.
This week on @interiordesignmasters with @chattyma This week on @interiordesignmasters with @chattyman , the designers were split into two teams and challenged to create two very different retail spaces in the book-lover’s paradise of Hay-on-Wye.

You might not be planning a guitar shop anytime soon, but there were still plenty of brilliant design lessons to take away. From clever zoning and lighting to the transformative power of colour, every scheme showed how great design can instantly communicate a mood, tell a story and shape how we feel in a space.

I’ve decoded the key takeaways in this week’s carousel. Which design was your favourite?

your quarter finalists: 
@duran.yucky 
@emmely 
@shaginterior 
@liagoldinteriors
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