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The Great Indoors

Arts & Culture Podcasts

The Great indoors is a celebration of all things interiors and everything you need to know about making your house a home. In each episode, TV presenter and designer Sophie Robinson and best-selling author and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth will discuss, debate and guide you through the top trends and hottest topics from the home front. So pull up a chair…

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

The Great indoors is a celebration of all things interiors and everything you need to know about making your house a home. In each episode, TV presenter and designer Sophie Robinson and best-selling author and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth will discuss, debate and guide you through the top trends and hottest topics from the home front. So pull up a chair…

Language:

English


Episodes

147: Interview with Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton

3/13/2024
We’re off on the road again to Ham Yard Hotel for a personal tour and interview with designer Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton to celebrate their new collection. Listen to find out more about the design inspiration behind the fabulous collection of fabrics and wallpaper, how collaborations like these first come about and how they have brought antique archival designs up to date to suit modern day interiors. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:40:25

146: Is brown a spring colour though?!

3/6/2024
Join us as we have a fun catch up in Sophie’s home, chatting all things Spring refresh from table settings and cushions to bedlinen, curtains and diy. As you can imagine we have very different takes on the subject, as Kate praises the virtues of brown all year round and Sophie gives us a sneak peek into her secret seasonal crockery cupboard. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:35:01

145: Can Kate put a shelf up? With How to Basically’s Justin Kelly

2/28/2024
We’re interviewing the founder of ‘How to Basically’, Justin Kelly, who runs a workshop in East Sussex which teaches people practical living skills from basic DIY, electrics and plumbing to how to look after everyday appliances. Listen along as Kate and Sophie attempt to put up a shelf themselves – something they’ve never done before! Link to 'How to Basically': https://howtobasically.co.uk/welcome-to-the-first-edition-of-the-nuts-bolts/ Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:36:18

144: Sustainability, green washing and buying to last

2/21/2024
This week we’re discussing an important topic we should all consider when updating our homes – how to make choices that are sustainable, use less energy, save us money and will last. We share what we have done recently to make our own homes more eco-friendly and who we love to follow for sustainable tips and inspiration. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:22

143: Style Surgery - Thermal wallpaper, multi-task rooms and apex windows

2/14/2024
We’re answering your Style Surgery questions this week, from whether thermal wallpaper makes a difference, to how to design multi-task rooms and make the most of open plan living. We all agree beautiful apex windows are a nightmare for window treatments and there’s a gap in the market for a product that actually works. Listen to this episode full of practical tips that will help you with design dilemmas you may be having in your own home. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:57

142: ‘Espresso Yourself’ with the Pinterest Trend Report plus Deco Off 2024

2/7/2024
From the sublime to the ridiculous we look at some of the trends forecasted for the year. The Pinterest Trend Report 2024 brings all the fun looking at increased searches from last year to garner what people will be into this year – think chrome, bows, kitsch kitchens and more out there suggestions like ‘the jellyfish aesthetic’ and ‘aquatecture.’ Our recent trip to Deco Off in Paris provided a more high-end approach, with global designers gathering to see all the upcoming collections from some of the top European designers. From ‘quiet luxury’ to ‘mob wife luxe’, this episode is full of ideas that will make you laugh, groan or maybe feel just a little bit inspired! Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:30

141: Discovering your authentic colour palette with Karen Haller

1/31/2024
Colour psychology and behavioural design expert, Karen Haller joins us for a fascinating chat about how the colours we surround ourselves with are having an emotional effect on us and our behaviours. Karen believes knowing which colours will affect us positively is helpful to avoid blindly following trends and societal ‘colour norms’ when designing the spaces we live in, but choose colours authentic to ourselves instead. From how to make it work if you and your partner like contrasting colour palettes, to how to recognise which colour palette (or season) is right for you, this episode has so many amazing insights that will help you choose colours you’ll thrive in. Karen Haller’s Website: https://karenhaller.com/ Karen Haller’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour/ Karen Haller’s Book: ‘The Little Book of Colour’ Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:02

140: Style Surgery: Basins in the bedroom

1/26/2024
It’s time for our popular Style Surgery where we discuss the design dilemmas that have been bugging you. Are wash basins in the bedroom outdated or a genius idea? How do you make a ceiling statement work with the rest of the room and what artwork should I put in a bathroom to make it feel less boring? Listen to this episode for more tips on colour theory for an effective work space, hanging decorative plates on the wall, plus matching two different wood floors – can it be done? Our Insiders Members also get access to exclusive Style Surgery questions from other members in their extended version of the episode. If you’d like to also receive these benefits, sign up below. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:32:40

139: Refreshing your interiors without spending a fortune

1/17/2024
There are so many ways you can refresh your home affordably this time of year. If like us, you're low on funds and energy in January, listen to this episode for the best ways to make your home feel cosy and ‘new’ without having to spend a fortune. From having a clear out, to moving art around, or upcycling a small Facebook Marketplace find, it’s all about the little changes that make a big impact to your space. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:36:09

138: The house in Italy and a shop for Sophie?

