The Great Indoors

We don the lab coats and answer listeners' monthly round up of interior design dilemmas. Sophie asks should she go chrome or brass for her kitchen hardware, a listener wants to know if door curtains are a design crime and what can you do to tart up a noisy plastic lean- to? Other than knock it down. Send us your style surgery questions to [email protected] Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing to become a Great Indoors Insider. www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com. Enjoy supporting the podcast, ad-free listening, bonus material and first dibs on any live event tickets. Become an annual subscriber and get 50% off! You can follow Sophie on https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ You can follow Kate on https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Sophie starts her mini renovation by smashing huge holes in the side of her house to make way for some sexy new glazed doors, Kate is just back from Turin. She’s picked up the keys to her 30 year dream, a place in Italy, and there are squeals of delight and horror as it dawns on her that she’s starting another renovation project before the dust has even settled at home. For those in need of some interior inspiration, be they big plans or small, we review the latest crop of design books to inform you on the best way to do it. Home the Way we live now, by some unknown author, Kate Watson-Smyth https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house/ 70’s house by Estelle Bilson https://www.instagram.com/70shousemanchester/ The Handbook of home design by Laura Jane Clark https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneclark_/?hl=en Interior Design masters by Joanna Thornhill. https://www.instagram.com/joannathornhillstylist/ To become a Great Indoors podcast Insider you can sign up and subscribe at www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com. Enjoy supporting the podcast, ad-free listening, bonus material and first dibs on any live event tickets. Become an annual subscriber and get 50% off! You can follow Sophie on https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ You can follow Kate on https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house Send us your style surgery questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With cucumbers and lettuces disappearing fast from British supermarket shelves don’t say we are not the only ones who have thought its about time we grow our own. We are delighted to bring to you the absolute joy monger that is Rekha Mistry, food and garden writer and presenter on Gardeners World. Whether you are going full on walled vegetable garden, or thinking of starting with a few pots, Rekha shares her expert insights from the genius of stubby carrots to pickling your glut of beans. You can follow Rekha on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rekha.garden.kitchen/?hl=en Or buy her book Rekha's Kitchen Garden https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rekhas-Kitchen-Garden-Home-Grown-Gardeners/dp/0241558360 To become a Great Indoors podcast Insider you can sign up and subscribe at www.thegreatindoorspodcast.com. Enjoy supporting the podcast, ad-free listening, bonus material and first dibs on any live event tickets. Become an annual subscriber and get 50% off! You can follow Sophie on https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ You can follow Kate on https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house Send us your style surgery questions to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate and Sophie address the issue of how to save money on your build with help from Tom, Sophie’s builder husband, who took time out from his own build - and broken down truck - to offer his calm and safe advice while Kate mostly runs around panicking that her worktop delivery is delayed. Is it, in fact, behind Tom’s broken down truck? Listen in for some really good advice. And drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate and Sophie share their trade secrets and the contents of their address books to save you money when it comes to designing your own home, including how to get a designer kitchen for less and ideas for making your very un-designer kitchen look more bespoke. Tips include hacking flatpack furniture using fabric, paint and wallpaper, incorporating a tiny amount of a luxe material rather than a lot of fake and sourcing high end appliances at knock-down prices. A must listen for all those with champagne tastes and lemonade budgets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sophie is full of the joys of Spring and plans to tidy up her garden so she can take coffee on the patio while Kate, having just renovated her windows and replaced her boiler and radiators is quite happy for Winter to carry on for a bit longer especially as her garden is full of renovation rubble. This week on the show the pair interview Jules Haines, of The Haines Collection, who is on a quest to reduce waste in the interior design industry one metre of a fabric at a time. To date she has saved over 22,000m of material (that’s enough to make more than 10,000 pairs of jeans). With 42 per cent of all textiles in UK landfill coming from the home (the rest is fashion) Jules set up The Haines Collection in 2020, a digital platform dedicated to diverting leftover fabric from landfill by offering a portal