The Interior Lovers

In this latest episode, we welcome fashion stylist Jennine Jacob, renowned for her empowering approach to helping women discover their unique style.  We explore the intriguing parallels between interior design and fashion, delving into how the psychology of style transcends both realms.  At the heart of it all lies the importance of trusting your intuition, embracing authenticity, and resisting th...

In this exciting episode, we’re delighted to welcome Stephanie King, the Content & Creative Lead from Dulux Paint in the UK.   Get ready to dive deep into the vibrant world of paint!  You’ll uncover valuable insights on everything from the nuances of different paint finishes for walls, trim, and ceilings (plus a top tip for ceiling paint) to understanding paint composition, sampling techniques...

In this episode, we share our best tips for transforming your home to embrace the changing seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Discover how to infuse your space with fresh energy and warmth, incorporate seasonal colours, and create a cozy atmosphere. We'll explore ways to refresh your decor with natural elements that capture the essence of the season. These thoughtful touches not only enhance...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of sofas, exploring every detail from styles to material choices to actual sofa components.  Would you invest in a bespoke or custom sofa 🛋️?  Are you torn between going bold with a patterned, colorful sofa or leaning towards subtlety? Do you prefer the cozy embrace of a slouchy feather sofa, or do you gravitate towards the elegance of trim and s...

In this latest episode, we explore our perspective on children's rooms, emphasising that they need not be predictable or devoid of imagination. There is no requirement for your little one's space to resemble a Pottery Barn Kids catalogue. We discuss the use of wallpapers, murals, and whimsical elements in young people's environments, highlighting that peaceful retreats can be design...

We hope that this episode will resonate with a wide range of our listeners. It’s a fascinating and deeply relatable topic for any listeners who are navigating the complexities of life transitions, especially those related to relationships and living spaces (not necessarily divorcées!).  Amongst other elements, we address the Impact of divorce/separation on home design; the importance of personalis...

In this episode we are delighted to engage with Roisin Quinn, the esteemed winner of the most recent season of BBC’s Interior Design Masters Competition. Roisin shared invaluable insights into her experiences on the reality show and her exciting transition towards establishing her own design studio.  For those who have been enthusiastic followers of the series, we invite you to take a seat and enj...

In this episode we debate the recently released Dulux Colour of the Year 2025:  True Joy.   While the annual colour announcements might not resonate with everyone, they can stimulate conversation and creativity across various fields. Ultimately, whether one perceives it as silly or meaningful may depend on personal perspective and how they interact with trends in design and culture.   True Joy is...

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome our inaugural Special Guest, Tinka Markham-Piper of Solve My Space! Join us as we explore the captivating world of chaotic interiors and discuss the profound impact that our home environment has on our overall well-being. Tinka opens up about the feelings of vulnerability and overwhelm that often arise when our belongings begin to spiral out of contr...

This latest episode is a little different:  we delve into the way we both design. Design processes are an important aspect to any design project, whether inspired by one single favourite piece or by a feeling you have in a special place.  Intuition plays an important component, as does how you want to feel in a space. Naomi’s method is rather structured and conceptual, whereas Sam’s is more free f...

In this latest episode we talk about how rugs are an essential element in any interior design project. They add warmth, texture and style to any space. From traditional oriental rugs to modern geometrics to flat-weaves. We get quite technical and by the end you will hopefully know hand knotted from hand tufted and so much more!  We cover materials,  help navigate the ins and outs of most of your u...

In this episode we talk about the little details which create a coherent theme and can completely personalise any space.   We cover everything from dolly switches to coloured fabric flex, and from USB A/C sockets to lacquered brass shelf brackets and custom ceiling roses.  Home hardware is a functional (and can even be sensory) and special stylistic part of your home that shouldn’t be overlooked....

In our latest episode, we talk about trends. They have always existed: historically populations were influenced by royalty and the wealthy and their style filtered down. Even Napoleon was an influencer - who knew!  We touch on how trends can inflate one’s expectations only for them to be quickly disillusioned.  Basically avoid blindly buying into a trend simply because it's a “trend”. We chat...

