156: Designing on a Budget

156: Designing on a Budget

Author: Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth: Interior Design Experts July 3, 2025 Duration: 55:09
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 designer paint and when it really isn't, to budget-friendly alternatives for tiling, taps, lighting, and even furniture. Plus, a big reminder about contingency planning and those pesky renovation surprises that can swallow your budget whole. Sophie shares her genius hack that saved thousands by painting over UPVC windows rather than replacing them, and Kate talks sensible socket placements and why your mattress or desk chair might be worth a bit of a splurge. And yes, we do kick things off with our brand new segment The Feisty Fifteen, where we get a few things off our chests… this week? Beige. Bland or brilliant? It’s packed, it’s practical, and it might just save you a fortune. Got a question for Listener’s Style Surgery? Send it in to help@thegreatindoorspodcast.com — we love a voice note too! Find us on Instagram @thegreatindoors.podcast @sophierobinsoninteriors @mad_about_the_house You can also watch this podcast on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLvhI9iX_bs&list=PLDfF7mwP3vj7PrNm-3-UP04KsTfP8eP42 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine your home not just as a place you live, but as a story you get to tell every day. That’s the spirit of The Great Indoors, a conversation hosted by interior design experts Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth. Sophie, a familiar TV presenter and designer, joins forces with Kate, a best-selling author and journalist, to peel back the layers of what makes a space truly work. This isn’t a lecture on perfect taste; it’s a lively, practical, and often humorous dialogue about the realities of creating a home that reflects you. Each episode feels like sitting down with two incredibly knowledgeable friends who aren’t afraid to disagree. They dive into the trends making waves, dissect common design dilemmas, and explore the cultural shifts that influence how we live within our own four walls. You’ll hear them debate color choices, unravel the secrets of smart layout, and discuss everything from sourcing vintage finds to navigating the latest paint technology. The result is a rich and engaging podcast that demystifies interior design, making it accessible and exciting. Whether you’re contemplating a full renovation or just wondering how to arrange your bookshelves, The Great Indoors offers a wealth of insight, encouragement, and genuine passion for turning any house into a deeply personal home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Great Indoors
Podcast Episodes
138: The house in Italy and a shop for Sophie? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:17
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 bo…
137: Christmas, consumerism, and canapes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:21
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…
136: Style Surgery: Carpets, Colour and Curb appeal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:28
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 b…
133: Book Reviews – From Sunny California to the Isle of Mull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:02
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…