through which brands can sell unused and leftover fabrics. We hear about what motivates Jules – how she once saved some £1000 rolls of wallpaper from a skip - which brands are trying to make a difference and how we can all do our part to help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our monthly style surgery; the episode where you get the chance to have your burning design dilemmas answered by design experts Kate and Sophie. From how to combat the acres of cream and beams in a period house to adding character to a new build, our expertise knows no bounds! The burning question though, is where should Jordon hang his wall art in his small bedroom? Could it be time for the feature wall to return? Help us decide because, it won’t surprise you to know, we can’t agree. If you have a question, you’d like answering in the listeners style surgery, please send us an amil, or better still a voice note to [email protected]. Follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house/ Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don’t they say the best things come in little packages? Well that’s the topic of today’s debate as we explore the smallest rooms in our homes and make the case that they are to be cherished, indeed celebrated. With the trend setters kicking the open plan knock through off the lust list, we are all falling in love with walls again. Designers are going one step closer and putting an enormous amount of effort into our book nooks, box bedrooms closets pantries and breakfast booths. So come the tiny room revolution, you heard it here first! Follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house/ Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate takes a break from grappling with her builders to bring you this delightful interview with the TV presenter and design writer Michelle Ogundehin. BBC One’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ returns this month, so Michelle is happy to share what’s instore this series! When she’s not bringing aspiring interior designers to task, Michelle can be mostly found tidying up! She’s just completed a month of letting things go…and has Kate chomping at the bit to get started decluttering some of her unpacked boxes. Michelle has a wonderful holistic approach to interior design, firmly rooted in exploring what makes us feel truly happy inside. It doesn’t start with a paint chart, but by carefully curating the objects in your home to tell your unique story. So many pearls of wisdom in this episode, have your notebook ready! You can find more about Michelle on Instagram @michelleogundehin Or over on substack: https://michelleogundehin.substack.com/ If you would like to apply to be on series 5 of Interior design masters its https://shortaudition.com/Interior-Design-Masters-Series-5 Follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house/ Join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegreatindoorspodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fearne Cotton's wardrobe, Kelly Hoppen's fridge and Jay Blades on the magic of mending. The death of grey, the banning of white and the utter horror of the scented candle. All this and much, much more as Kate and Sophie romp through the archives to celebrate the show's 100th episode. As long as no one mentions painted furniture... You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If it’s a fight between maximalism and minimalism, then Maximalism has just pulled a right hook. In the is week’s episode of The Great indoors, Kate and Sophie drool and dissect Lily Allen’s freshly revealed Brooklyn home that went viral this month, thanks to a house tour courtesy of AD magazine. Painted murals, tiger print, pattern carpet and a pink bedroom in a cupboard should all be red flags, but wow does she pull it off! Meanwhile, learn-to-live- with-less guru Marie Kondo has thrown in the towel with clutter free living. Three children in she confesses to having better things to do with her time than constantly tidying up. Welcome to the club Marie! You can find the tour of Lily Allen’s pad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXXe9Ef_R8 You can follow Kate and Sophie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mad_about_the_house/ https://www.instagram.com/sophierobinsoninteriors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once again Kate and Sophie come to the rescue to help listeners caught up in a design dilemma. From how to divide and decorate an open plan space to whether you should choose curtains or blinds the Great Indoors has all the answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Kate is back from a trip to Paris for Maison & Objet, the international design trade show. She’s brimming with talk of trends and fresh design inspirations. It was a welcome break from her own house renovation. And on that topic, we asked listeners to share their renovation horror stories, as a problem shared is a problem halved as they say. And Sophie and Kate provide solace and words of wisdom for anyone tackling a build project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode brings you a fascinating interview with Senior mortgage broker Kim Balasubramaniam from The Mortgage Mum. Kim has recently helped Sophie secure a new mortgage during a very challenging time, post the mini-budget’, which saw interest rates rocket. Kim believes a house is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where