The Great Indoors
Episodes
159: Style Surgery
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ka...
158: Finishing Touches
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 befo...
157: Colour Scheming
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
156: Designing on a Budget
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 furt...
155: Plans in Place
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
154: New Series - We're back to basics!
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
153: How we develop our unique design styles
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
152: Style surgery- the agony of anaglypta, rainbow paint and mastering the art of lighting.
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 plan...
151: Habitats back! Interview with head of design Andrew Tanner
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
150: Finding Interior inspiration abroad and closer to home
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
149: We’re going on a break!
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
148: Style Surgery - Open plan nightmares, 3000 books and Sophie recommends a muted palette
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ni...
147: Interview with Kit Kemp and GP&J Baker’s Ann Grafton
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
146: Is brown a spring colour though?!
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
145: Can Kate put a shelf up? With How to Basically’s Justin Kelly
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re interviewing the founder of ‘How to Basically’, Justin Kelly, who runs a workshop in East Sussex which teaches people practical living ski...
144: Sustainability, green washing and buying to last
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
143: Style Surgery - Thermal wallpaper, multi-task rooms and apex windows
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re answering your Style Surgery questions this week, from whether thermal wallpaper makes a difference, to how to design multi-task rooms and mak...
142: ‘Espresso Yourself’ with the Pinterest Trend Report plus Deco Off 2024
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
141: Discovering your authentic colour palette with Karen Haller
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colour psychology and behavioural design expert, Karen Haller joins us for a fascinating chat about how the colours we surround ourselves with are hav...
140: Style Surgery: Basins in the bedroom
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
139: Refreshing your interiors without spending a fortune
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
138: The house in Italy and a shop for Sophie?
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
137: Christmas, consumerism, and canapes
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ‘ti...
136: Style Surgery: Carpets, Colour and Curb appeal
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 dr...
135: A fabulous and thrifty Christmas with Ed Smith and Hazel Gardiner
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
134: Interview with Banjo Beale: How an Australian Cheese Maker from the Isle of Mull became a Successful Interior Designer
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
133: Book Reviews – From Sunny California to the Isle of Mull
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
132: Style Surgery – Designing your home from scratch – with or without a moodboard?
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
131: Do we decorate our homes to fit our generational stereotypes? And should Kate be wearing silver trousers?
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 approa...
130: Where design meets wellbeing: Interview with interior designer Juan Sandiego
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
129: Book Reviews - are gallery walls over and does sustainable design have to be beige?
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 celebr...
128: Style Surgery - From tiny loos to kitchens under £1k
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 disc...
127: Radiate positivity: The art of Optimistic Decorating
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
126: Are you ready for your walls to give you a sweet embrace? Interview with Marianne Shillingford from Dulux
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
125: AI friend or foe of interior design?
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 seei...
124: Style Surgery: How far should the architecture of your home dictate your interior choices and pattern versus plain curtains
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
123: Battle of the Browns - Our Hosts Swap Sides
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
122: Bathroom Special: Why your bathroom mustn’t be white, grey, or beige
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 defa...
121: From slogan T’s to wobbly pots - interview with Henry Holland
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 awa...
120: Style Surgery: Should you put off your dream renovation plans and why colour blocking isn’t just for babies.
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our monthly style surgery Kate and Sophie help listeners with their personal design dilemmas. From procrastinating over plans to build a dream kitc...
119: Barbiecore and all things Pink
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
118: Why the British have the best taste: Interview with Anglophile and designer Jonathan Adler
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate and Sophie sit down to drink tea with renowned designer, ceramicist and founder of a global brand, Jonathan Adler. Through the cacophony of teacu...
117: Bedroom Special - The Secrets to Designing the Perfect Night's Sleep
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 mo...
116: Style Surgery: Imposter Syndrome and Your Questions Answered
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our monthly style surgery Kate and Sophie begin by pondering on the phenomena of Imposter Syndrome, and with her new dream kitchen installed, Sophi...
115: Outdoor Living
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
114: Micaela Sharp
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 builder...
113: Style Surgery
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ki...
112: Everything you need to know about kitchens
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Including the kitchen sink! Having recently undergone kitchen remodels, both Kate and Sophie are primed to share all that they know to creating that d...
111: Matt Siberry
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
110: How to Make the Old Feel New
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
109: Style Surgery: Brass or chrome, door curtains and plastic lean-to’s
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We don the lab coats and answer listeners' monthly round up of interior design dilemmas. Sophie asks should she go chrome or brass for her kitchen har...
108: Latest Spring Book Reviews
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While Sophie starts her mini renovation by smashing huge holes in the side of her house to make way for some sexy new glazed doors, Kate is just back ...
