All About Design - An Interior Design Podcast

Sue and Debs look back on an inspiring second series packed with expert guest insights, practical advice and thought-provoking conversations from across the world of interior design.

The whole series reflects on how intentional design can bring around incredible personal change and happiness and has the power to transform not only our homes, but the way we live within them. Your home should be your sanctuary—a place that reflects who you are, supports your wellbeing and brings you joy every single day.

We revisit the fascinating stories and ideas shared by our wonderful guests – from the power of Colour Psychology and the harmony of Feng Shui, to creating incredible exterior spaces through Garden Design, kitchen planning to maximise your big ticket spaces, and an estate agent's insider secrets on how great interiors can add value when selling your home. Along the way, we've explored the process of creating stunning artworks, investigated the invention of the 'Bootility Room', uncovered the surprising benefits of Swedish Death Cleaning, and discovered the personal stories hidden behind outdated interiors.  At every turn we champion ways of defining your own interior style.

A huge 'thank you' to all the guests we spoke to in this series, their particular details can be found on their episode shownotes, or contact me for further details.

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Thank you for your support and for listening to All About Design - please help our series to grow by sharing with friends and family!

We'd love to hear any topics you'd like us to cover in Series 3 - or any design questions, experts you'd love to hear from, or design dilemmas in general!

Send any questions to Sue as below:-

ALL ABOUT DESIGN PODCAST

email - [email protected]
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Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
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Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 

Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

Landscape 56 - Poetri
https://uppbeat.io/t/poetri/landscape-56
License code: 2U9SFZY1ZHV8RNCM

Passage - Prigida
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/passage
License code: QAWGTZYGG4HQFDYI

Dawn - Paint The Skies

License code:IB5LPC2LWAV62OSP

Miracles - Studio Okolomna

https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles

License code: HLDV8CZTZSWT5BI1

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/riding-clouds

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/the-grand-hallway

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/one-day

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/the-pop

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/poetri/cascade

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This week Sue talks to Feng Shui practitioner Sophie Prowse, about how the interior design of our homes can be aligned and improved with Feng Shui.

The ancient art of Feng Shui is over 4000 years old, yet in the West it can be shrouded in mystery and myth!  

We discuss it's incredible potential to be harnessed to uplift our lives not just in the home, but in health, relationships and business, through careful placement and alignment with it's principles.

This epsidoe touches lightly on the multi facted approach that Feng Shui can bring to your home, and we'd welcome further questions to enable Sophie to return to do a Q&A session in the next series.

Send your questions to [email protected]

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, LIKE & SHARE IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE LAST 28 MINUTES! IT MEANS A LOT TO US TO KNOW YOU HAVE ENJOYED LISTENING! ❤️ A longer version of our conversation will be available on You Tube Shortly

Guest: Sophie Prowse – The Feng Shui Healer

Email: [email protected].uk

www.thefengshuihealer.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)7572 791666

ALL ABOUT DESIGN PODCAST

email - [email protected]
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Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
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Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 

Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

What makes us fall in love with a home?

In this fascinating episode of All About Design, Sue sits down with experienced estate agent Gayle Sapic of Ewe Move, to explore what really happens when buyers step through a front door. Drawing on years of experience viewing and selling homes, Gayle shares unique insights into the features, design choices and emotional connections that influence how people perceive a property.

Together, we discuss the relationship between interior design and property value, where homeowners should focus their efforts when renovating, and which improvements may not deliver the return they expect. We also delve into buyer psychology, first impressions, common misconceptions, and the subtle details that can make a home feel welcoming, memorable and desirable.

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who sees the housing market from the inside every day.

In this episode, we explore:

• The connection between interior design and property value
• What buyers notice first when viewing a home
• Design choices that can help or hinder a sale
• Where to invest when renovating
• Common mistakes homeowners make before putting a property on the market
• The psychology behind first impressions
• The difference between a house that sells and a house that lingers

If you are ever going to delve into the property market again, this episode is not to be missed!

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Guest - Gayle Sapic of Ewe Move Estate Agents, Solihull

Email: [email protected]

Insta: EweMove_solihull

www.ewemove.com

Tel: +44 (0)121 227 4434

email - [email protected]
Insta - all_about_design_podcast
 
Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 

Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/the-grand-hallway

License code: HFNXVK3F0OFLCDXC

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ignite

License code: UUFKGUXZ9WG74COZ

Swedish Death Cleaning may have an alarming name, but as Sue & Debs discover, it's actually a thoughtful and uplifting approach to creating a home that truly serves you. In this episode, they explore how this gentle process of decluttering, reflecting, and curating your possessions can bring clarity, joy, and a renewed connection to the spaces you live in—whatever stage of life you're at.

