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31 Oct 19

Winter hibernation special – Podcast show notes S5 Ep3

So we are halfway through the fifth season of The Great Indoors already and we would like to say a huge thanks to John Lewis & Partners for sponsoring us, our producer Kate Taylor and of course, you, our lovely listeners!

On with today’s show…and if you haven’t done so already, you can catch the episode here) On our winter hibernating special we discuss ways to cope with the changes that come about with the new season and we review some of the latest interiors books. We both agree that there is nothing better than hunkering down with a good book, and while Kate enjoys a juicy read, I love to flick through the pretty pictures and so our book review round up has something for everyone. But first of all….

Sleep

My blue bedroom. I don’t have any trouble sleeping! Rug Made By Alternative Flooring In Liberty Flowers Of Thorpe Summer Garden. Walls Painted in Smalt By Little Greene. Dazzling Blue bedlinen by Secret Linen Store. Photography By Alun Callender

Possibly my favourite pastime, I love to sleep and yet the nation is apparently in a sleep crisis! Kate was in her element with a notebook full of stats! In 1942 we had an average of 7.9 hrs sleep a night, by 2013 gone down to 6.9 hrs , and in 2016 the Centre of disease control and prevention weighted in to say a third of adults don’t get the minimum 7 hours required for health and wellbeing. So what can we do to make sure we get the best nights sleep possible?

A recent American study showed that those of us who have a blue bedroom has the best night’s sleep (that’s me!) then the next most soothing colour for the bedroom is moss green, then pale yellow (not sure I agree with that one) and then silver – which is weird but I think a pale grey would be restful! Then red is known to be bad for your heart rate and blood pressure so not ideal for the bedroom – however, my son’s bedroom has red walls and he has absolutely no problem sleeping. He’s a zonker like his mother.

A red bedroom for kids is a bad idea but my son sleeps well in hos and its imprtant to let kids hoose a colour for their bedroom

My son’s bedroom is Atomic red by Little greene. Red is a terrible choice for bedrooms but my son loves it and sleeps like a dream

As you may know by now I use colour psychology as a framework for many of my schemes and commissions and we often hear that the soft, cool, muted tones like pale blue, green and lilac, for instance, are relaxing and lower the rate. However, for me, I think they will have the opposite effect just look at my bedroom, not a soft, pale tone in sight. So as usual these are guidelines and not rules. Colour is a personal thing and take the time to work out what makes you feel happy and relaxed.

 

Dark bedrooms are a great choice for those of us who love to hunker down, and look great at night with wall lights.   John Lewis & Partners share my passion for colour in the bedroom – with all those gorgeous velvet textures it creates a warm and cosy vibe!

Some tips for creating a relaxing bedroom…
  • Declutter –  banish the laundry, clothes scattered on the floor and piles of books – don’t be distracted by things that could make you feel stressed
  • If full-on colour and pattern is a bit much for you, have more subtle, calmer colours and wallpapers that you can see from the bed and then really go for it on the headboard/wall so you don’t have to look at it while trying to relax at night.
  • No technology or devices allowed! Bedrooms are for sleeping and sex. No Tv or computers allowed!
  • Avoid a bedroom come office – if space is an issue try and screen it off or hide the work stuff so it’s not on view as psychologically it may make you feel anxious and your brain will not be able to switch off.
  • Sleeping is a very tactile experience so go for luxury in the form of soft and plush rugs next to the bed, quality bed linen and textures that you love to touch.
  • Buy the biggest bed you can fit in the room. You should be able to lie with your hands behind your head, without touching whoever is next to you.
  • Think of something cosy underfoot like a soft rug
  • Block out the light and sounds at night with thick interlined curtains and blinds. You can close the blind when the radiators are on and draw the curtains for extra cosiness at other times.
  • Invest in an electric blanket, 13 tog duvet and turn your heating down or off. And if your raving mad like Kate, you can even open the window!
On to probably the most important thing – the mattress.

