The Great Indoors
Society & Culture
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 and hottest topics from the home front. So pull up a chair…
Episodes
- 159: Style Surgery
The Great Indoors podcast presents its final episode with a Style Surgery special. The episode covers various design dilemmas including spotlight placement, freestanding baths, TV concealment, kitchen cupboard wallpaper, carpet tones, and…
- 158: Finishing Touches
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses finishing touches for interior design, including accessories like cushions, lamps, and art. Topics include using a red thread for home flow and incorporating disruptor colors.
- 157: Colour Scheming
In this episode of The Great Indoors, Sophie and Kate discuss colour scheming as part of their Back to Basics series. They cover topics such as bold colors, neutrals, layering colour, undertones, and contrast.
- 156: Designing on a Budget
In this episode, Sophie and Kate from "The Great Indoors" discuss designing on a budget, focusing on practical tips for saving money on home decor without sacrificing style. They share advice on various aspects, from choosing paint and til…
- 155: Plans in Place
This episode of The Great Indoors focuses on the planning phase of home design within their "Back to Basics" miniseries. Sophie and Kate discuss optimizing layouts, rethinking room functions, and practical tips for home organization and wo…
- 154: New Series - We're back to basics!
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast focuses on the fundamentals of home redecoration, emphasizing the importance of considering mood and planning the layout before making aesthetic choices. It offers practical advice for home makeove…
- 153: How we develop our unique design styles
In this episode, Kate and Sophie from The Great Indoors podcast interview each other to discuss the development of their individual design philosophies and what shapes personal decor preferences. They explore the origins of their unique de…
- 152: Style surgery- the agony of anaglypta, rainbow paint and mastering the art of lighting.
This episode of The Great Indoors addresses listener design dilemmas, covering topics such as anaglypta, rainbow paint, lighting design for open-plan spaces, budget hallway makeovers, and decorating north-facing bathrooms.
- 151: Habitats back! Interview with head of design Andrew Tanner
In this episode, Andrew Tanner, Head of Design at Habitat, is interviewed about the brand's 60th anniversary. He talks about his team's work on reissuing iconic archive products and developing new designs for Habitat.
- 150: Finding Interior inspiration abroad and closer to home
This episode explores interior design inspiration from travels to Italy and Bali, focusing on color palettes and natural elements. The hosts also discuss influential TV show sets for design ideas.
- 149: We’re going on a break!
The Great Indoors podcast hosts discuss five years and 149 episodes of interior design debate and advice as they prepare for a break. They reminisce about popular segments and guests, and mention ways listeners can stay updated during the…
- 148: Style Surgery - Open plan nightmares, 3000 books and Sophie recommends a muted palette
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast addresses design dilemmas in a "Style Surgery" segment. Topics include managing a large book collection and redesigning open-plan layouts, featuring advice and discussions from Sophie and Kate.
- 147: Interview with Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton
Kit Kemp and Ann Grafton are interviewed about their new collection for GP&J Baker. They discuss the design inspiration and the process of updating antique archival designs for modern interiors.
- 146: Is brown a spring colour though?!
Sophie and Kate discuss spring refresh ideas for the home, covering topics like table settings, cushions, bedlinen, curtains, and DIY projects. They share their contrasting views on brown as a spring color.
- 145: Can Kate put a shelf up? With How to Basically’s Justin Kelly
The Great Indoors podcast features an interview with Justin Kelly, founder of 'How to Basically,' a workshop focused on practical living skills. Kate and Sophie also try to put up a shelf.
- 144: Sustainability, green washing and buying to last
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses making sustainable choices for home updates. It covers ways to use less energy, save money, and ensure purchases last, along with shared eco-friendly home tips and inspirations.
- 143: Style Surgery - Thermal wallpaper, multi-task rooms and apex windows
This episode of The Great Indoors addresses listener questions about home design. Topics include the effectiveness of thermal wallpaper, designing multi-task rooms, optimizing open-plan living, and finding window treatments for apex window…
- 142: ‘Espresso Yourself’ with the Pinterest Trend Report plus Deco Off 2024
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses the Pinterest Trend Report 2024, highlighting trends such as chrome and kitsch kitchens. It also covers insights from Deco Off in Paris, focusing on upcoming collections from European designers.