The conversation uncovers how our belongings tell the story of who we are, while also highlighting the freedom that comes from letting go of the items that no longer add value to our homes or our lives. Expect practical insights, honest reflections, and plenty of encouragement along the way.

Also in this episode, Sue & Debs shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked transitional spaces within our homes—the hallways, staircases, landings, and connecting areas that carry us from room to room. Discover why these spaces offer some of the greatest opportunities to showcase your personality, to elevate your interiors, and banish the 'beige haze' with braver design choices that create a more inspiring everyday experience.

A fun & thought-provoking episode filled with ideas to help you create a home that's more meaningful, and unmistakably yours. ✨

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email - [email protected]
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Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
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email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

Sue is joined by designer and author Vera Blouin to explore the powerful connection between our homes and our personal identity. 

As life changes, our interiors often stop reflecting who we are. Whether through divorce, grief, children leaving home, career shifts, rediscovery, or simply entering a new phase of life, many of us suddenly look around and realise… this space no longer feels like me!

Together, Sue and Vera discuss how redesigning our homes can become part of the emotional healing process — helping us move forward, regain confidence, and create environments that truly support the person we are today, not the person we used to be.

Sometimes changing a room is really about changing how we live, feel, and see ourselves, and we discuss how reclaiming rooms and redefining comfort,  can help us embrace life’s next chapter.

• Vera Blouin explains the concept of the "reincarnated room" as spaces evolving alongside us.
• How emotional memories and past phases influence our current living environments.
• The five-step process for achieving emotional and spatial alignment: assessment, clarity, diagnosis, redesign, and implementation.
• The importance of design karma—how accumulated decisions shape our current spaces.
• The role of materiality, colours, and light as expressions of our inner states and how they can be intentionally chosen.
• Strategies for recognising and releasing emotional clutter and visual noise.
• The intersection of design, wellbeing, and spirituality, and future trends like biophilic and minimalistic designs.
• Practical tips for maintaining a supportive home environment through seasonal and intentional updates.
• The crucial role of trust and clear intent in the designer-client relationship

Bio

Vera Blouin is the Founder and Design Strategist of BLOU INK, a residential design studio focused on defining how a home functions, flows, and is experienced through intentional design. Working across renovations, residential concepts, and spatial strategy, she structures environments around behavior, wellness, and identity rather than surface decoration.

She is the author of The Reincarnated Room: Modern Design as Spiritual Renewal and The Structure of Space: Before Design is Executed, it is Defined, frameworks exploring the relationship between spatial psychology and transformative living. Through BLOU INK, Vera works with homeowners and developers in Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta creating environments organized around clarity, sequence, and intentional living.

Social + Links

Instagram: www.instagram.com/blouink.studio/   (@blouink.studio)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verablouin/
Website: www.blouink.com
Google Business Profile: https://share.google/87Da6grfcU95l9Liv

Featured Resource

The Defined Residence™: A Spatial Strategy System by BLOU INK for homeowners who want to define how a home should function, flow, and feel before or alongside design execution. Designed as a self-directed framework, the system allows individuals to work through the methodology independently while creating greater clarity, structure, and alignment before moving forward with their home.  

https://www.blouink.com/the-defined-residence

Find Vera Blouin's books here -  https://www.blouink.com/books

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, LIKE & SHARE IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE LAST 42 MINUTES! IT MEANS A LOT TO US TO KNOW YOU HAVE ENJOYED LISTENING! ❤️

email - [email protected]
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Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
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email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

https://uppbeat.io/t/studiokolomna/miracles

License code: HLDV8CZTZSWT5BI1

In this episode, Sue talks with Karen Haller, a leading international authority on Applied Colour Pyschology.  As author of the much loved 'Little Book of Colour', Karen brings astounding insights into this often untapped area of our interior design planning.  As humans, the role colour plays in our lives on both emotional and physical levels is often misunderstood.  It is both conscious and unconscious, and learning to recognise and harness this will pay dividends.

Bio: Karen Haller FRSA is a global expert in Behavioural Design and Colour Psychology. She helps businesses and design professionals use colour and design to support mental health, enhance well-being, and create positive, nature-aligned change.

 Karen consults and collaborates with companies looking for innovative solutions to social problems who seek new ways of improving the human experience in balance with nature. Her clients included architectural and design practices and leading global brands.