After Kate’s family ‘fun’ day out at the John Lewis & Partners bed department she was told that firm isn’t always the way to go – there are many things to consider and with everyone at different weights and have very different sleeping habits – it definitely isn’t a one size fits all scenario. So, when lying on your side your spine should be straight and if a mattress is too firm it will push your hip and shoulder up which can, in turn, cause misalignment.  You also need a bed big enough for the both of you. I am lucky enough to have an Emperor (6ft) bed – but it had to be done as my husband is a very light sleeper!

In summary…

  • Try before you buy
  • Get some expert advice on the softness v firmness of your mattress
  • Go for as large as you can afford and fit into the room
  • Look into how you’re going to get rid of the old mattress to ensure it doesn’t end up in landfill! Will the company you’re buying one from dispose of it responsibly? John Lewis & Partners’ range of natural mattresses are chemical and glue free so they can be fully recycled which has to be the future right?
  •  Current advice is to change your mattress every 7 years so how we recycle after use is an issue.

 

My guest bedroom is a riot of pattern. Soft pinks and greens are great colours for sleep. I’ve chosen a subtle pattern for the walls from Molly Mahon and kept the busy pattern on the floor and Society of Wanderers bedlinen.

Getting ready for winter

As well as getting the slow cooker out, lighting the fire, snuggling up with a nice warm jumper and slippers and not forgetting my Himalayan salted cacao hot chocolate there are some practical things to consider too. We’re trying to watch how much energy we use and the underfloor heating we installed downstairs last year seems to be very efficient and we are super pleased with it, you can read about the installation here. Upstairs, however, we still have the traditional radiators, so, I’m now thinking that electric blankets are the way forward – teamed with a big fluffy duvet.

Don’t forget about the lighting – we’ve all been guilty of going for style over substance, and we do need a little extra at this time of year so think about where you need that extra light.

New interior books

As we are doing a winter special, who doesn’t love curling up with a good book on a winters evening! We have three great new book launches to share with you, kicking off with Faded Glamour by Pearl Lowe who we interviewed back in season 3 of the podcast and you can see my notes from the show here. I love this book, not only for the fabulous photography and the whole aesthetic but for the fact that I feel like I can totally lose myself in it and fantasise about being in a huge country pile stacked full of gorgeous vintage loot. It’s a sneak peek into a very glamorous world although as the title suggests they are a little rough around the edges, filled with vintage and pre-loved pieces. Be warned though it will give you the urge to visit the odd vintage fair or car boot sale as it certainly did for me!

Known for their dark and moody style and online homewares, it was quite a (pleasant) surprise to see this colourful book by Rockett St George.  Extraordinary Interiors in Colour came about as founders Lucy and Jane launched a paint collection of 18 colours last year, made by Craig & Rose, and they had to do a lot of research into colour, so were instantly hooked. The book is not just a great flicker as it does go into detail. For example, it takes a look at the history of colour, the technical, scientific and applied theory and some easy to implement tips on how to put schemes together. It’s also stacked full of fab fashionable interiors to boot. Our favourite subject was the way they had put together the trends through the decades, including what music we were listening to, what we were watching on TV and the looks and trends of the era.

Lastly, hot off the press from America, architect and founder of an award-winning consultancy for the workplace,  Donald Rattner introduces My Creative Space, which looks at the scientific study on the impact our surroundings have on our creativity. Whilst Kate and I work in the creative field and work at home this book is a fascinating read if you work at home or have a creative hobby. In summary, Rattner says that many books feature ideas on the where the home is the object of creativity i.e decorating and creating schemes and creative activities within the home, cooking for example, but this book shows how to use the home to motivate and encourage creativity. In addition to the somewhat expected advice, use natural light, bring nature in etc etc, he goes into the scientific explanations, why they work, and how you can do it. It’s a great book and an essential addition to any interior designers bookshelf.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget our ever-growing Facebook group, it’s a fab interior-loving community, so please get involved and share your views and questions about the show there.