- 141: Discovering your authentic colour palette with Karen Haller
In this episode, Karen Haller, an expert in colour psychology and behavioural design, discusses how to choose authentic colour palettes for your home. She explains how the colours we surround ourselves with can emotionally affect us and ou…
- 140: Style Surgery: Basins in the bedroom
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast addresses design dilemmas in a segment called Style Surgery. Topics include the use of wash basins in bedrooms, making a ceiling statement work, choosing artwork for bathrooms, color theory for wor…
- 139: Refreshing your interiors without spending a fortune
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses refreshing home interiors affordably. It offers tips for making a home feel cozy and new without spending a fortune, including decluttering, rearranging art, and upcycling.
- 138: The house in Italy and a shop for Sophie?
This episode features Sophie and Kate catching up after the festive break. Kate shares updates on her house in Italy, and Sophie discusses her ideas for an interiors shop and her 2024 vision board.
- 137: Christmas, consumerism, and canapes
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast explores Christmas preparations, traditions, and consumerism. The hosts discuss managing holiday season pressures and reflect on the past year.
- 136: Style Surgery: Carpets, Colour and Curb appeal
Kate and Sophie answer design dilemmas covering topics like carpets, colour choices, and making bold design decisions in small rooms. They also offer tips on improving home exteriors and adding privacy to windows.
- 135: A fabulous and thrifty Christmas with Ed Smith and Hazel Gardiner
This episode of The Great Indoors features chef Ed Smith and florist Hazel Gardiner. They share advice on reducing food costs and decorating sustainably for Christmas. The hosts also offer their own budget Christmas decorating ideas.
- 134: Interview with Banjo Beale: How an Australian Cheese Maker from the Isle of Mull became a Successful Interior Designer
In this episode, Interior Design Masters 2022 winner Banjo Beale is interviewed about his work on television series like "Designing the Hebrides" and "Scottish Home of the Year." He also shares tips for sourcing vintage homeware and discus…
- 133: Book Reviews – From Sunny California to the Isle of Mull
This episode of The Great Indoors features book reviews spanning various interior design themes, from luxury homes in California to sustainable design on the Isle of Mull. The hosts discuss design approaches and recommend a book for home d…
- 132: Style Surgery – Designing your home from scratch – with or without a moodboard?
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast focuses on home design, addressing listener questions about kitchen design, designing a home from scratch, and styling a Georgian hallway. The hosts discuss the importance of mood boards and offer…
- 131: Do we decorate our homes to fit our generational stereotypes? And should Kate be wearing silver trousers?
Kate and Sophie discuss how different generations, from Gen Z to Boomers, approach home decor and design. They examine returning trends, the societal and economic factors influencing decor choices, and the impact of television shows on int…
- 130: Where design meets wellbeing: Interview with interior designer Juan Sandiego
Interior designer and wellbeing coach Juan Sandiego discusses his approach to design, focusing on happiness. He shares practical tips for coping with renovation stress and being content with your home. He emphasizes how design can bring ha…
- 129: Book Reviews - are gallery walls over and does sustainable design have to be beige?
This episode of The Great Indoors podcast features book reviews on interior design. The hosts, Sophie and Kate, discuss various topics including gallery walls and sustainable design, sharing practical tips and inspiration from their favori…
- 128: Style Surgery - From tiny loos to kitchens under £1k
This episode of The Great Indoors, "Style Surgery," features Kate and Sophie addressing design challenges. They offer advice on transforming kitchens, connecting rooms with color, optimizing small bathrooms, and discuss open-plan living. T…
- 127: Radiate positivity: The art of Optimistic Decorating
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses optimistic decorating, focusing on how to create a joyful home environment. It covers using color, pattern, and tactile textures, and finding happiness in both large and small home improvements.