memories are made, dreams realised and comfort is sought. Be it switching at the end of your fixed term, looking to get on the property ladder, or raising funds for home improvements, Kim is adept at guiding us through this stressful time! To learn more about Kim and The Mortgage Mum, visit https://themortgagemum.co.uk/our-team/kim-balasubramaniam/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy new year 2023! On today’s show Sophie and Kate share what their dreams and aspirations are for the year ahead. Sophie has produced a whole vision board and Kate has come up with a word, such is her enthusiasm for the year ahead. Musing about the trends we can look forward to seeing in 2023, what’s in, and what are we quietly quitting. And will Kate ever we persuaded away with her love affair with 50 shades of brown. Tune in to find out! The trend article Sophie was talking about can be found here: https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/interior-design-trends-were-quiet-quitting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tis the season to be jolly, and we got into the festive spirit with our latest guest to The Great Indoors, Saima Khan of the acclaimed Hampstead Kitchen. Saima is the queen of creating beautiful food and a table setting that is a visual feast for the eyes to boot! In this episode she shares expert insights on simple menu planning, creating mouth-watering table displays and keeping it thrifty, low stress and sustainable. And as one of the most sought after private chefs in the world, Saima has some delicious stories to share about how the rich and famous will be celebrating this Christmas. Thanks for having us Saima, you made us feel very special and that’s what great friends are for! Find out more about Saima at https://www.thehampsteadkitchen.com/ or over on instagram https://www.instagram.com/hampsteadkitchn/ For all your Christmas and Home decoration desires visit our sponsor Anthropologie and use the discount code SPARKLE at check out for your 20% off your purchase, valid from the 1st – 21stDecember. This offer does not include furniture, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, is for one time use only and does not apply to previous purchases, and UK only. https://www.anthropologie.com/en-g You can follow Sophie and Kate on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Christmas is traditionally a season of excess, Sophie and Kate discuss how you can it more sustainable. For all your Christmas and Home decoration desires visit our sponsor Anthropologie and use the discount code SPARKLE at check out for your 20% off your purchase, valid from the 1st – 21st December. This offer does not include furniture, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, is for one time use only and does not apply to previous purchases. https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb You can follow us on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sophie and Kate devote themselves to all things Christmas in this special edition where they answer and argue over listeners style dilemmas. From how to style your Christmas themed mantel to how to make a drag queen tree topper, the Great Indoors has you covered. For all your Christmas and Home decoration desires visit our sponsor Anthropologie and use the discount code SPARKLE at check out for 20% off your purchase, valid from the 1st – 21st December. This offer does not include furniture, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and does not apply to previous purchases. Code is one time use only. Items mentioned at the top of the show include: Delaney candle stick George and Viv calendar House of Hackney x Anthropologie vase Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let there be light - but not too much. Kate and Sophie discuss Autumnal lighting and explain how to create ambience and atmosphere in your home. They also talk future proofing your home and how to get ready for inevitable changes in your life without compromising on style. Plus - should patterned carpet be confined to the Queen Vic and other dodgy boozers? Kate thinks not, and is even considering this potential design crime for her own new house... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's next for paint trends? Is Downpipe a design crime? Why on earth is Jitney called Jitney? And HOW do you decide what colour to paint your front room? Joa Studholme is the colour curator for adored paint and paper brand Farrow & Ball. Here she reveals all, from how she mixes colour in a ramekin at the kitchen table, to what colour paint she knows will always mean "home" to her children. Do follow Joa @joastudholme Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are radiator covers a crime against the environment AND a design crime too? In the style crime scene that is Kate's new home, Kate and Sophie discuss stylish ways to save energy and reduce your heating bill. They also look at wallpaper trends, why an animal motif definitely won’t be making it onto Kate’s new walls and novel alternatives to the MDF radiator cover. Macrame, anyone? Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast To sign up to Sophie's online course and get the 15% off, go to the courses page on her site and use the coupon code ‘thegreatindoors’ at check out. And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you really have it all? Industrial cosy colourful minimalism? Or must you choose? In this first edition of the regular Style Surgery Specials, Kate and Sophie help a listener caught in a torrid triangle of conflicting design passions. They also advise on stylish solutions to storing vinyl, suggest the best colours to complement views of the great outdoors, and have stern words with a listener who wonders: is artex about to stage a comeback? Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast To sign up to Sophie's online course and get the 15% off, go to the courses page on her site and use the coupon code ‘thegreatindoors’ at check out. And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your shower curtain out to get you? Kate and Sophie consider the homicidal billowing mass in the bathroom... is it a design crime? There's a juicy stack of new design books that might help you get ahead with your (whisper it) Christmas shopping. Plus stacks of tips on how to get the best value out of your furniture. These are the books Sophie and Kate discussed: - More is More Decor by Siobhan Murphy @interiorcurve - Own your Zone by Ruth Matthew’s @design_soda_ruthie - Marbling by Zeena Shah @heartzeena - Interior Portraits by SJ Axelby @sjaxelby - Create by Emily Henson @lifeunstyled Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk You can follow them on Instagram @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Podcast To sign up to Sophie's online course and get the 15% off go to the courses page on her site and use the coupon code ‘thegreatindoors’ at check out. And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are beetles just middle class flamingos? In this week's interview, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen tells it like it is (and Kate and Sophie struggle to get a word in edgeways). What's the secret to pulling off maximalist decor? Is minimalism really misogynist? And why do we all need to #BeMoreRita? All that and More More More (including why we should never listen to designers...) Laurence's book More More More is on sale now now now. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors To sign up to Sophies online course and get the 30% off until the end of October follow this link And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is a kitchen island a design crime? Is hot pink a timeless classic? Will Kate ever escape from under a mountain of packing boxes? Sophie and Kate tackle all the big questions. There's downsizing, decluttering and ditching your O level coursework (but what if you need it?) There are sexy new paint colours from the likes of Dulux and Farrow and Ball. And there's a very controversial candidate for Design Crimes... is this the end for the kitchen island? Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors To sign up to Sophies online course and get the 30% off until the end of October follow this link And for behind the scenes footage of Sophie and Kate uncut, unplugged and unrestrained, do have a look at YouTube . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Great Indoors is Back! Even Kate is emotional (not really). With plenty to catch up on after the break, Kate reveals all about her house move, Sophie talks how to make the best of it when spiralling budgets mean your renovation dreams are dashed - and the listeners have a frightening amount to say about the mysterious design quirk that is The Washing Up Bowl... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think you know sticky-backed plastic? Think again. Serial renter, nocturnal DIY-er and queen of reversible decor hacks, Amara Hasham of @thepajaamahub and The Faff Store reveals the jaw-dropping possibilities to be had. If you rent, or just want to try out some bold ideas that can easily be reversed - you can't afford to miss this. Plus Kate and Sophie deep dive into how to make ethical choices when it comes to paint - and help a listener wanting to inject colour and personality into her kitchen. If you have intel to share about ethical paint choices or want to suggest a brand that should be in the #DoLessHarm Directory, then do get in touch with the show or reach out to Sophie @sophierobinsonsinteriors and Kate @mad_about_the_house Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Got your sacrificial plants in place? Arit Anderson, garden designer and presenter on BBC Two's Gardener's World, reveals the secrets of the Great Outdoors. She tells Kate and Sophie all about beating slugs, choosing plants - and why you should think of your garden as an extension of your wardrobe. There's something for everyone in the latest juicy design books up for review - and then the Style Surgery asks how to tackle a room packed with doors and windows but no identity of it's own... Kate and Sophie are reviewing: Faded Glamour by the Sea by Pearl Lowe Anna Spiro: A Life in Pattern by Anna Spiro Relaxed Living, Happy Home by Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote Hotel to Home: Industrial Interiors from the World's Most Original Hotels Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All yellow? Kate and Sophie chart the rise of the most fashionable colour of the moment - and reveal how you can harness its power. Then it's all about making the bed so fabulous you never want to leave it (tho Kate is already there tbh) And in the Style Surgery a listener asks how to mismatch furniture with confidence... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the gallery wall over? Sophie and Kate ponder the pros and cons of the much beloved wall-of-many-pictures. They're also bursting with tips for small ideas that create a big impact, from lampshades to tester pots. And an intriguing style surgery asks: when is a period detail a stunning "original feature" that must be preserved - and when is it a dated eyesore? Kate and Sophie would like to ask anyone who feels able to donate towards the work of the Red Cross, the Disasters Emergency Committee or Save the Children in Ukraine. Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living room, sitting room or lounge? Sophie and Kate dive into the whimsical world of what we call the rooms in our houses - and why we care so much. The pair discuss the intriguing trend for rental furniture, reporting back on companies like Harth, Shelff and the John Lewis collab with Fat Llama. The Style Surgery has a prescription for rugs in kitchens, and we hear listener reactions to the Resurrection of Grey Paint. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paint it black? Kate is in shock over Sophie's dramatic design choices in her new TV show, Design Home Makeovers. Sophie is in shock over reports that Grey is Back and about to take over the nation's walls again. And both are running screaming from the terrifying spectacle of... house moths. Better calm down with a nice soothing Wordle. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's next? Colour? Curves? Not caring about trends? Kate and Sophie look ahead to what's in store for 2022. And the pair talk you through how to encourage your own inspiration and creativity. Plus - for one episode only - Design crimes is back and badder than ever... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it the most ranty time of the year? Sophie revels in Kate's traditional festive rage about Christmas... but never fear there's still time for excellent decorating tips and inventive present ideas to make your Yule cool. Plus, the Style Surgery is all about cosiness and colour in open plan living... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which side are you on when it comes to The Battle of The Big Light? Kate and Sophie talk glow vs glare when it comes to lighting choices, and how to do both of them right. The pair reveal how to pant your walls and ceilings when odd angles and sloping plaster means you aren't quite sure where one starts and the other stops. Plus there's a gorgeous batch of design books reviewed, just in time for your Christmas lists. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stuck between a yellow sofa and a purple beetle? Kate and Sophie are together again and Kate's already criticising the decor... But the pair are also sharing all the news of what they've been up to, from making hit TV to making eco sofas. Then the Builder Husband is on hand with a practical guide to greening your home. And in the Style Surgery a listener struggles with a flooring dilemma... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tempted to try upholstery? Sharon O'Connor of Vintique Upholstery reveals her top tips, whether you're having a go yourself or calling in an expert. There's a ravishing roundup of all the trends, as the Dulux colour of the year is revealed and the design shows reopen. And in the Style Surgery a listener asks: can an English country cottage be created from a crumbling 70s nightmare? Kate and Sophie roll up their sleeves... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fancy a Wall of Hair? Cult classic Changing Rooms is back and who better to grab the staple gun than hosts Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio? Sophie gets all the inside gossip on Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, rogue paint pots and the Hair Wall that united a nation in horror... Plus Sophie and Kate reveal everything you ever needed to know about wallpaper - and help a listener who desperately needs help zoning a small space. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have a collapsible Japanese temple yet? Kate and Sophie visit the mews house of designer Guy Oliver, managing director of Oliver Laws. Poking their noses into everything as ever, the pair discover the secrets of distilling Guy's international experience, personal history and eclectic taste into a small space. Guy works extensively with artisans in Afghanistan through the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, supporting traditional crafts and providing jobs and skills. For more information, or if you'd like to make a donation, please visit turquoisemountain.org Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know your rattan from your cane? Sophie and Kate reveal the definitive guide to winning at the biggest trend in town. A flurry of sexy design books get reviewed, from Kit Kemp's Design Secrets, Oliver Heath on Urban Eco Chic and Phaidon on Contemporary Designers. And in the style surgery, what to do with a lightless hallway when your partner won't let you embrace the dark and keeps bleating about it looking like Dracula's castle... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there a builder in the house? Sophie goes all the way into the room next door to bring us an absolutely invaluable toolbox of tricks and tips on how to get the best from your builder, courtesy of the Builder Husband Tom. Kate sings the praises of floorplans and how changing the layout could transform your space without, well, calling in the builders. And the Style Surgery considers: what colour to paint the garden wall? Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors And if you would like to put a question to Tom the Builder, just email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fancy staying in a home-tel? Sophie and Kate are bursting with ideas for creating that holiday vibe at home (though Kate can't quite bring herself to say "home-tel") Plus there's ingenious ways to win at teensy bathrooms, and in the Style Surgery a listener asks from under a pile of children: when is it safe to have beautiful, fragile, interior decor that won't get covered in yoghurt and scribbles? Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you a Stylish Person? Find out as Sophie tests Kate... what are the items every truly Stylish Person owns? Iconic designer Halston surely fits the bill. At any rate the hit Netflix show about his life stars some incredible interiors (alongside Ewan McGregor) Plus, Professor Stephen Westland of Leeds University has some jaw-dropping insight into the science of colour taste. You can find more about Professor Westland's work and the Harlequin range on their website harlequin.sandersondesigngroup.com Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living in a grey wicker world? Kate and Sophie tackle the stylish options for garden furniture and outdoor living (and agree to disagree about Kate's Danish Sitting Suit) The joy of tablescaping and how glorious tableware doesn't have the break the budget. And finally how to keep morale up over a long renovation. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Got your glitterball yet? Kate and Sophie are in the same place for once, and it's the fabulous, colourful and creative home of singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Beyond the kitchen where Sophie's famous lockdown discos happened, she reveals her cushion obsession, her beloved giant ice cream cone, her unexpected talent for taxidermy. She talks about how stuff tells your story, about why she lets her five kids draw on the walls - and how she reconciles a passion for House of Hackney Artemis with the reality of Calpol stains... Find out more about Sophie Ellis-Bextor at sophieellisbextor.net Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fancy some gold wallpaper? Kate and Sophie consider the interiors furore around Boris and Carrie's lavish refurb and ask if John Lewis is really the stuff of nightmares... Designer Simon Hamilton gives an optimistic update on the progress of initiatives to encourage diversity in design. And in the Style Surgery a listener is planning to upcycle her kitchen - but is it worth it? To book your online colour scheming consultation with Harlequin go to sandersondesigngroupshowroom.setmore.com You can find out more about Simon's work at designcareer.co.uk Or email him [email protected] And his instagram is @designcareerldn You can find out more about United in Design at unitedindesign.com And there's more about Design for Diversity at rukminipatel.com/design-for-diversity The British Institute of Interior Design's site gives more info about their plans: biid.org.uk Other useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ready to channel your inner lady of the manor? From pelmets to marble busts, Sophie and Kate explain how to do the new country house style. Then it's everything you ever needed to know about blinds, curtains and all things window related. And finally Sophie's asking for inspiration when it comes to pets and interiors. No hope for the cream curtains with giant navy pompoms... Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scented candles or just... smelly candles? Kate and Sophie consider the scene-setting power of the candle, from fig and gingerbread to the "scent of freshly signed divorce papers". The pair review luscious books by Lisa Dawson, Beata Heuman and Jo Thornhill, and in the Style Surgery a listener needs to negotiate with her conservatory... Find out more about Lisa Dawson's Resourceful Living on her website lisadawsonstyling.com Beata Heuman's Every Room Should Sing is out now. Jo Thornhill's The New Mindful Home is also out now. Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time to embrace neutrals? Colour-lover Sophie has an identity crisis as Ruth Mottershead, creative director of The Little Greene Paint Company, reveals the essential guide to using the New Neutrals. Kate and Sophie offer a host of practical tips for shopping online - and the Style Surgery tackles the conundrum of hallway flooring. Find out more about Ruth's work at littlegreene.com Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you now or have you ever been guilty of painting furniture? Kate and Sophie explore everything you need to know about vintage from antiques expert Drew Pritchard of TV's Salvage Hunters - including a controversial Design Crime! Sophie reveals all the behind the scenes gossip from the BBC's Interior Design Masters, plus the pair help a listener who is starting with a completely blank interiors canvas and doesn't know where to start. Find out more about Drew's work at drewpritchard.co.uk Useful links and images are supplied on each of Kate and Sophie’s blogs madaboutthehouse.com and sophierobinson.co.uk or join our Facebook group The Great Indoors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices