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18 Dec 18

Pantone’s colour of the year: Living Coral

Secret Linen Store Hot Coral pompom throw £95 1600x1200px crop

I love it when a new colour gets touted as a ‘trend’ and Pantone never disappoints. And this year, it’s another contentious choice to get everyone’s feathers in a ruffle! This is what trend predictions are all about in my view – to stop us getting too cosy, and to keep pushing the parameters of ‘good taste.’ So let’s get my cards on the table straight away.  Pantone has declared their colour of the year 2019 a rather fabulous Living Coral, and I’m very much on board! In fact, I might be sailing the ship!

“An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge”

PANTONE

pantone-colour-of-year-2019-living-coral-design_

It’s another colour that Pantone feel we need to give us all a big dose of the feel-good factor. Another strong, forward-facing strident hue that holds no prisoners. The colour for 2018 was an equally ‘shocking’ Ultra Violet – you can catch up on my report here. Pantone once again, acknowledges that we feel swamped by the digital, fearful about our politics and freaked out by the state of the planet. Quite frankly it’s all got a bit serious and heavy. So rather than give us a nice calm shade of green to go and have a lie down under, they feel it’s time to lighten up and have some fun! And that sentiment is embodied in this shade of sherbet, eighties lipstick and tropical sunsets.

Interior designer and colour lover Sophie Robinson picks her favourite interior products following the Pantone colour of the year Living Coral, fashionistas Jennifer Lopez and Gigi Hadid

Both J-Lo and Gigi Hadid stepped out in Pantone’s Living Coral within hours of the announcement, as featured in Vogue showing that this on-trend colour has buckets of sass but requires confidence and conviction to wear head to toe. Image credit: Getty Images

 

“Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolising our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.”

PANTONE

I have to say that I wholeheartedly concur (of course I do!). I personally find it a jolly, uplifting and rather edgy colour. Sitting in between red and orange, it loses the aggressive edge of one whilst being way sexier than the other. Like all of these trends, you need to ignore it if it isn’t for you – don’t get your knickers in a twist if it’s making you run to the hills (under an apricot sunset). If you prefer things a little more pale and uninteresting, then you could play around with it’s paler cousin peach, which has been touted as the new pink for some time.

Interior designer and colour lover Sophie Robinson picks her favourite interior products following the Pantone colour of the year Living Coral Bavero wallpaper in Coral, Zapara collection by Harlequin

Bavero wallpaper in Coral, Zapara collection by Harlequin

I think these orangey shades are the perfect progression from the all-things-pink obsession. Peach and coral shades have more warmth and my overriding trend forecast for the next few years, is that we will be turning our back on the cool greys and sophisticated navy in favour of colours which have warmth at their core. While the trend-setters will make a splash with it on all four walls, I think for most that it creates too much energy in a room to actually be able to live with. Instead, it will be popping up as a great accent in our interior schemes. If you have already signed up to a cool grey interior then a pop of Living Coral could be just what you need to stop taking it all too seriously. Similarly, it would look delicious with navy – or my personal favourite teamed with cobalt blue.

pantone colour of the year living coral features in this pom pom fringed bedlinen designed by sophie robinson for the secret linen store

My collection of bedlinen for The Secret Linen Store uses a hot coral as an accent for cushions and a trim on the pom pom bedlinen which updates the classic white.

I’d like to say I had a crystal ball, or that I’m just so smoking hot and on trend – but either way, I chose coral as one of my key colours when designing my new range of bedlinen for The Secret Linen Store earlier this year. My reasons were because it felt more modern than pink, I loved it next to the deep blue I was already smitten with and felt that in small splashes it was a great way to add pep to an existing scheme. You can buy it as a pom pom cushion and throw or as a delicate micro trim on all white bed linen. So my advice with this trend is to dip your toe in. And next time you think it has to be pink, think of adding peach or coral red instead.

My pick of the best coral accessories to add some punch and instantly update your interior

Interior designer and colour lover Sophie Robinson picks her favourite interior products following the Pantone colour of the year Living Coral

1. Ercol Originals loveseat in half rose, (bespoke order) available at Heal’s | 2. Paipai Coral Velvet Armchair, Ligne Roset | 3. Brookland orange plate and cup & saucer, Habitat | 4. Brass monkey table lamp with orange shades, Audenza (available Feb-Mar) | 5. Grassington 2 seater sofa in Tango Flamingo, Sofas & Stuff | 6. Embellished cushion in coral, Anthropologie | 7. Metallic woven pommed cushion, Anthropologie | 8. Chalk Paint, Coral Mix using Tilton and Emperor’s Silk, Annie Sloan

 

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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 flaked or scratched yet (three 
years so far) 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. ❤️
Over 25 years as a designer I’ve honed what elem Over 25 years as a designer I’ve honed what elements work in my room scheme and I can see these five things repeated again and again. And I didn’t even mention colour, but that’s a given right!

But it’s very personal and I love nothing more than helping you find your unique design DNA. 

I’m hosting a very special masterclass at my own home on the 15th May. A day with a small group of like minded homeowners to really see and feel my approach up close! It’s an opportunity to get your questions answered and spark ideas. Comment ‘Masterclass’ below and I’ll send you the details, but be quick, there’s only a few seats left!

#colourpsychology #interiordesign #maximalism #maximalistinteriors #designtips #colourfulhome
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