 She has helped hundreds of design professionals around the world to deepen their knowledge of colour through her sought-after colour and design psychology courses and mentoring programmes. 

Karen Haller is the author of The Little Book of Colour as well as being an in-demand media commentator, international speaker and awards judge.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallerColourAndDesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhaller

Consulting https://karenhaller.com

Free design industry e-book https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook

 Colour & Design courses https://karenhaller.com/courses

 Little Book of Colour https://thelittlebookofcolour.com

 Free first chapter https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter

In this episode,

• The difference between traditional colour theory and applied colour psychology
• How colour affects us emotionally, mentally, and physically
• The subconscious reactions to colour based on wavelengths of light
• The importance of understanding personal colour responses and confidence
• The role of colour in creating a sanctuary and expressing authenticity
• Influence of cultural conditioning, social trends, and herd behaviour on colour choices
• Nuances of colour harmony and disharmony in design
• How to select colours that support mental health, confidence, and wellbeing
• Strategic use of colour in homes to add value and reflect true personality
• The risks of colour over-saturation and misinterpretation in spaces

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, LIKE & SHARE IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE LAST 49 MINUTES! IT MEANS A LOT TO US TO KNOW YOU HAVE ENJOYED LISTENING! ❤️

email - [email protected]
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Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

In this fast & fun episode, Sue & Debs define how the move through the seasons can awaken the best of our interiors!  Stepping into Spring is one of the most invigorating transitions, we discuss ways to embrace that in your home designs.  We look at how the Circadian rhythm and which way key rooms in the home face can affect your lifestyle and living!  Yes indeed!  Recent projects such as the life changing invention of a "Bootility Room' and reinstating a Victorian fireplace are discussed, and we also highlight the amazing value, both emotional and financial, that staging your home to sell can deliver.  With lots of additional tips and tricks for maximising your interior design and the space you have, inside and out, to live your best life......Don't miss this one!!

Chapters

00:00 Spring Refresh: Aligning Homes with the Season
00:33 The Rise of Bootility Rooms
01:34 Designing Functional Spaces for Families
04:27 Maximising Storage Solutions
06:51 Creating Outdoor Living Spaces
13:57 Seasonal Changes in Home Decor
15:44 Designing Homes with Natural Light in Mind
17:50 Maximising Home Design on a Budget
18:42 The Importance of Natural Light in Design
21:08 Curating Secondhand Pieces for Unique Interiors
24:55 Staging Homes for Sale: Strategies and Insights
28:45 Creating Curb Appeal and Inviting Spaces
31:07 Understanding Buyer Psychology in Home Staging

email - [email protected]
Insta - all_about_design_podcast
 
Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

All The Pretty Things - Aaron Paul Low
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/all-the-pretty-things
License code: ZLSQEJLNCOOLAN6U

PLEASE LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT ON THIS PODCAST TO HELP US GROW

Artwork can often be the forgotten jewel in the crown of an interior design scheme. Perhaps you feel out of your depth when viewing art, or which style or colours to choose!  Fear not!!  In this episode, I sit down with artist Sara Huxley to talk about strategies for finding artwork you love, maybe even starting to build your own art portfolio, or commissioning a piece for your home. From creating atmosphere to telling personal stories, we explore how artwork can completely focus the energy of a room. Sara also shares hilarious and fascinating insights into her own creative process and offers thoughtful advice on selecting pieces that feel authentic and lasting.  We explore how to integrate artwork in a way that feels intentional, personal, and impactful—and why the right piece can completely transform how a space is experienced. Art should be for everyone, and this fun episode will hopefully spark your interest in visiting your local art gallery or exhibitions! Once you start bringing art into your life and interiors, you'll never look back!

Key Topics
* The role of art in interior design and how it influences mood and atmosphere
* How to select and place artwork to enhance room ambiance
* The importance of colour and texture in artwork and their emotional impact
* The process of commissioning and collaborating with artists
* Tips for beginning an art collection on a budget
* Creative ways to incorporate art beyond traditional paintings (e.g., painted walls)
* Practical advice for first-time art buyers: what to look for and how to choose meaningful pieces

email - [email protected]
Insta - all_about_design_podcast
 
Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Sara Huxley Art
Insta - sara.huxley.art

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

Velvet Twilight - Lorenzo Ferrero
https://uppbeat.io/t/lorenzo-ferrero/velvet-twilight
License code: A0XIB4EYHFDZGMUT

