How to choose curtains and blinds with Sophie

What do you do out in the world? I run an interior design studio whilst also fitting in time for upcycling, working on our home and keeping up with an energetic 8-year-old son. I live in a beautiful part of Norfolk with my husband and little boy so at weekends we try to embrace the lovely walks and coastline we are so fortunate to live nearby.

What started your path into interiors? I have always loved interiors, even from a very young age I would get great pleasure from moving my bedroom around! I had always dreamt of a career in the interior industry but after the build of our home and passing my interior design qualifications I finally took the plunge.

Can you tell us about your home and interior style? Our home is a new build brick and flint cottage in Norfolk. I have tried to ensure the interiors are empathetic to the property itself and the area we live in. There is a distinct mix of old and new with our furniture and accessories. I opted for traditional cottage doors finished in a natural osmo oil but have mixed them with crittal style doors in our kitchen and love how they all blend. I love neutrals but find that by experimenting with textures and tones you can make a tranquil and welcoming home. I would say my style is timeless, natural, modern farmhouse.

What window dressing would you recommend for different interior styles? I think that roman blinds are a fantastic way of instantly adding some interest and texture to a room in an understated manner. For ultimate luxury, I love to add full-length curtains to a space. They instantly add a wow factor!

What’s your go-to styling tip for festive decor? I love to embrace the more natural and paired-back approach to festive décor. I personally don’t think you can go wrong with plenty of foliage and texture, and for me, it has to be a real Christmas tree! I also love to add foraged items from our village walks during the festive season - - - some simple twigs in a lovely vase/pot can be really effective.

What is this season’s must-have for updating our homes, ready for Winter? I think it is all about embracing cosy in a cost-effective way this season! I am all for lots of cosy throws and candles. I also think that adding some textured cushions in more autumnal tones is a great way to mix things up a bit for a change in season. For those with panelled walls, painting them in a richer colour for the autumn and winter months is a quick and easy way to make an impact but can also make the room feel warmer.

Any tips for keeping homes warm and cosy this winter? I think full-length curtains are a great cost-effective way of keeping the heat in our homes in winter, and choosing heavier fabrics to better insulate with an added lining also goes a long way to stop heat from escaping.

Quickfire questions —

A favourite corner of your home?

Our utility room and pantry… maybe because I spend a lot of time in there! I love how we have made some subtle and cost-effective changes to the space that allow me to add some personality. Being a serial shelf-faffer, the room also gives me plenty of styling potential!

Are you relaxed, classic, linen or luxe fabrics and why?

I am a relaxed classic, linen girl. I love how texture adds so much interest to a room and how versatile they are too!

What do you do to get your home ready for guests as we go into the festive season?

I like to add a garland on our oak mantle piece and up our stairs too. I always feel like the garland up the stairs is an instant welcoming feature as we open the front door.

Curtains or blinds?

It depends on the room! If space is of a premium I think roman blinds can add so much to a room, especially if you opt for stripes – I love stripes! If a more luxurious vibe is required, I love full-length curtains.

Made to measure over ready-made?

Made to measure E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.M.E.