1/10/2024
It’s time for a big catch up after the festive break, whilst Sophie spent it enjoying her new kitchen with friends and family, Kate was knee deep in dust in the house in Italy. Sophie has been using the time to vision board for 2024, dreaming big dreams without getting caught up in the detail, and together they choose a word of the year. Will Sophie have her own interiors shop one day? Did the builders manage to fix Kate’s oven in time for Christmas day? Have a listen to find out. Sign up to become a friend of the show and receive weekly newsletters, access to live webinars and bonus podcast episodes: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:36:17

137: Christmas, consumerism, and canapes

12/13/2023
It’s the last episode of the year so we chat all things Christmas as it hurtles towards us at an alarming rate! It’s true what they say that ‘time speeds up as you get older,’ so join us as we take a moment to reflect on the year just gone and discuss our Christmas plans and traditions, what we’re looking forward to and what we like to avoid. We also chat about the pressure we put upon ourselves to make everything perfect and how we can take steps to dial it back this year, whether it be simplifying our gifting or ditching the sequins for an evening on the sofa instead. And the question remains, will Kate be spending Christmas with her builders in Italy?! Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:37:21

136: Style Surgery: Carpets, Colour and Curb appeal

12/6/2023
In our monthly Style Surgery, Kate and Sophie take on the task of answering your design dilemmas. From how much is too much when it comes to colour drenching, the best whites for a large room or bold choices in a small bedroom, these questions provide ample opportunity for some lively discussion and debate. The episode also includes some fantastic tips on improving the exterior of your home, stair runners that make a statement, plus how to add some privacy to overlooked windows without compromising on light. Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:43:28

135: A fabulous and thrifty Christmas with Ed Smith and Hazel Gardiner

11/29/2023
In this episode we talk to chef and foodie expert Ed Smith about how to cut down costs on food over the festive period plus florist, broadcaster and writer, Hazel Gardiner, gives us her tips on how to decorate with foliage in a sustainable and thrifty way. As your resident design experts (ahem?!) we share all our favourite ideas for Christmas decorating on a budget, and if anyone has spotted Kate’s Christmas decs that she somehow lost this year during the house moves, please, let her know! Ed Smith: www.rocketandsquash.com www.instagram.com/rocketandsquash Hazel Gardiner: https://www.hazelgardinerdesign.com/ www.instagram.com/hazelgardinerdesign Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:57:48

134: Interview with Banjo Beale: How an Australian Cheese Maker from the Isle of Mull became a Successful Interior Designer

11/22/2023
As winner of Interior Design Masters 2022, Banjo Beale has gone on to breath new life into homes and businesses in the television series ‘Designing the Hebrides’, plus bringing his infectious enthusiasm as host of the beautiful ‘Scottish Home of the Year’ on the BBC. Alongside this, he has continued to design, inspiring thousands on Instagram with his incredible style and just in case that wasn’t enough, he has also written a book! Join us as we catch up on Banjo’s incredible year and listen out for some fantastic tips for sourcing vintage homeware. Banjo Beale’s Website: https://www.banjobeale.co.uk/ Banjo Beale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banjo.beale/ Banjo Beale’s Book: https://amzn.eu/d/cM6aZ5v Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:11

133: Book Reviews – From Sunny California to the Isle of Mull

11/15/2023
Join us for our tales from Venice plus we review four more books that span the breadth of the interiors world. From the escapism of super luxe living in sunny California, to authentic and sustainable design in the remote island of Mull, and designing your home to align with how you want to feel in a space. Listen to our lively debate as we pick out our favourite elements of each book including what we believe is the ‘must have’ book for every home decorator. All Up in My Space – How to Decorate With Feeling by Emma Hopkinson and Robyn Donaldson https://tinyurl.com/2sj76eb6 Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek https://tinyurl.com/4u4ymr9n Wild Isle Style by Banjo Beale https://tinyurl.com/3tb7w3be Farrow & Ball: How to Redecorate by Joa Studholme and Charlotte Cosby https://tinyurl.com/4ujhykf4 Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show here: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:41:02

132: Style Surgery – Designing your home from scratch – with or without a moodboard?

