Face to face with Sophie Robinson

Sophie Robinson stylist superstar

We had the pleasure of working with the lovely Sophie Robinson – one time rally driver turned interior designer and stylist supreme on our latest wall trends look book for autumn/winter 2015. We’ll be showcasing those trends here soon – watch this space.

In a rare quiet five minutes we sat down with Sophie to delve deep into decorating. Here’s how it went…

WD Sophie – what’s the best decorating advice anyone has given you?

SR I’ve always been inspired by the style maven Diana Vreeland. This is one of her quotes I love to incorporate in interior design:

“A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste—it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.”

WD If you weren’t a stylist what job would you do? SR Whilst I was working on an interiors magazine, I was also a weekend rally driver, competing in the British Rally Championship. I wonder had I kept at it, it could have been an alternative career. This might not be Sophie’s car, but it shares the same initials! WD What inspires your own home interiors? SR We are in the process of buying a new home in the countryside and I’m just beginning to think about how I will decorate it. It’s a 1920’s property set in stunning gardens so I know these two elements will inspire my interior design. I’m not a fan of recreating period interiors personally but I love taking inspiration from the past. The 1920’s were a very fun and experimental era, so it’s a great starting point. WD What’s your favourite ‘pop of colour’ at the moment? SR It’s usually always neon pink but I am also loving a splash of canary yellow, especially against grey neutrals. WD How do you relax – books, films or bubble bath? SR I sleep! Working away from home filming Great Interior Design Challenge as well as being a mother to my 4 year old Arthur is at times exhausting. My absolute must is to get between 8 and 9 hours sleep a night. WD What’s your favourite working lunch? SR I’m a bit of a health nut so I love a whole food salad or a bowl of noodle soup to keep me going throughout the day. And a green smoothie is the best way to start the day. WD Favourite wallpaper at the moment? SR Cole and Son ‘Woods and Stars’ has to be my current favourite. It is a great fun update on one of my all-time favourite designs. WD Favourite indulgence – Chocolate or sweets? SR Raw chocolate WD Do you have a favourite house you’ve styled? SR Fellow stylist Marianne Coterrill hires her home out as a photo shoot location. I love her flamboyant style and her rooms are always full of elaborate wallpapers and interesting vintage items. It’s an ever changing visual feast. WD 3 things you love? SR Cushions, sleep and chocolate. But not all at once! Thank you Sophie, very revealing. And thanks for your lovely work on our shoot. We’ll reveal all soon, folks…