- 126: Are you ready for your walls to give you a sweet embrace? Interview with Marianne Shillingford from Dulux
Sophie and Kate interview Dulux Creative Director Marianne Shillingford about the annual Colour of the Year, "Sweet Embrace." They discuss color trends, the art of color forecasting, and the emotional impact of color.
- 125: AI friend or foe of interior design?
This episode of The Great Indoors explores the role of AI in interior design, examining its current applications in room design and visualization. The hosts discuss both the potential benefits as a creative tool and concerns about its impa…
- 124: Style Surgery: How far should the architecture of your home dictate your interior choices and pattern versus plain curtains
This episode of The Great Indoors features listener dilemmas covering topics such as how home architecture influences interior choices, the debate between pattern and plain curtains, and adapting period styles for modern homes. The hosts a…
- 123: Battle of the Browns - Our Hosts Swap Sides
Kate and Sophie discuss their summer experiences and how their design preferences have changed. They talk about their home decor choices, including Sophie using chocolate brown and Kate incorporating rainbow colors.
- 122: Bathroom Special: Why your bathroom mustn’t be white, grey, or beige
This episode explores bathroom design, offering ideas for incorporating color, pattern, and personality into the space. It covers floor plans, maximizing small spaces, and lighting techniques to enhance well-being.
- 121: From slogan T’s to wobbly pots - interview with Henry Holland
Henry Holland, known for his graphic fashion brand, talks about his shift to pottery and the potential launch of a new homewares brand. He shares insights into his creative drive with hosts Kate and Sophie.
- 120: Style Surgery: Should you put off your dream renovation plans and why colour blocking isn’t just for babies.
In this episode, Kate and Sophie address listener design dilemmas. They discuss topics such as postponing dream renovations and creating a cozy decorating scheme for a north-facing living room, offering their advice and differing opinions.
- 119: Barbiecore and all things Pink
In this episode of The Great Indoors, Kate and Sophie explore the Barbiecore pink trend. They discuss the reported pink paint shortage and share their differing opinions on various pink shades.
- 118: Why the British have the best taste: Interview with Anglophile and designer Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler joins Kate and Sophie to discuss his design philosophy. He shares how British crafts and architecture have influenced his work, which spans ceramics, furniture, and home decor.
- 117: Bedroom Special - The Secrets to Designing the Perfect Night's Sleep
In this episode, Kate and Sophie explore bedroom design and its impact on sleep, health, and recuperation. They discuss various design approaches, including cozy color schemes and maximalist decor, alongside the importance of organic beds…
- 116: Style Surgery: Imposter Syndrome and Your Questions Answered
In this episode, Kate and Sophie discuss imposter syndrome and address listener design dilemmas, including open versus broken plans, purple quartz worktops, and creating elegant interiors. The hosts also share differing opinions on interio…
- 115: Outdoor Living
In this episode, Sophie and Kate discuss outdoor living. They share their differing opinions on how to create comfortable outdoor spaces, from taking indoor comforts outdoors to using rugs and cushions.
- 114: Micaela Sharp
This episode includes an interview with Micaela Sharp, focusing on her experiences in a television competition, imposter syndrome, and gut instinct. The hosts also discuss a new kitchen and plans for an Italian house.
- 113: Style Surgery
Kate and Sophie address listener questions about interior design. Topics include brightening a dark kitchen, designing a child's bedroom for asthma sufferers, and fostering color confidence in young people.
- 112: Everything you need to know about kitchens
Kate and Sophie discuss kitchen remodels, offering insights on various aspects from flooring to appliances. They aim to help listeners create their ideal kitchen through practical advice.
- 111: Matt Siberry
In this episode of The Great Indoors, Matt Siberry, Head of Home at Pinterest, discusses how design trends are formed and what Pinterest insights reveal about popular colors and pins. The hosts also mention a design trip to Milan and Venic…
- 110: How to Make the Old Feel New
This episode of The Great Indoors discusses blending old furniture and objects into contemporary interiors. It focuses on integrating inherited or antique pieces to avoid a "junk shop" aesthetic.