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The Great Indoors

by Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth: Interior Design Experts

The Great indoors is a celebration of all things interiors and everything you need to know about making your house a home. In each episode, TV presenter and designer Sophie Robinson and best-selling author and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth will discuss, debate and guide you through the top trends and hottest topics from the home front. So pull up a chair…

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Episodes

  1. 159: Style Surgery

    Ep159 – Style Surgery: The Final Episode We’re wrapping up the series with a mega Style Surgery special! Sophie’s in beige (yes, really) and Kate is scandalised… but once we recover from that fashion bombshell, it’s straight into your design dilemmas. Melissa’s juggling spotlights in a moody blue...

  2. 158: Finishing Touches

    This week, we’re talking all the bits that bring a room to life... the cushions, the lamps, the art, the knick-knacks. It’s the final episode before the big Listener Style Surgery and we’re wrapping up our Back to Basics series with a real joy bomb. Kate explains how to use a red thread to create...

  3. 157: Colour Scheming

    Episode 157: Colour Scheming Sophie and Kate are back with the fourth part of their Back to Basics series… and this one’s all about colour. Some people are all for bold Crayola vibes - others prefer a calming neutral. Either way, this episode has you covered. Sophie shares her go-to method for...

  4. 156: Designing on a Budget

    We’re talking brass tacks in Episode 156! It’s all about designing on a budget. Where to spend, where to save, and how to make your money go further without losing style or impact. Sophie and Kate roll up their sleeves and get stuck into the juicy details... from when it’s worth splurging on...

  5. 155: Plans in Place

    Ep155 - Plans in Place We’re still going strong with our Back to Basics miniseries and this week’s chat is all about the planning phase... and trust me, it’s a juicy one! Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush or splashing out on tiles, you need to tackle the layout. Sophie and Kate...

  6. 154: New Series - We're back to basics!

    We’re back to basics! Where to start with your home redecoration, and it’s not what you think. Ep154 We’re back! And we’re kicking off this new 6 week season by asking the big question: where should you actually start when redecorating your home? Spoiler... it’s not picking a paint colour. Sophie...

  7. 153: How we develop our unique design styles

    Wrapping up this mini-series Kate and Sophie interview each other and get under the skin of their own design philosophies. What is it about brown that turns Kate on? Did Sophie’s parents hide away the colouring crayons leaving her with an unmet need to cover everything in rainbow bright shades?...

  8. 152: Style surgery- the agony of anaglypta, rainbow paint and mastering the art of lighting.

    On today's podcast we pass the mic over to you our lovely listeners to ask Kate and Sophie your much agonised design dilemmas. From the perils of planning your lighting for an open plan space, to designing a rainbow themed bedroom for your 4 year old ‘client’, we have you covered with a myriad of...

  9. 151: Habitats back! Interview with head of design Andrew Tanner

    This year is the 60th anniversary of Habitat and today we are thrilled to be chatting to Andrew Tanner, head of design at Habitat who heads up a team of 28 designers who have all been super busy re-issuing and updating iconic archive products as well as creating exciting new ones. We all have our...

  10. 150: Finding Interior inspiration abroad and closer to home

    And we are back! Well almost, as this return episode was recorded during the summer break, so why not take our holidays as interior inspiration. Kate is inspired by the pastel palette of Italy which has inspired her new paint range with Graphenstone while Sophie takes a great escape to Bali for...

  11. 149: We’re going on a break!

    It’s our last episode before we go on a break so we take the time to reminisce about the last five years and 149 episodes of interior design debate, advice, guests, fun and a lot of laughter. From our popular Design Crimes, Style Surgery and touring the houses of some fabulous guests it has been…

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  12. 148: Style Surgery - Open plan nightmares, 3000 books and Sophie recommends a muted palette

    Join us for our last Style Surgery before we take a break, as we answer your design dilemmas. From how to house 3000 books, to turning an open plan nightmare into a serene space, this episode is jam packed with fun interiors chat and advice. Sophie actually advises one of our lovely listeners to...

  13. 147: Interview with Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton

    We’re off on the road again to Ham Yard Hotel for a personal tour and interview with designer Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton to celebrate their new collection. Listen to find out more about the design inspiration behind the fabulous collection of fabrics and wallpaper, how collaborations...