Encaminho - Dan Costa
https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-costa/encaminho
License code: JH0NWVO2RMOSW3NX

New York Swing - Lorenzo Ferrero
https://uppbeat.io/t/lorenzo-ferrero/new-york-swing
License code: R85DSPYGHED6NGWE

Swing Swing Swing - Albert Behar
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/swing-swing-swing
License code: BA44WY2YOTY3ZMB9

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In this episode, Sue & Debs turn the tables on 'trend,' we're looking for soulful connections to an enduring home interior, and share our best insights on how to approach this.  Plus, we have the return of our celebrated "Home Clinic Q&A's" with some very 'on point' listeners' questions, giving you top-tier advice to cut through all the other design 'noise' out there!  Enjoy!  It's packed full of advice; hold onto your hats!!

email - [email protected]
 Insta - all_about_design_podcast
 
 Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Landscape 56 - Poetri
https://uppbeat.io/t/poetri/landscape-56
License code: 2U9SFZY1ZHV8RNCM

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY

Dawn - Paint The Skies

License code:IB5LPC2LWAV62OSP

Thank you for listening!! xoxox

Getting your kitchen design right will transform how your whole home works. Done well, it not only adds value but avoids costly mistakes and creates a space thats central to your everyday life.

In this episode, Sue is joined by Joanne Layzell, an experienced kitchen designer from Mazon Interiors. Together they explore Joanne’s practical approach to kitchen design — from asking the essential who, why, how and where questions, to mapping out a kitchen that truly works.

They discuss what to prioritise, what to avoid, and how thoughtful planning can turn the heart of your home into a space that’s both beautiful and functional. 

• The evolution of kitchen design: from functional to emotional spaces
• The importance of layout, workflow, and the work triangle in kitchens
• Budgeting tips: brackets and honest conversations with designers
• Trends in finishes and colours: timeless neutrals vs. bold statements
• Choosing durable and environmentally friendly worktops like quartz and Dekton
• Latest innovations in kitchen appliances, lighting, and ventilation
• Designing bathrooms for comfort, style, and modern technology
• How COVID-19 has shifted home design priorities
• The role of virtual reality in visualising design concepts
• Collaborating effectively with interior designers and architects

00:00 - Introduction and purpose of the episode 02:34 - Joanne's journey into kitchen design and her background 04:55 - Why kitchens are the heart of the home and current trends 08:52 - The significance of investing in kitchens and bathroom spaces 12:34 - Handling budgets: setting expectations and brackets 15:51 - The impact of finishes and colours in kitchens and the importance of timeless choices 18:25 - Worktop materials: quartz, Dekton, marble, and environment considerations 22:24 - How kitchen design has evolved with technology and virtual reality 26:38 - The essentials of kitchen layout and work triangle principles 30:51 - Lighting: importance, implementation, and trend tips 34:48 - Considering natural light and house orientation in design 38:29 - Common mistakes in DIY kitchen planning and collaborating with pros 42:28 - Storage solutions: drawers vs. cupboards, and decluttering tips 45:25 - Tilings, splashbacks, and small design details for personality 49:31 - Bathroom design: trends, technology (like bidets), and tile choices 55:42 - The influence of COVID-19 on home spaces and costs 60:38 - Creating cohesive designs with architectural planning 65:18 - Bathroom materials, lighting, and accessories to elevate the space 68:43 - The importance of well-placed lighting in bathrooms 71:25 - The value of working with interior designers for whole-house schemes 73:42 - How to visit Mazon Interiors showroom

PLEASE LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE TO HELP US GROW!

 email - [email protected]
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 Novo Interiors - www.novointeriors.co.uk
Insta - novointeriors_uk
email - [email protected]

Mazon Interiors - Joanne Layzell - Tel 01926 770483

[email protected]

Mazon Interiors Showroom - 29 Park Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4QN

www.mazoninteriors.co.uk

Instagram: mazoninteriors

Music Credits:- All Music from #Uppbeat 
Thrive - All Good Folks
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive
License code: XPA3DJXY7HJFSPBJ

Landscape 56 - Poetri
https://uppbeat.io/t/poetri/landscape-56
License code: 2U9SFZY1ZHV8RNCM

Hearts of Fire - Adi Goldstein
https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/hearts-of-fire
License code: HXFVPD63OCAIIIFA

Passage - Prigida
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/passage
License code: QAWGTZYGG4HQFDYI

Orange Clouds - Oliver Massa
https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/orange-clouds
License code: EC1DTCIWKBWGY