The Interior Lovers

We have more access to inspiration than ever before. Thousands of beautiful homes. Endless Pinterest boards. Instagram feeds packed with perfectly styled rooms. So why does decorating seem harder than ever? In this episode, Naomi and Sam explore the growing phenomenon of social media fatigue and what it's doing to our confidence, creativity and ability to trust our own taste. They discuss why...

This week on The Interior Lovers , we’re talking about something that can make or break a renovation project: working with trades. Because while most of us will spend hours researching paint colours, taps and tiles, very few of us are taught how to actually navigate the people bringing those ideas to life. And when you're investing serious money into your home, knowing how to communicate, que...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi step into the world of ultra-luxury interiors - where £100K sofas, crystal chandeliers and gold-plated everything raise a bigger question: when does luxury stop feeling good? This isn’t about dismissing beautiful, well-made design. It’s about looking more closely at what we’re actually responding to - and whether high price always equals high...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi are joined by Anna Blakey to talk about renovating a family home… while living on a houseboat. What began as a practical solution during building works became something far more memorable - an unexpected adventure on the water, complete with tight spaces, shifting routines and a strong sense of community. Anna shares the realities of adapting...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi explore what designers really notice the moment they walk into a room. It’s rarely about whether you’ve fluffed the cushions. It’s about proportion, lighting, flow and how everything relates to everything else. Within seconds, they’re clocking rug size, curtain length, artwork placement, furniture scale and whether the lighting feels layered a...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi dig into copycat colour - that familiar moment when a palette looks beautiful online, but somehow feels wrong once it’s in your own home. They explore why colour choices that are lifted directly from Instagram or Pinterest can leave us feeling unsettled, disconnected or even anxious - and why that reaction isn’t about “getting it wrong”, but a...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi talk about renovation regrets - the decisions homeowners most often wish they’d made differently, and why they happen so easily. This isn’t about bad taste or obvious mistakes. It’s about rushed choices, overlooked details, and the practical realities of living in a space day after day. From storage, lighting and layout to colour decisions, bu...

In this episode of The Interior Lovers , Sam and Naomi unpack what finishing touches really mean - and why they’re so often misunderstood. This isn’t about cushions and candles. It’s about the practical, often invisible decisions that make a home feel resolved: lighting levels, bulb choice, fixture heights, socket placement and cable management. The details designers notice instantly - and homeown...

In this episode, Sam and Naomi dig into the real-life shifts that shape the way we live, and how design can (and must!) adapt along the way. From growing families to downsizing, hybrid working to empty nesting, ageing in place to completely fresh starts after major life changes, we explore why a home is never truly “finished.” Expect practical ideas, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of “oh my...

In Part 2 of our Kitchen Design A–Z, we pick up at M and dive into the real details that make a kitchen work. We talk mood boards and why they’re essential before you step foot in a showroom, clever little nooks that turn everyday moments into rituals, the love-it-or-hate-it world of open shelving, the joy (and practicality) of pantries big or small, and the difference between quartz and quartzite...

We’re kicking off our A–Z series with the big one: kitchens . From whether your appliances should be on display to why your layout matters way more than you think, we’re breaking down the essentials that make a kitchen actually work. Expect chat about:  ✨ The great appliance-on-show debate  🔥 Our own kitchen mishaps (yes, even designers have them)  🧭 Why planning your layout first saves you fro...

As platforms like Instagram and Pinterest continue to shape what we see - and aspire to - are our homes starting to look a little too alike? In this episode, Sam and Naomi dig into the double-edged nature of social media’s influence on interior design. They chat about the comfort of conformity versus the joy of genuine self-expression, the rise of “fast interiors,” and how the chase for likes can...

Before you pick paint colours or pin mood boards, there’s one essential step: decluttering.  In this episode we team up again with the incredible Tinka from Solve my Space and talk all things prep before renovation - from letting go of the unnecessary to making space for what truly matters. We cover the following and so much more: Why decluttering is your design superpower; the importance of stora...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Graça Paz, a globally celebrated Portuguese artist and colourist who thinks and dreams in vibrant hues.   Discover how she breaks conventional colour and design rules, infusing her work -  and interiors - with personality and emotion. We delve into the fascinating psychology of colour, exploring how specific shades reflect life's emotional journeys and of...

In this episode, we enter the imaginative world of Emma Shipley - a universe where whimsy meets wonder and every design tells a story.  Known for her enchanting and intricate illustrations, Emma invites us into her mystical world and talks about what inspires her designs, how her work blends a sense of adventure with timeless artistry, and how she offers a fresh perspective on contemporary design...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cleghorn from MC&Co Trend, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience, for an exclusive exploration into the colour trends shaping interiors for 2025/2026. Michael shares his insights on the difference between what’s “on trend”, “trending”, and “trendy” - and why colour is at the heart of design right now. From bold reds to vibrant oranges and...

In our latest podcast episode, we break down how to approach your interiors project without the stress! From floor plans to budgeting. We discuss all the essentials to make your space work for you. We share tips on layering, planning, and how to avoid your room looking like a technicolor dreamcoat! Plus, learn how to break things into manageable tasks and the importance of flow - all while staying...

In this episode of “Meet the Maker” we chat with the talented Tom Faulkner, a true furniture craftsman whose designs are nothing short of artwork.  Tom shares his journey of inspiration, the importance of creative collaboration within his talented team, and how patience and time are key to his creative process. We also get a preview of his exciting new venture into soft furnishings, all while stay...

In this episode, we're here to rescue you from the overwhelming world of drenching techniques — colour drenching, pattern drenching, double drenching, and yes, even material drenching!   But what does it all mean? Why should you care?  Is it sustainable? We dive into it all, unpacking the secrets behind visual harmony, texture, richness, and why drenching a space might lead to that perfectly...

In our latest episode we were thrilled to chat with Keith and Mark from Mini Moderns - often referred to as a cult British homewares brand. We chatted all things pattern, colour and explored how storytelling is crucial to their brand - which ranges from wallpapers to fabrics to ceramics. They have certainly mastered the craft of creating patterns that are both versatile and enduring.  We discuss h...

Join us as we delve into the world of beige in our latest episode! This understated hue has seen a remarkable resurgence, celebrated for its ability to evoke comfort and tranquility. Often associated with the quiet luxury aesthetic, beige serves as a versatile, grounding neutral base for your home. However we’ll discuss why an all-beige palette isn't the ultimate solution for every design sch...

In this episode, we are excited to delve into the art of decorating properties for Airbnb listings. Joining us is our special guest, Annie Brereton, the interior decorator behind Authentic Spaces, an Australian design firm specializing in transforming properties into profitable Airbnb rentals. Together, we share insights from our diverse experiences. Naomi recently renovated a villa in France that...

A festive chat to end the year and a mini celebration to mark the 35 episodes we've released since launching the podcast nine months ago. Thank you to all our regular listeners for your support, and thank you to all the guests who have come on so far.  We're super proud of our little interiors' podcast, and can't wait to grow it as we move into 2025 with lots more episodes and...

In this latest episode, we are thrilled to welcome Andrew Seed, owner of The Odd Company: the family-owned British business which specialises in crafting luxury pocket sprung handmade mattresses in any shape or size, which can be shipped worldwide. Andrew truly provides us here with an in-depth educational session on everything you possibly need to know about specifying a mattress. We learned so m...

In this latest episode, we welcome Stacy Thorwart, International AI Educator from The Intelligent Designer who shares her insights on how quickly artificial intelligence (AI) has grown within the interior design field. She shares practical tips on how to gradually adopt this new technology to enhance our work. We question whether AI is distorting or enhancing traditional design. Stacy believes it&...