  14. 146: Is brown a spring colour though?!

    Join us as we have a fun catch up in Sophie’s home, chatting all things Spring refresh from table settings and cushions to bedlinen, curtains and diy. As you can imagine we have very different takes on the subject, as Kate praises the virtues of brown all year round and Sophie gives us a sneak…

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  15. 145: Can Kate put a shelf up? With How to Basically’s Justin Kelly

    We’re interviewing the founder of ‘How to Basically’, Justin Kelly, who runs a workshop in East Sussex which teaches people practical living skills from basic DIY, electrics and plumbing to how to look after everyday appliances. Listen along as Kate and Sophie attempt to put up a shelf themselves…

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  16. 144: Sustainability, green washing and buying to last

    This week we’re discussing an important topic we should all consider when updating our homes – how to make choices that are sustainable, use less energy, save us money and will last. We share what we have done recently to make our own homes more eco-friendly and who we love to follow for...

  17. 143: Style Surgery - Thermal wallpaper, multi-task rooms and apex windows

    We’re answering your Style Surgery questions this week, from whether thermal wallpaper makes a difference, to how to design multi-task rooms and make the most of open plan living. We all agree beautiful apex windows are a nightmare for window treatments and there’s a gap in the market for a…

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  18. 142: ‘Espresso Yourself’ with the Pinterest Trend Report plus Deco Off 2024

    From the sublime to the ridiculous we look at some of the trends forecasted for the year. The Pinterest Trend Report 2024 brings all the fun looking at increased searches from last year to garner what people will be into this year – think chrome, bows, kitsch kitchens and more out there…

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  19. 141: Discovering your authentic colour palette with Karen Haller

    Colour psychology and behavioural design expert, Karen Haller joins us for a fascinating chat about how the colours we surround ourselves with are having an emotional effect on us and our behaviours. Karen believes knowing which colours will affect us positively is helpful to avoid blindly...

  20. 140: Style Surgery: Basins in the bedroom

    It’s time for our popular Style Surgery where we discuss the design dilemmas that have been bugging you. Are wash basins in the bedroom outdated or a genius idea? How do you make a ceiling statement work with the rest of the room and what artwork should I put in a bathroom to make it feel less...

  21. 139: Refreshing your interiors without spending a fortune

    There are so many ways you can refresh your home affordably this time of year. If like us, you're low on funds and energy in January, listen to this episode for the best ways to make your home feel cosy and ‘new’ without having to spend a fortune. From having a clear out, to moving art around, or...

  22. 138: The house in Italy and a shop for Sophie?

    It’s time for a big catch up after the festive break, whilst Sophie spent it enjoying her new kitchen with friends and family, Kate was knee deep in dust in the house in Italy. Sophie has been using the time to vision board for 2024, dreaming big dreams without getting caught up in the detail…

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  23. 137: Christmas, consumerism, and canapes

    It’s the last episode of the year so we chat all things Christmas as it hurtles towards us at an alarming rate! It’s true what they say that ‘time speeds up as you get older,’ so join us as we take a moment to reflect on the year just gone and discuss our Christmas plans and traditions, what…

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  24. 136: Style Surgery: Carpets, Colour and Curb appeal

    In our monthly Style Surgery, Kate and Sophie take on the task of answering your design dilemmas. From how much is too much when it comes to colour drenching, the best whites for a large room or bold choices in a small bedroom, these questions provide ample opportunity for some lively discussion...

  25. 135: A fabulous and thrifty Christmas with Ed Smith and Hazel Gardiner

    In this episode we talk to chef and foodie expert Ed Smith about how to cut down costs on food over the festive period plus florist, broadcaster and writer, Hazel Gardiner, gives us her tips on how to decorate with foliage in a sustainable and thrifty way. As your resident design experts (ahem?!)...

  26. 134: Interview with Banjo Beale: How an Australian Cheese Maker from the Isle of Mull became a Successful Interior Designer

    As winner of Interior Design Masters 2022, Banjo Beale has gone on to breath new life into homes and businesses in the television series ‘Designing the Hebrides’, plus bringing his infectious enthusiasm as host of the beautiful ‘Scottish Home of the Year’ on the BBC. Alongside this, he has...

