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Sophie Robinson
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04 Jan 18

DIY SOS big build in Arundel West Sussex

DIYSOS Yapton sophie and the DIYSOS boys

Well 2018 is certainly getting off to a great start with DIYSOS Big Build hitting our screens on the 4th January. It’s an enormous privilege to be part of the team and what the team achieve never fails to blow me away. This project was for a very special lady, Amanda Newton. A heroic mother of four who lost the use of her legs after a tragic cycling accident. She said to me ” you need to remember your life can change, just like that” as she clicked her finger. But she also said that its the best thing that ever happened to her due to all the opportunities that its opened up to her. What an incredible way to view her misfortune. Amanda’s positivity, thirst for life, dedication to her family was deeply moving and inspiring and I’m honoured to have met her, yet alone had the privilege to design her new home.

Now the main thrust of the design was making this home work for disabled use. Hours of intricate planning went into making sure all of Amanda’s needs were met. Simple things like cooking a family meal to using the bathroom independently were the primary aims. But I wanted to make the design was extra special in order to make some attempt to capture Amanda’s sense of fun, life and adventure. I also wanted it to feel very homely as being a home maker was a big part of Amanda’s identity which was taken away from her after the accident. A lot of their existing furniture was tired and no longer fit for purpose but rather than fill the house with everything shiny and new I decided to keep a few key pieces and either have them restored or up cycled. This way there would be a few familiar pieces to welcome them home, along with family pictures and artwork. All these elements are so important to making a house a home. I also introduced lots of home made and home spun elements. The handmade crocheted blanket by Made And Making, that was designed to match in with the Bluebell Gray fabrics was a key piece. A complete one off, just like Amanda.

Finally a huge thank you to all the very generous suppliers and trades who helped make this happen. The generosity of spirit, especially when we are up against crazy TV deadlines always amazes me. People move sheer mountains to make this happen, but the impact it has, not just the on the family but the people who get involved just ripples out far and wide!

living room with teal velevet sofa and multi colour rug. Designed by interior designer Sophie Robinson for DIY SOS

The extension at the back of the house was enough to connect the house to the garden, with clever bi-fold doors which allow seamless access for Amanda’s wheelchair. A large roof light over head really maximises the sense of light in this compact space.

attic bedroom decorated in butterfly wallpaper. Interior design by Sophie Robinson for BBc ones DIYSOS

A deep teal sofa is the ultimate luxury and with teenage kids it was time to treat Amanda to something luxurious. I wanted to keep some of the family’s furniture but had it up-cycled in chalk paint. I love the pop of cheery red against the teal. Amanda’s framed prints of the kids baby foot prints take pride of place above the sofa. Sofa from Sofa.com, rug from Ikea, cushions from Bluebell Gray, curtains by Applemoon interiors.

gold flamingo ornament adds a quirky charm to a botanical theme

To bring the look to life I used plenty of clashing patterns and quirky ornaments. I later found out that Amanda loves Flamingos. Of course I’m psychic! Accessories from TK Maxx.

Wall mural with a tropical jungle print painted by designer Lucy Tiffney. part of an interior design by Sophie Robinson for DIY SOS

the amazingly Lucy Tiffney created this botanical wall mural. WE had the antique cocktail cabinet lovingly restored by a local furniture restorer and asked an up-cycler to give the old family rocking chair a perky pink new look to tie in with the new scheme. Mural by Lucy Tiffney.

deep blue master bedroom with blue bell gray fabric headboard and floral curtains. Multicoloured crochet blanet completes the look. Interior designed by Sophie Robinson for DIYSOS on BBC1

Deep blue walls really set off the rainbow brights in this room. Amanda loves colour and finds it hugely uplifting so I wanted to back the bright hues into this space. The bed is covered in a bold waterly abstract print which is matched in with the handmade crochet throw which gives it a homely home spun feel. Crochet throw from Made and Making. Fabrics and curtains from Bluebell Gray.

A selection of wall art, needle point hoops and display boxes make a personal gellery wall which can be updated and changed at any time. the white is the perfect contrast against the deep blue wall. Framed print by Tiffney Lynch.

 

Amelias teenage bedroom featured a brave pineapple wallpaper and shocking red carpet. I continued the pom pom theme with a simple trim on the blind. Wallpaper from Barnaby Gates. Roman blind from Applemoon interiors.

 

teenagers bedroom with pineapple wallpaper in pink and red with monochrome. Designed by Sophie Robinson for BBC's DIYSOS

A touch of monochrome helps a pink scheme feel more grown up and gives it a little edge. Choose simple scandi style furniture with clean lines that contrast with the busy wallpaper print.

 

The family bathroom had pops of colour. The tangerine floor, turquoise grout and collection of art work makes it all hang together. Collection of artwork from Bailey Alexander Gallery

 

Yellow WC loo with metro tiles with coloured yellow grout. Designed by interior designer Sophie Robinson for DIYSOS in yapton

When in doubt go for colour! This was the brightest yellow I could find and matched in with the grout gives this small WC character.

 

Joe’s compact bedroom was a demanding task. I fitted in as much storage as I could. A tall boy maximises drawer space while a narrow shelf around the top is the perfect spot for books and trophies. Bedlinen from Secret Linen Store. Cushion from Dandy Star.

I went all out dark in Jacobs attic bedroom. Choose a dark colour and paint it EVERYWHERE. The walls ceiling, wardrobes ad even bedside where painted in the same colour to create the illusion of space and depth. Cushions and throws from Niki Jones.

 

Another trick to usein small attic bedrooms is to iron out the awkward angles in pattern. I picked this pretty butterfly wallpaper for Megan as it reflected her love of animals. Keilina wallpaper by Albany.

 

boys bedroom in grey and emerald green. interior design by sophie robinson for DIYSOS.

The kitchen is the heart of the home for most but more so for Amanda. Since her accident she hasn’t been able to cook for her family so the design element was crucial. However I wasnt going to let that overshadow the aesthetics. A blue kitchen with patchwork tiles added character.

Rise and fall worktops means Amanda can effortlessly use her kitchen from her wheelchair. Kitcehn by Howdens. Tiles from Topps tiles.

 

If you missed this episode of DIYSOS you can catch up on BBC iplayer here.

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

You’re in the right place. 💛 Around here, we You’re in the right place. 💛
Around here, we don’t do beige boxes or design-by-numbers. This is a joyful, all-inclusive space where colour is celebrated and self-expression is the whole point.

I believe every room in your home should make you feel happy, positive, and 
unapologetically you. 

If that sounds like your kind of vibe, follow along!
✨ Save the ideas that make your heart sing
✨ Explore the joy of colour with confidence
✨And when you’re ready to dive in… there’s 25% off my incredible course How to Create a Maximalist Interior - all through May. Just use comment MAYJOY and I’ll send you the link.

Because great design isn’t just about how it looks - it’s how it makes you feel.


#dopamindecor #boldinteriors #interiorinspo #joyfulhomes #colourmyhome 
#interiordesigncourse #maximaliststyle
If like me you hate your shiny white UPVC windows If like me you hate your shiny white UPVC windows then this tip is for you!

I painted all of ours, inside and out, and it totally transformed our home (costing hundreds of pounds on paint rather than thousands of pounds replacing them with more traditional timber that would suit the Victorian character of our house better). 
The best thing about painting UVPC is with the right primer, there is no sanding or lengthy preparation. It’s important to make sure the frames are clean and dry, and then on with the All Surface Primer, which then ensures that the exterior acrylic eggshell, in a colour of your 
choice, can easily go on top. For many the beauty of UVPC windows is they don’t need decorating or maintaining, unlike timber windows. However, while these have not flaked or scratched yet (three 
years in) I know they will need a lick of paint at some point. But UVPC is a more stable substrate to traditional timber which cracks and swells, so the maintenance will be far less. 

And heres the best bit… you can’t tell the difference!

Works on Front doors and conservatories too! Would you try it? Let me know in the comments!

We used an All surface primer, mixed to match the top coat, of External eggshell in Lamp Black. Walls painted in masonry paint, in Lamp Black. All products @littlegreenepaintcompany 

#paintedwindows #upvcglowup #budgetrenovation #windowmakeover #diyhomedecor
I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but I I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but I’ve needed to hear it again and again this past year.

This little affirmation has carried me through some of the hardest moments of my life; navigating a divorce, facing the possibility of losing my home, and somehow still showing up for my business, my family, and my creativity.

And here’s the thing: I didn’t lose my home. 🏡 I’m keeping it. 🙌 That’s the biggest takeaway for me. Because in the midst of fear and uncertainty, I held on to hope. I kept creating. I kept believing.

Stress and anxiety can really crush creativity. They make us shrink, second-guess, and settle for less than we deserve. But when we give ourselves even the tiniest flicker of faith,  that’s when the magic can return.

So if there’s something you’re holding on for, don’t let go. Keep the faith. You’ve absolutely got this.

And if someone you love needs that reminder too — feel free to share this with them. 

#CreativeJourney #InteriorTherapy #DesignAsHealing #MyHomeMyStory #HomeInspo #LifeLately #PersonalGrowth #ThisIsRealLife #WomenSupportingWomen #OvercomingObstacles
Can you believe this unexpected May sunshine? It’s giving me total garden party vibes, and with that in mind here’s how I set the table outdoors, in my maximalist style!
- Layered pattern textiles, joyful colours, coloured glass, and flowers spilling over with abundance… because when the sun shines in spring, it calls for a table that celebrates more is more.
Everything here is from my new collection with @dunelmuk where I worked to create a collection that you could effortlessly mix and match, that way you can be creative and make it your own style statement. From furniture to tableware, textiles to glassware it’s a full more is more collection! Let’s hope that sun keeps shining as I think we are in for a beautiful summer!
Before ➡️ After From beige to boom! My bathroo Before ➡️ After
From beige to boom! My bathroom is now full of colour, joy and serious personality. Proof that interior design can totally shift your mood and how you feel in your home.

Want to do the same? My online course ‘How to Create a Maximalist Interior’ gives you the tools to design boldly and beautifully — your way.

Get a whopping 25% off all May just comment MAYJOY and I’ll send you the link 🙌
Because design should feel amazing and I can’t wait to show you how.

#MaximalistInteriors #BathroomGlowUp #BoldDesign #ColourLover #SophieRobinsonInteriors #FeelGoodDesign
A monthly round up of a very busy April. Mostly ma A monthly round up of a very busy April. Mostly made up of Easter and plenty of birthday celebrations. Love how this time rolls in fresh optimism and joyful colour!
1. Spring flowers bringing all the joy. 
2. I just invested in a sonic cleaning brush and attacked all the grout. Result! Kicking off the season for Spring cleaning and sorting!
3. Celebrating the launch of my new doll! Courtesy of the latest AI viral trend! 😂
4. Bracing sea swims under the blue skies with @sophieabbottartist @jothornephotography 
5. Easter table. featuring the stunning Dhalia Bunch Fabric from my collection with @harlequinfw
6. Easter eggs
7. Spring walks delivery all the feel good vibes
8. The bluebells are out!
9. My boy turns 14!
10. who remembers the joy of magic candles! 😂
11. Working with the jeweller @vivienne.ridley on a very special commission
12. The jewellers worktop! 
13. My bestie @sophieabbottartist turns 50!
14. Throwing a little surprise by spamming her house with bunting and glitter
15. working the red carpet at the @bafta craft awards
16. my gorgeous date for the evening @edwardrobinsonid 
17. The special @vivienne.ridley commissioned necklace for @sophieabbottartist birthday. including a sentimental family diamond, freshwater pearl and gold plated name tag.
18. Lunch at @burntorangeuk honestly the best food i’ve been served in Brighton 
19. My best girls @sophieabbottartist @attunedlandscapes
I’ve always said—when the budget’s tight, th I’ve always said—when the budget’s tight, that’s when the real creativity kicks in. If you’ve been watching @interiordesignmasters, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Tiny budgets, tight timelines… and yet the designers deliver seriously awe-inspiring results!

My biggest tip? Take your time, because you’re not in a TV show! I’ve been decorating this house for 9 years, and it’s only just (almost!) finished. Sometimes that means saving up 
to splurge on the perfect piece. Other times it’s about stretching the budget with pre-loved or vintage finds—or patiently waiting for the sales to roll around.

Either way, I truly believe the go-slow approach gives you better results, helps you stay on budget, and creates a home that feels perfectly you.
But—here’s the catch—you need a plan.
Want more tips like this from me? Drop VIP in the comments and I’ll send my design secrets straight to your inbox 💌✨


#DecoratingOnABudget #InteriorInspo #ColourLover #BoldInteriors #CreativeInteriors #BudgetFriendlyDecor #HomeStyleTips #MaximiseYourBudget #HighStreetHome 
#InteriorsWithImpact #PaintPower #DIYDecor #InteriorDesignTips #SmartSpending
There are no words to describe the gratitude I fee There are no words to describe the gratitude I feel for this home.

This house isn’t just where I live — it’s my sanctuary, my creative expression, the beating heart of my family, friendships, and of course, my business. I’ve always put huge importance on making a house feel like home and see it as the foundation to my feeling of ease and happiness. 

When my marriage ended, I faced the devastating and very real possibility of losing it all. But I refused to give up on the home I’d always dreamed of.

I leaned into every manifestation tool I knew (vision boards, mindset shifts, deep emotional work) to not just create this home, but to keep it when it mattered most.

And now, I want to share exactly how I did it! 🎉

On 15th May, I’m hosting my At Home Masterclass — a chance for you to step inside my world, see my home for yourself, and learn how to manifest your dreams and design the interiors (and life) that truly light you up.

If you feel the pull, this is your invitation.

Spaces are very limited — if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it!

Just pop the word ‘Masterclass’ into the comments below 👇and I’ll DM you the details.

Because home is where the heart is. ❤️
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