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 an energetic, uplifting shade and is the perfect way to project positivity into any ...
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 control. With a remarkable background, Tinka has worked in over 800 homes worldwide, both remotely an...
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 flowing, and a bit more specific from the outset; yet both create bespoke beautiful schem...
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 unanswered rug questions, and offer useful advice on placement etc. Sam recounts h...
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.So grab a coffee and tune in to us talking about knobs, screwing, black mannequins, knocke...
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 about the “foodification of colour”, recent interior trends and of course we touch on vintage...
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 driven systems to stack back, to voiles to waves to interlining - we cover so much in this ep...
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, the timeless, sleek, classic look of a tiled design is difficult to beat and with...
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 household storage, best solutions for problem areas and sneaky storage ideas you’ll love. Fr...
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 personal favourite papers, these are so vastly different: whereby Naomi likes to push the boundari...
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 circadian rhythms.Plus inevitably there are some hilarious anecdotes and we offer some examples ...
Maximalists, colour lovers, creative pragmatists ... just some of the few terms that might be associated with Sam and Naomi. But more than anything they love chatting all things interiors, and sharing their knowledge and thoughts on a plethora of topics related to the home. Naomi spent most of her working life at the UN before retraining as an interior designer, whilst Sam has worked as an interior stylist for over 25 years. They met on instagram through a mutual c...
Welcome back to The Design Lovers Podcast! In this episode we lean into all things kitchen islands, pantries and shelving. Ways to improvise with pantries if you don’t have one per se. Out of sight, out of mind: if healthy ingredients are on display we’re more likely to eat them! From a practical perspective having a pantry apparently prevents food wastage and excessive buying – is it a gimmick? We talk filler cupboards and form and function. We touch on allotmen...
Are you in a conundrum about renovating your bathroom? In this episode we discuss why bathrooms needn’t be boring: we discuss how a fairly featureless functional space such as a bathroom can be transformed into a unique, fun and personality-filled space. We make sense of a bathroom: how to create a spa-like, life-filled environment. Terrazzo – ways to incorporate this versatile material in your bathroom. We tap into repurposing/refurbishing sanitaryware. A we...
Some of our Favourite Design BooksWelcome back to The Design Lovers Podcast! This week we sit down and discuss some of our favourite Design Books. So if you’re in need of a digital detox, then grab a cup of coffee and listen to us review some treasures from our physical design libraries. We are both veracious readers, especially so far as design publications are concerned, so our passion isn’t as a result of the current “Bookshelf Wealth” trend. We debate elements of s...
In this episode we define quirky interiors and metaphorically unpack how so many arbitrary ideas, such as random collections and eccentric objects, can really define you, and how mixing periods of style creates a decorative look which is unique to you. Collections are as the name implies: collecting objects over time, and that is half of the fun of owning a collection: you don’t generally have a collection overnight. Curiosity killed the cat, … Sam and Naomi! Sometimes it’s ...
Welcome back to The Design Lovers Podcast! In this episode we talk all things dining: tables, chairs and eating routines. The origins of dining tables, communal table arrangements and some stats about how many people eat at a dining room table. We discuss different shapes of tables: Naomi has the Aero Saarinen marble tulip table, and Sam has a G-Plan wooden classic; practicality of size and shape matters. Eclectic seating, benches, and other seating are debated. ...
In this episode we affirm some more of our pet peeves/design quibbles: including (but certainly not limited to) … counterfeit items: Hermès blankets, unfinished/undressed window, eyelet top curtains, metal venetian blinds, UPVC plantation blinds, Fortnum & Mason hampers! Sam doesn’t like the utilitarian look – which is exactly what Naomi’s kitchen is, so we laugh a lot about that and also debate microwaves! We also touch on the shock and awe element of mixing styles and patter...
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 latter of which was exhibited in a very noteworthy ways: there were crocheted rich tapestry like t...
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 memorable experience and elevating your time around the table. Using can...