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Small spaces, Christmas trends & nature inspired interiors-Podcast notes S5 Ep4 House tour with Michelle Ogundehin – Podcast show notes S5 Ep2

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No decorations are allowed in the house until the No decorations are allowed in the house until the first of December and we start the morning with Arthur’s advent Calender! That’s as far as I’ve got in the hallway I’ll be honest as this grid post is a hark back to a previous year. But I’ll be decorating it the same way I do every year. I like to use a mixture of colourful baubles I’ve collected over the years, paper  honeycomb balls for maximum wow and plenty of foliage. I keep the ribbons year on year and rarely buy anything new. The repeated tradition is part of the charm. 
On the podcast @mad_about_the_house and I talk all things Thrifty Christmas. It’s been a really challenging year for most so we invited guests @rocketandsquash and @hazelgardinerdesign to share their money saving ideas to make sure you don’t bust the bank account and yet still have a lovely treaty time. Ed has some lovely ideas for feasting around Christmas that crucially cuts down on waste and avoids unnecessary expensive ingredients. And Hazel loves to use foraged foliage in her floral displays so has plenty of ideas on that. 
It’s a peach of a show jam packed with creative inspiration. Listen on your podcast app, and why not leave a comment below on how you will be being thrifty this Christmas 👇 

#1stdecember #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #hallway #hallwaydecor #christmasdecor #thegreatindoors
Who is looking forward to the weekend! 🙌 Welc Who is looking forward to the weekend! 🙌 

Welcome to a rare tour of my home! Since every room looked tidy, I grabbed my phone to show you around. 

You can see how I have lots of colour and pattern in every room but still the house has flow. I use the same palette of colours through which helps make it all hang together. But it takes more than that to make a maximalist home sing. Repeating the same materials, design motifs, styles and shapes helps to create a feeling of cohesion.

For the ultimate insight into how to decorate in a way that supports you emotionally, flexes your creativity and leaves you loving your home, check out my interior design school where I teach you  everything you need to know. 

- how to harmonise colours
- How to plan and budget
- How to source all the materials
- How to save time and money
- How to burst open your creativity

And this weekend you can enjoy 25% of ALL COURSES across my entire design school by using the code BLACKFRIDAY25 at check out. Click on the link in my bio or visit courses.sophierobinson.Co.uk ☝️

#housetour #banthebeige #bbbinteriors #colourlover #colourfulhome #maximalistinteriors #eclecticdecor #onlinedesign #designschool
It’s podcast day on The Great Indoors and we hav It’s podcast day on The Great Indoors and we have a very special guest! @banjo.beale is a BAFTA award winning TV star, winner of series 3 @interiordesignmasters_tv , interior designer and recently adding author to his rosta of talents. While reality TV launched Banjo’s stellar interiors career we managed to bag him for a chat while he took a short beak from sourcing vintage for his second series of Design The Hebrides. 

This is an opportunity to listen to this whirlwind of a design mind, with insights into what it takes to win a TV completion, how living on a remote island in the Scottish Hebrides has made him ultimately resourceful and his unique design process. 

Listen to The Great Indoors, whoever you get your podcast. Hit that subscribe button and come back here to let us know what you thought! 

#thegreatindoors #banjobeale #designingthehebrides #interiordesignmasters
This is the perfect time of year to up level your This is the perfect time of year to up level your bedding. With the autumn chill on its way I’d rather hike up the tog count than whack up the central heating. 

Beautiful bedding and linen is the ultimate luxury and at this time in my life 👵🏻 my bed is up there as my absolute favourite place to be and my sleep is honestly my favourite pastime! So making it the most comforting, soothing, replenishing experience possible is my priority. 😴

I recently up-levelled my duvet and pillows  to @naturalmatuk goose down products and here is my unbiased review. The pillows are the like sleeping on an actual cloud! Along with the 9 tog duvet I’ll stay cosy all winter, and leave the thermostat turned down.  @naturalmatuk only use natural, sustainable materials, organic cotton and responsibly sourced feathers, which all support a good nights sleep. With a hectic lifestyle, my bed is my ultimate sanctuary 🥱

What’s your self care routine and secret to the perfect pampered night sleep? 

