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15 Jul 22

Trend report: Big Checks

Antipodream Thistle Check Duvet Cover Duvet covers SOCIETY OF WANDERERS 2 888x copy

Over here at Pattern Lovers HQ I am loving the new print on the block. The Big Check is sashaying its way into the fashion pages of interior style mags, filling up the shelves on the high street and will soon be swaggering into my home I’m sure when I can get round to/justify a cheeky little decor update. Now while we all love to fantasise about new trends, this one actually has a lot going for it. Big checks are a really useful tool, helping to break up a fight between fussy florals  or give a lack lustre room some punch. Big checks have oomph. While there is nothing new or exciting about the classic check (of which we are seeing everywhere too), these big scale checks and chequerboard prints are bold and unashamed and thats why we will be friends.

 

Take this fabulous Thistle Check Duvet Cover and co ordinating bedlinen from tastemakers Society of Wanderers at Antipodream. Fabulous! See what I mean by muscling in fabulously with the patterned wallpaper and stripped flat sheet. Pattern mashing heaven right there, along with the colour clash that’s going on it’s all rather thrilling. Getting in on this pattern trend is easy because my tip is, you don’t need too much of it. Have it as the main event, as in bedlinen or a sofa, or save it for an accent- on a lampshade or cushion. Scroll down to the end of this post for my edit of the best of the big checks to update your home.

Featured image at top: home of Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine

Instagram is a great place to get some big check inspiration. Historically interiors have always been adorned by chequerboard floors and I love their dramatic effect in small rooms like hallways or bathrooms. This candy colour schemed bathroom by the oh-so-talented designers at Buchanan Studio is a riot of checks. Head on over to their page @buchanan.studio  for the full reveal. Obviously you have to have quite a lot of conviction to do wall to wall chequerboard but the effect is visually dazzling. While the classic black and white is very high contrast and dramatic, picking tonal colours will give a more subtle effect. Still super cool though.

 

Checkerboard knight woven dhurrie by 8 Holland street x Vanderhurd

A big check or chequerboard pattern is strong enough to hold its own in a room and be the star of the show like this huge chequerboard rug by designers 8hollandstreet x Vanderhurd . I love the way it has a feeling of fun and frivolity about it so even in the most seriously contemplated and curated interior design spaces- it can punch through with some much needed jollity. I cant help thinking of clowns trousers when I think of big checks and I love interiors that don’t take themselves too seriously so that works for me.

The home of @Mullercanseveren

The classic chequerboard floor is a great place to introduce this big bold geometric and is a wonderful pattern addition to any maximalist interior.

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Lavender Fizz Full Ruffle Cushion Cover, £49, Antipodream | 2. Checkmate placemats, £102. Balu London | 3. Piero Footstool, Punch, £855, Ceruado | 4. Checkboard shaggy rug, £169, Urban Outfitters | 5. Joy of Print Checkerboard lampshade in Pomegranate, from £84, Rosie de Ruig | 6. Velvet checkmate studio chair, contact Buchanan Studio for further info.

7. Pile rug, £79.99, H&M | 8. Ella Chair Upholstered in Chubby Check by Kit Kemp, £845, Gabriella James | 9. Check print ceramic jug, £29, Monsoon | 10. Carlotta ottoman, £1.555, Ceraudo | 11. Checked cotton cushion cover, £12.99, H&M | 12. Royal Check Charger/Plate, £80, Mackenzie Childs at Amara | 13. Patterned porcelain mug, £2.99, H&M.

Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine

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AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration with @dunelmuk is coming to an end but it’s not too late to snap up some of my uniquely designed pieces online or in store. This has without doubt been quite the career highlight, sharing my love of bold colour, unapologetic pattern and more-is-more aesthetic with this leading UK high street retailer to bring you my maximalist tool kit. So if you’ve had your eye on anything within my exclusive collection this is my reminder to snap it up now, while stocks last. 

Please let me know what have been your favourite pieces from this collection. I love to learn how they have been used in your own home. 

And take a little comfort, I’ve got plenty more exciting product launches planned this year and beyond so watch this space!
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.
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