11/8/2023
This week's Style Surgery dives into questions from the essentials of kitchen design to where to start when designing a whole home from scratch and how to style a beautiful Georgian hallway. This week’s dilemmas are wonderful problems to have! Listen as Kate and Sophie champion the humble moodboard (and how to go about it if you’re short on time) plus top tips on sourcing and hanging artwork. If you have any advice for our listeners, do join the chat in our Facebook group! Kate’s Books: https://shorturl.at/htS35 Sophie’s Online Design School: https://courses.sophierobinson.co.uk/ Send your style surgery questions here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show here: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:45:05

131: Do we decorate our homes to fit our generational stereotypes? And should Kate be wearing silver trousers?

11/1/2023
Join Kate and Sophie for this lively discussion as they go through each generation from Gen Z to Boomers, and debate how each group are seen to approach design differently. From 70s conversation pits, millennial pink and mid-century obsessions to the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, they look at which trends are returning, plus the societal and economical differences that have played a part in our varying attitudes towards the décor choices we make. They also share how TV shows have influenced each generation from the wonderful interiors seen in Sex Education, to the 70s show The Good Life, and the bold and bright style championed by DIY shows like Changing Rooms. And should Kate, a Gen X’er, be striding out in silver trousers or being more age typical in sensible burgundy like Sophie? Join the debate in our Facebook group! The house for sale from the set of Sex Education: https://t.ly/LieJ2 Jake Lambert Comedy: https://t.ly/pIl4d Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show here: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:36

130: Where design meets wellbeing: Interview with interior designer Juan Sandiego

10/25/2023
Are you in the middle of a renovation and feeling stressed? Do you have a house move on the way that’s causing you anxiety? Or do you feel your home isn’t quite making you as happy as you’d like it to? These are just a few of the questions interior designer and wellbeing coach, Juan Sandiego, helps to answer in this week’s fascinating interview. Juan champions a refreshing approach to design focussing on the happiness it brings us both when the space is finished and along the journey itself, with practical tips on how to cope with renovation stress and how to be content with the home you have. This episode is jam-packed with useful insights and not to be missed. Happy Home Clinic: https://happyhome.clinic/ and on Instagram: www.instagram.com/happyhomeclinic/ Sign up to become a friend of the show here: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:23

129: Book Reviews - are gallery walls over and does sustainable design have to be beige?

10/18/2023
We love to share our favourite interiors books with you - from choosing art for your home to styling the spaces you live in - this week's books celebrate homes which put sustainability at the forefront of design and are rich with practical tips and inspiration which always provoke some healthy debate (have gallery walls had their day?) between our hosts, Sophie and Kate. The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough: https://amzn.eu/d/3jwSIAe https://www.instagram.com/style_by_lucy Art At Home by Rachel Loos: https://amzn.eu/d/6K6jRMW https://www.instagram.com/rachel_e_loos The New Naturals by Jennifer Haslam: https://amzn.eu/d/3ncpmiS https://www.instagram.com/jenhaslamstylist Living Bright by Matthew Williamson: https://amzn.eu/d/3351egH https://www.instagram.com/matthewwilliamson Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and let us know what you think of the show here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:13

128: Style Surgery - From tiny loos to kitchens under £1k

10/11/2023
It’s time for our popular monthly Style Surgery where we solve your design dilemmas and are we in for a treat today. Listen to Kate and Sophie discuss how to transform a kitchen for under £1k, how to connect adjoining rooms with colour and your ‘red thread’ and why they absolutely do not give you permission to have a ‘disjointed space’! From tips on how to make a tiny bathroom work and look beautiful, to debating the pros and cons of open plan living between a listener’s kitchen and dining space and whether broken-plan living is the way forward, this episode is jam-packed with practical tips. Plus, they tackle a problem as old as the dawn of time… how do we encourage the rest of the family to keep the house tidy? Answers on a postcard. Send your style surgery question here: help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com Sign up to become a friend of the show: www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com Join our private Facebook group and join in with the chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast For daily updates follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram: Kate: www.instagram.com/madaboutthehouse Sophie: www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:44:49