  27. 133: Book Reviews – From Sunny California to the Isle of Mull

    Join us for our tales from Venice plus we review four more books that span the breadth of the interiors world. From the escapism of super luxe living in sunny California, to authentic and sustainable design in the remote island of Mull, and designing your home to align with how you want to feel…

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  28. 132: Style Surgery – Designing your home from scratch – with or without a moodboard?

    This week's Style Surgery dives into questions from the essentials of kitchen design to where to start when designing a whole home from scratch and how to style a beautiful Georgian hallway. This week’s dilemmas are wonderful problems to have! Listen as Kate and Sophie champion the humble…

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  29. 131: Do we decorate our homes to fit our generational stereotypes? And should Kate be wearing silver trousers?

    Join Kate and Sophie for this lively discussion as they go through each generation from Gen Z to Boomers, and debate how each group are seen to approach design differently. From 70s conversation pits, millennial pink and mid-century obsessions to the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix…

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  30. 130: Where design meets wellbeing: Interview with interior designer Juan Sandiego

    Are you in the middle of a renovation and feeling stressed? Do you have a house move on the way that’s causing you anxiety? Or do you feel your home isn’t quite making you as happy as you’d like it to? These are just a few of the questions interior designer and wellbeing coach, Juan Sandiego…

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  31. 129: Book Reviews - are gallery walls over and does sustainable design have to be beige?

    We love to share our favourite interiors books with you - from choosing art for your home to styling the spaces you live in - this week's books celebrate homes which put sustainability at the forefront of design and are rich with practical tips and inspiration which always provoke some healthy...

  32. 128: Style Surgery - From tiny loos to kitchens under £1k

    It’s time for our popular monthly Style Surgery where we solve your design dilemmas and are we in for a treat today. Listen to Kate and Sophie discuss how to transform a kitchen for under £1k, how to connect adjoining rooms with colour and your ‘red thread’ and why they absolutely do not give you...

  33. 127: Radiate positivity: The art of Optimistic Decorating

    Ever wanted to transform your home into a haven of joy and inspiration? Well, it would appear you are not alone. Following on from the recent Focus and London Design Festival talk of trends around the new collections are all about the notion of joy. Be that colour, pattern, tactile textures, it’s...

  34. 126: Are you ready for your walls to give you a sweet embrace? Interview with Marianne Shillingford from Dulux

    Hot off the press of Dulux’s annual Colour of the year announcement, Sophie and Kate talk all things colour trends with Creative Director of Dulux, Marianne Shillingford. The colour all our walls will be wearing next year is Sweet embrace, a delicate pink, with a tinge of lilac nudging towards a...

  35. 125: AI friend or foe of interior design?

    Here is a topic we didn’t think we’d be discussing a few months ago but the speed in which this technology is developing means we are already seeing it across our Instagram feeds. Opinion is that AI generated room designs are here, and not going anywhere. So how can you use this technology to…

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  36. 124: Style Surgery: How far should the architecture of your home dictate your interior choices and pattern versus plain curtains

    This is the monthly episode where we pass the mic on to you our lovely listeners. We hear From dilemmas that range from pattern or plain curtains, how to be inspired by a period style and make it modern, and is the rule that you need to paint your light filled room in a pale light colour hogwash?...

  37. 123: Battle of the Browns - Our Hosts Swap Sides

    Kate and Sophie are back from their summer sojourn and have so much to catch up on. Sophie hijacks Kates love of chocolate brown for the walls of her new TV snug. Meanwhile Kate's channelling her inner unicorn as Sophies love of a rainbow infiltrates her Italian Reno. Have our favourite sparring...

  38. 122: Bathroom Special: Why your bathroom mustn’t be white, grey, or beige

    This episode is a deep dive into all things bathroom design with plenty of ideas and opinions on how you can take your bathroom from the ordinary default white to something bursting with pattern and personality. We dismantle your floor plan, eek out every inch of small spaces and discuss how to...

  39. 121: From slogan T’s to wobbly pots - interview with Henry Holland

    Lock down changed many of us but for British fashion designer Henry Holland his passion for pottery got a whole new opportunity to thrive. Turning away from his iconic graphic fashion brand in search of a more slow paced pursuit Henry has pivoted to pots. Kate and Sophie enjoy digging a little...