In our latest episode, we roll down the window and simplify everything you may struggle with when it comes to window treatments.   We examine different curtain headings: from the goblet to the cartridge to the pencil pleat - we talk suitability and consider practical issues which are a key element to consider.  From trim flanges to favourite curtain rods, to sidewinders to blackouts, to chain driv...

In our latest episode we discuss all things tile related:  from their earliest use in Egypt, around 4000 BC, and later those clever Egyptians who also invented glazes.  We break down the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles; analyse which tiles are best for outdoor projects and discuss tiling patterns, lippage, repeats and the tantalising textural world of Zellige tiles.   So, in summary...

Ok, so we lied, that’s an oxymoron; but we got your  attention! In this episode we offer practical advice about different types of storage solutions: sounds gripping eh? Well you’d be surprised how many of our clients struggle with how to maximize and optimise storage throughout their homes.  So you’re in the right place if you’re in need of help in this department. We talk about the origins of ho...

Sam and Naomi are both huge advocates for incorporating wallpaper into their designs. In this episode we unpack practical advice about the different types of papers available: tips on how to incorporate it in innovative ways; how wallpaper can easily transform a space by incorporating texture and dimension; the origins of wallpaper and inevitably there are some anecdotes.  When discussing our pers...

Choosing optimal lighting options can be a minefield.  In this episode we cover a vast array of tips, insights and inspiration on how to achieve a cohesive lighting scheme in your home in order to create a harmonious atmosphere. Tune in to listen to us break down the basics of the different categories of lighting, which fixtures to use where, zoning spaces with lighting, lighting circuits and circ...

In this week’s episode we take an initial look at the very complex subject of colour psychology – it is a science.  We discuss how the study of colours affects perceptions and behaviour.  We chat about at how colour is used in branding and how these colours impact consumers’ decisions and impressions.   Every colour has qualities which trigger physiological, sensory and even certain emotions in pe...

We’ve all convinced ourselves to buy investment pieces, be they fashion, interiors or other items, so how we can reign in our expensive wish-list items and what shouldn’t we compromise on when optimizing our homes.   Splurge: a lasting staple or a trend-influenced purchase? ….  It’s a fine line isn’t it, but with interiors we need to ask ourselves whether it will stand up to the everyday vigours o...

In this episode we have a rather animated tête-à-tête about design Tik Tok trends and the emotions they conjure up in us.  Naomi has never been on tik tok and is probably missing out on a trick tbh, so this is quite an education for her!  Sam’s research into some Tik Tok hashtag stats is staggeringly mind-blowing:  #Interior Design has 42 billion views;  #Homes of tiktok has 267 million views; #Da...

In this episode we have a tête-à-tête about statement/stand out pieces.  One single piece can unquestionably be the star of the show: representing the beating heart of the concept for a room; in contrast, the décor itself can also be the one making a bold statement.   So what kind of statement are we making?  A visually curious statement, an element of curation or a deeper energy or message…. We c...

In this episode we chat all things old versus old.   What is new?  Mass-produced pieces from larger companies, large global brands, also artisanal hand-crafted new pieces.   So what is old?  Most people classify vintage as between 20-50 and 100 years’ old, whilst antiques are 100+ years’ old. Yet the word vintage has a certain cachet and is quite loosely used. For example if something is simply se...

Welcome back to The Design Lovers Podcast!   In this episode we delve into the world of Tablescaping. Who do we do it for?  Creating ambiance for our guests or decorating table for the special occasions? Like so much it’s subjective.  Formal or informal?   What comes first: the food or the table?  There is so much pressure to create amazing tables, whilst it should always be about creating a memor...

In this episode we discuss the gargantuan Maison et Objet trade fair as well as their Designer of the Year Matthieu Lehanneur. The uber sexy (according to Naomi) multidisciplinary designer,who has created all number of things, ranging from the 2024 Paris Olympics torch design, street furniture in Paris to the latest electric car by Renault.   We chatted monochromatic schemes and texture, the latte...