107: Grow your own with Rekha Mistry
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With cucumbers and lettuces disappearing fast from British supermarket shelves don’t say we are not the only ones who have thought its about time we...
106: Managing your build and budget
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate and Sophie address the issue of how to save money on your build with help from Tom, Sophie’s builder husband, who took time out from his own bu...
105: Industry Secrets
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate and Sophie share their trade secrets and the contents of their address books to save you money when it comes to designing your own home, includi...
104: Jules Haines
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sophie is full of the joys of Spring and plans to tidy up her garden so she can take coffee on the patio while Kate, having just renovated her windows...
103: Style Surgery: Acres of cream and beams and the art of hanging art
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our monthly style surgery; the episode where you get the chance to have your burning design dilemmas answered by design experts Kate and S...
102: Tiny Rooms
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t they say the best things come in little packages? Well that’s the topic of today’s debate as we explore the smallest rooms in our homes an...
101: Michelle Ogundehin
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate takes a break from grappling with her builders to bring you this delightful interview with the TV presenter and design writer Michelle Ogundehin....
100. The Best Bits of 100 Episodes!
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fearne Cotton's wardrobe, Kelly Hoppen's fridge and Jay Blades on the magic of mending. The death of grey, the banning of white and the utter horror o...
99: Maximalism and Lily Allen
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If it’s a fight between maximalism and minimalism, then Maximalism has just pulled a right hook. In the is week’s episode of The Great indoors, Ka...
98. Style Surgery: Broken plan, modular design crimes and where to even start!
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Once again Kate and Sophie come to the rescue to help listeners caught up in a design dilemma. From how to divide and decorate an open plan space to w...
97. Macarons for Breakfast and Renovation Nightmares
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Kate is back from a trip to Paris for Maison & Objet, the international design trade show. She’s brimming with talk of trends and fresh de...
96. All things mortgages with Kim Balasubramaniam from The Mortgage Mum
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode brings you a fascinating interview with Senior mortgage broker Kim Balasubramaniam from The Mortgage Mum. Kim has recently helpe...
95. What's in store for 2023?
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy new year 2023! On today’s show Sophie and Kate share what their dreams and aspirations are for the year ahead. Sophie has produced a whole vis...
94. A Beautiful Feast with The Hampstead Kitchen's Saima Khan
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tis the season to be jolly, and we got into the festive spirit with our latest guest to The Great Indoors, Saima Khan of the acclaimed Hampstead Kitch...
93. Sustainable Christmas
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While Christmas is traditionally a season of excess, Sophie and Kate discuss how you can it more sustainable. For all your Christmas and Home decorati...
92. Style Surgery: Cool Yule Edition
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sophie and Kate devote themselves to all things Christmas in this special edition where they answer and argue over listeners style dilemmas. From how ...
91. Future Proof Your Home, Autumn Lighting, Patterned Carpet
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Let there be light - but not too much. Kate and Sophie discuss Autumnal lighting and explain how to create ambience and atmosphere in your home. The...
90. Farrow and Ball's Joa Studholme Reveals All You Ever Wanted to Know About Paint But Were Afraid to Ask
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's next for paint trends? Is Downpipe a design crime? Why on earth is Jitney called Jitney? And HOW do you decide what colour to paint your front ...
89. Saving Energy, Radiator Covers, Wallpaper Trends
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are radiator covers a crime against the environment AND a design crime too? In the style crime scene that is Kate's new home, Kate and Sophie discuss...
88. Style Surgery: Find Your Style, Rockin' Storage, Artex Redux?
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can you really have it all? Industrial cosy colourful minimalism? Or must you choose? In this first edition of the regular Style Surgery Specials, Kat...
87. Value for Money, Shower Curtain Crime, Design Books
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is your shower curtain out to get you? Kate and Sophie consider the homicidal billowing mass in the bathroom... is it a design crime? There's a juicy ...
86. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on why Maximalism is the Only Way
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are beetles just middle class flamingos? In this week's interview, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen tells it like it is (and Kate and Sophie struggle to get a ...
85. Kitchen Island Crime, Honey I Shrunk the House, New Paint Colours
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is a kitchen island a design crime? Is hot pink a timeless classic? Will Kate ever escape from under a mountain of packing boxes? Sophie and Kate tack...
84. Moving House, Shelving the Reno, Washing Up Bowl-mageddon
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Great Indoors is Back! Even Kate is emotional (not really). With plenty to catch up on after the break, Kate reveals all about her house move, Sop...
83. How to Transform Your Rental, A-Z of Eco Paint, Cooler Kitchens
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Think you know sticky-backed plastic? Think again. Serial renter, nocturnal DIY-er and queen of reversible decor hacks, Amara Hasham of @thepajaamahu...
