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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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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

July, you were a joy. Long, hot days spent slowing July, you were a joy. Long, hot days spent slowing down, dancing at festivals and celebrating Mum’s fabulous 80th birthday. Rounded off with a full moon and a little more magic and manifesting. ✨

1. only one thing for it, resting up in my hammock from @dunelmuk 
2. resting and rejuvenating at Brightons seafront @beachboxbtn 
3. Picked Dahlias from my garden 
4. All from a box of tubers from @dahliabeach 
5. dining out with my bestie @sophieabbottartist at The Blue Man in Brighton
6. Moroccan mezze is delicious 
7. Mum proudly showing off  her veg garden prize rewards!
8. Lucy looking cheeky, caught in my bed again 
9. Celebrating Mums 80th at home
10. Laying the table with Mums original wedding china 
11. Hosting a fabulous art talk with @vanessagbranson and @jonathan_brook at @broadwicksoho 
12. Catching up at @broadwicksoho with my colour collective 
13. Looking at palettes for an exciting new project 
14. Sunshine calls for yellow nails
15. with my girls at @lovesupremefest 
16. Cold beer on a summer’s day 
17. Catching up with the team at @harlequinfw 
18. Still sticking with it and loving it @teamyo_weight_training 
19. New love affair with all things red. trousers @zara trainers @addidas bag @essentielantwerp 
20. Buck full moon magic for manifesting what comes next!
Every time I share even the smallest glimpse of th Every time I share even the smallest glimpse of this house on Instagram, my inbox absolutely fills up. Where did that come from, what’s that colour, how on earth did you do that so I thought it was finally time to pull together the questions I get asked most and give you the honest answers! 

I’ll never get tired of answering these questions, so keep them coming. And if there’s one thing about this house you’re still curious about, tell me below!

Comment ‘BLOG’ for the full run down!
It takes a village to make a collection… and thank It takes a village to make a collection… and thankfully mine is full of ridiculously talented people.

From the designers and makers to the photographers, stylists and glam squad, this shoot was the grand finale after months of hard work. My favourite bit? Seeing everything come together in front of the camera.

You might spot my brother @edwardrobinsonid in this reel too. He’s a stylist and Design Producer on Interior Design Masters, so pinching him for the day always feels like a result. A proper family affair.

This is my very first solo bed linen and cushion collection and I honestly can’t wait to share it with you.

Coming soon…
One of London’s best interiors secrets… Chelsea Ha One of London’s best interiors secrets… Chelsea Harbour Design Centre ✨

It’s where interior designers go to discover an incredible selection of fabrics and wallpapers, helpfully all under one roof. And the good news? It’s open to everyone!

You can:
• Explore the latest collections
• Spot emerging interiors trends
• Pick up free samples
• Source fabrics and wallpapers for your home
• Get free expert design advice
• Find help with measuring and ordering

And while you’re there, pop into the @sanderson1860 showroom, where you’ll find my own collection of wallpapers and fabrics created with @harlequinfw . 

Go and have a look - I’d love to know what catches your eye!

Save this Reel for your next interiors day out and share it with someone planning a decorating project.
One of the questions I’m asked more than any other One of the questions I’m asked more than any other is, “How do you choose the right paint colour?” My answer is always the same… please don’t rely on those tiny paint cards! They’re simply too small to judge a colour properly.

For my mum’s annexe makeover, we started with the inspiration, not the paint chart. She wanted to bring the magic of her garden indoors, so green was an obvious choice. I suggested introducing pink too because it’s one of my favourite colour combinations and always feels fresh and uplifting.

Once we’d shortlisted a few shades, we ordered tester pots and painted large A3 swatches. Trust me, this one simple trick will save you a lot of expensive decorating mistakes. Tape the samples to the wall, move them around the room and compare them together in different light before making your final decision.

We also used a beautiful painting by @sophieabbottartist to refine the palette. I love building colour schemes from artwork because the colours have already been thoughtfully brought together.

The final colours? Slaked Lime, Pea Green and Hellebore by @littlegreenepaintcompany 

Now it’s time to get the paint on the walls… come back soon to see the transformation.
June has been one of those months that fills your June has been one of those months that fills your creative cup. From inspiring days wandering London’s galleries and catching up with the design world at WOW!house and the Maison&Objet dinner at The Mandrake not to mention the coming together of my two favourite hotels in a design collaboration . But the summer heat called for slower moments with long lunches in the garden, sea swims and soaking up the sunshine. A beautiful reminder that inspiration often comes from balancing creativity with rest.

1. Hanging out in my favourite London spot @broadwicksoho 
2. and always head for the loos. top marks to @martinbrudnizki 
3. Hanging out to the Wow House @designcentrech with @mad_about_the_house 
4. Enjoying @interiordesignmasters and a close final between @liagoldinteriors @shaginterior 
5. Shop opening for @liefcollectivelewes in my local Lewes celebrating the wonderful jewellery designers @rawsolace  @vivienne.ridley 
6. London weekend on the south bank fuelled by coffee
7. Mesmerised by the colour palettes of @hurvinanderson at @tate 
8. Moved to tears by the big @traceyeminstudio retrospective 
9. Time for a big clear out and new mini makeover in one of the spare bedrooms pending ….
10. Wonderful lunch with friends hosted at the stunning home of @annastandish.interiors 
11. The only way to deal with the heat wave along the south coast was to hit the beach 
12. Pool party and a triple Sophie threat @sophieabbottartist @sophie_darling_ 
13. Hosted a Summer solstice celebration at home which involved making wild flower crowns…
14. … and a beautiful cooked lunch at home 
15. Reaping the rewards of Mums vegetable patch 
16. Planning a big colourful makeover in Mums annex inspired by her favourite @sophieabbottartist painting 
17. Celebrating the @elfennmarrakech x @broadwicksoho rooftop collaboration with @vanessabranson
18. The iconic @elfennmarrakech red and white stripes and Moroccan lanterns take over the London roof terrace at @broadwicksoho 
19. Celebrating women in design with @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel 
20. Beautiful dinner hosted by @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel  with sensational hotel interiors by @talafustokstudio
After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbeli After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbelievably hot weather, I need to remember sometimes to simply be more Lucy. 

Her Sundays are like nothing else. Curling up on my colourful cushions, finding the cosiest spots and always inserting herself into any task that requires no dog. Never underestimate the power of doing nothing and focusing on the things that fill your cup!
Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirati Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirations and one of the best places in the world to shop if you love colour, craft and beautiful things that tell a story. I’ve been visiting for years, leading retreats and filling embarrassingly large amounts of luggage, and I still come home buzzing every single time.

This city has never subscribed to the idea that less is more. It is pure, glorious, unapologetic abundance and if you are a maximalist at heart it will feel like coming home.

Swipe for my little black book of favourite shops, rug dealers, ceramicists, fragrance makers spontaneous finds - the places I return to again and again and recommend to everyone who asks.

And yes - bring an extra suitcase and fill it with things that just make you smile!! You will not regret it.

Comment ‘Maximalism’ and I’ll send you my recent blog post with web links and addresses. happy shopping!

@soufnyartgallery 
@studiolidmarrakech 
@pophamdesign 
@maison.blaoui 
@heritage.berbere 
@cotebougiemarrakech 
@elfennmarrakech
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