  40. 120: Style Surgery: Should you put off your dream renovation plans and why colour blocking isn’t just for babies.

    In our monthly style surgery Kate and Sophie help listeners with their personal design dilemmas. From procrastinating over plans to build a dream kitchen to conjuring up a cosy decorating scheme for a north facing living room there is a lot to advise and indeed disagree on. You can submit your...

  41. 119: Barbiecore and all things Pink

    Barbiecore pink is everywhere this summer. Spurred on by the trend and news that the film has in fact led to an utter drought of pink paint across the country, Kate and Sophie tackle a hot subject. Of course they don't share the same views on the colour and it's many shades, from fuschia to coral...

  42. 118: Why the British have the best taste: Interview with Anglophile and designer Jonathan Adler

    Kate and Sophie sit down to drink tea with renowned designer, ceramicist and founder of a global brand, Jonathan Adler. Through the cacophony of teacup clinkage, Jonathan shares his esteemed knowledge for all things design. While growing up in New Jersey and based in New York, he has a strong...

  43. 117: Bedroom Special - The Secrets to Designing the Perfect Night's Sleep

    In this episode Kate and Sophie take a deep dive under the duvet to unpick how bedroom design can contribute to optimum rest and recuperation. With more data coming out every year on the importance of sleep to our health, happiness and longevity, it’s time to plump your pillows and get serious....

  44. 116: Style Surgery: Imposter Syndrome and Your Questions Answered

    In our monthly style surgery Kate and Sophie begin by pondering on the phenomena of Imposter Syndrome, and with her new dream kitchen installed, Sophie is left feeling like an imposter in her own home! Help is at hand for listeners design dilemmas with concerns over open plan versus broken plan,...

  45. 115: Outdoor Living

    Summer finally seems to have landed and on this week’s podcast Sophie and Kate discuss outdoor living. Kate is firmly of the opinion that you should take the indoors outdoors for true comfort. Kate wants armchairs, sofas and real crockery, while Sophie likes throwing a few rugs on the grass and a...

  46. 114: Micaela Sharp

    In this week’s episode we discuss whether Sophie’s new kitchen will turn her into a master chef - does the kitchen maketh the cook? As the builders move into Kate’s Italian house, we learn what her plans are. And don’t miss our interview with tv presenter and upholsterer Micaela Sharp who reveals...

  47. 113: Style Surgery

    Kate and Sophie are back with listeners' monthly round up of interior design dilemmas. One listener in Texas needs ideas for how to brighten a dark kitchen. Another asks, how do you design a cosy and magical children’s bedroom for someone with asthma and dust sensitivity? And how can you help…

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  48. 112: Everything you need to know about kitchens

    Including the kitchen sink! Having recently undergone kitchen remodels, both Kate and Sophie are primed to share all that they know to creating that dream kitchen. From floors to walls, worktops to appliances they share what works and what you might need to consider to get the hardest working…

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  49. 111: Matt Siberry

    An insightful interview with head of home at Pinterest Matt Siberry has Kate and Sophie musing on who really sets the trends. Do the brands influence us or are we dictating how we want to decorate to the brands? Either way Matt holds the crystal ball with Pinterest insights at his finger tips…

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  50. 110: How to Make the Old Feel New

    This week on the show we are looking at how to blend old pieces of furniture or objects within a more contemporary interior. #GrannyCore may be all the rage on Tik Tok but for those of us on the other side of 30 (possibly even 40) it’s a little too close to be ironic. You might have inherited…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Great indoors is a celebration of all things interiors and everything you need to know about making your house a home. In each episode, TV presenter and designer Sophie Robinson and best-selling author and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth will discuss, debate and guide you through the top trends and hottest topics from the home front. So pull up a chair…

HOSTED BY

Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth: Interior Design Experts

Produced by Kate Taylor

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Great Indoors have?

The Great Indoors currently has 164 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Great Indoors about?

The Great indoors is a celebration of all things interiors and everything you need to know about making your house a home. In each episode, TV presenter and designer Sophie Robinson and best-selling author and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth will discuss, debate and guide you through the top trends...

How often does The Great Indoors release new episodes?

The Great Indoors publishes regularly with 164 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Great Indoors?

You can listen to The Great Indoors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Great Indoors?

The Great Indoors is created and hosted by Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth: Interior Design Experts.
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