#ad PR product 
#naturalmat #bedroom #bedlinen #bedroombliss #bedlinen #pillows #bedding #bedroomdecor #bedroom #pamperyourself #pampernight
What a dress! When @benjaminfoxdressmaker spotted What a dress! When @benjaminfoxdressmaker spotted my new collection with @harlequinfw they wanted to make a dress in it! Now I actually match my decor! 

This dress shape is so perfect. I love the big sleeves, that goes so well with a fine knit underneath and the long gathered skirt looks perfect with boots, both of which I bought recently at @cosstores . Team with my signature big earrings ( these are old ones from @anthropologieeu ) and I feel a million dollars! Happy Monday folks! We can do this 👊

#ad - pr product. 
#dresslikeyourhome
I hosted an event this week to show off all the ha I hosted an event this week to show off all the hard work we’ve done in the house and showcase the new collection with @harlequinfw . It was a wonderful opportunity to fill the house with laughter, great conversation and celebrate our mutual love of colour! Since the pandemic I work more and more from home and it felt good to open the door and let people in. 

The guest list was a mix of writers, artists, gardeners, cooks, designers and fashion stylists but one thing we have in common is embracing the joy of colour and celebrating how our homes are the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life. 

However getting the house ready for such a group of discerning eyes was rather exhausting! I had to hide under the duvet yesterday! But I’m so grateful to everyone who came, their positivity and inspiration. Most of whom I met here on instagram. This is a special place to make like minded connections, yet it was great to actually have an excuse to get together in real life! 

And this weekend Tom and are are celebrating not doing any house DIY for the first time in ages! 

Special Thanks to @mad_about_the_house @erica_davies @hillhousevintage @andrea_childs_journo @theottohouse @clairevallis @michelleogundehin @mollymahonblockprinting @sophieabbottartist @gemswholesomekitchen @edwardrobinsonid @dahliabeach for making it such a wonderful day 

 Thanks to @gemswholesomekitchen fir feeding us! 

thanks to @benjaminfoxdressmaker fir the custom made dress!

#harlequinxsophierobinson #athome #colourlover #banthebeige
#AD Admit it! I can’t be the only one beginning #AD Admit it! I can’t be the only one beginning to plan for Christmas. Conversations about the menu for the big day has started with gusto in my family. But my focus is always around creating a magical table setting. This year I’ll be incorporating these classic Christmas tree plates from @by_spode  that set the festive scene without the need to add loads of other fiddly decorations. I’m all about maximum impact, minimum effort this time of year, and I love how this traditional design (85 years old this year) is the perfect touch of nostalgia to accompany my bright Paper straw stripe tablecloth and colourful gloss candle sticks. I then just add simple flowers by snipping some hydrangea heads and popping them in tumblers dotted along the table. Finally bring it all to life with plenty of candlelight. And voila, it’s the perfect table setting for a fantastical festive celebration. Oh, how I wish the Christmas lunch was this easy to prepare! 

#byspode #spode #christmasdecor #christmastable #christmastablesetting #layingthetable #tablescape #christmastablescape #christmastree #christmasdecor #christmasinspiration #banthebeige #colourfulchristmas
I’m so excited to present my new ready made cush I’m so excited to present my new ready made cushion collection, in collaboration with @harlequinfw sold exclusively at @johnlewis 
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Cushions have long been an obsession of mine and I’m so thrilled with this capsule collection for @johnlewis because it combines all the pattern and colour so you can get an instant hit of maximalist spirit by creating any combination that works for you. There is the iconic Sherbert stripe, sitting amongst luxurious embroidered designs and heavily patterned velvets. My personal favourite is the deeply colourful jewel bug design🪲 Which ones yours?!

#cushion #cushioncover #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #bbbinteriors #colourmyhome #colourfulinteriors #colourfuldecor #sofaupholstery #sofaupgrade #livingroomdecor #interiorstyling #interiordesign #harlequinxsophierobinson
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