82. Garden Design, New Design Books, In-Between Spaces
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Got your sacrificial plants in place? Arit Anderson, garden designer and presenter on BBC Two's Gardener's World, reveals the secrets of the Great Out...
81. Yellow Rules, Make the Bed, Mismatch FTW
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All yellow? Kate and Sophie chart the rise of the most fashionable colour of the moment - and reveal how you can harness its power. Then it's all abou...
80. Galley Walls, Original Features, Easy Impact
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is the gallery wall over? Sophie and Kate ponder the pros and cons of the much beloved wall-of-many-pictures. They're also bursting with tips for smal...
79. Rental Furniture, Room Names, Rugs in Kitchens
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Living room, sitting room or lounge? Sophie and Kate dive into the whimsical world of what we call the rooms in our houses - and why we care so much. ...
78. Dream Home Makeovers, Grey is Back, Moths
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paint it black? Kate is in shock over Sophie's dramatic design choices in her new TV show, Design Home Makeovers. Sophie is in shock over reports that...
77. Preparing for Greatness, 2022 Trends, Design Crimes
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What's next? Colour? Curves? Not caring about trends? Kate and Sophie look ahead to what's in store for 2022. And the pair talk you through how to enc...
76. Festive Style, Last Minute Gifts, Cosy colours
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is it the most ranty time of the year? Sophie revels in Kate's traditional festive rage about Christmas... but never fear there's still time for excel...
75. Battle of the Big Light, Design Books, Paint Problems
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Which side are you on when it comes to The Battle of The Big Light? Kate and Sophie talk glow vs glare when it comes to lighting choices, and how to d...
74. Easy Fixes for a Greener Home, Flooring Mixups
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stuck between a yellow sofa and a purple beetle? Kate and Sophie are together again and Kate's already criticising the decor... But the pair are also ...
73. Trends, Upholstery, 70s Horror...
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tempted to try upholstery? Sharon O'Connor of Vintique Upholstery reveals her top tips, whether you're having a go yourself or calling in an expert. T...
72. Changing Rooms, Wallpaper, Multifunctional Spaces
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fancy a Wall of Hair? Cult classic Changing Rooms is back and who better to grab the staple gun than hosts Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG ...
71. At Home with Guy Oliver
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a collapsible Japanese temple yet? Kate and Sophie visit the mews house of designer Guy Oliver, managing director of Oliver Laws. Poking t...
70. Rattan Rules, Design Books, Dracula's Hallway
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know your rattan from your cane? Sophie and Kate reveal the definitive guide to winning at the biggest trend in town. A flurry of sexy design b...
69. Builders Uncovered, Layout Secrets, Paint Your Garden
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a builder in the house? Sophie goes all the way into the room next door to bring us an absolutely invaluable toolbox of tricks and tips on ho...
68. Holiday at Home, Tiny Bathrooms, Kids vs Style
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fancy staying in a home-tel? Sophie and Kate are bursting with ideas for creating that holiday vibe at home (though Kate can't quite bring herself to ...
67. Halston Inspo, Colour Science, The Style Test
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a Stylish Person? Find out as Sophie tests Kate... what are the items every truly Stylish Person owns? Iconic designer Halston surely fits the...
66. The Great Outdoors, Tablescapes, Renovation Blues
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Living in a grey wicker world? Kate and Sophie tackle the stylish options for garden furniture and outdoor living (and agree to disagree about Kate's ...
65. Gatecrash Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Got your glitterball yet? Kate and Sophie are in the same place for once, and it's the fabulous, colourful and creative home of singer and songwriter ...
64. John Lewis Nightmare, Diversity in Design, Upcycling
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fancy some gold wallpaper? Kate and Sophie consider the interiors furore around Boris and Carrie's lavish refurb and ask if John Lewis is really the s...
63. Country House Style, Blinds and Curtains, Pet Friendly Interiors
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to channel your inner lady of the manor? From pelmets to marble busts, Sophie and Kate explain how to do the new country house style. Then it's ...
62. Scented Candles, Design Books, Conservatories
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Scented candles or just... smelly candles? Kate and Sophie consider the scene-setting power of the candle, from fig and gingerbread to the "scent of f...
61. Online Shopping, Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene Paint Company, Hall Floors
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Time to embrace neutrals? Colour-lover Sophie has an identity crisis as Ruth Mottershead, creative director of The Little Greene Paint Company, reveal...
60. Interior Design Masters, Drew Pritchard, Where to Start?
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you now or have you ever been guilty of painting furniture? Kate and Sophie explore everything you need to know about vintage from antiques exper...