Sophie Robinson, Interior Designer and TV Interiors Expert, with her perfect rug. Images © Alun Callender

Sophie Robinson has worked in the interiors industry for over 20 years; working across magazines, TV and some of the top retailers in the country but is best known for her role as judge on BBC2’s The Great Interior Design Challenge. Self-confessed pattern clasher and cushion hugger, Sophie creates schemes with flair and of course lots of colour.

My philosophy?

Interior design should be fun and spark joy – I never take it too seriously. It’s your home and you should design it just how you want.

Here’s our Q&A…

Sophie’s Rug Stars choice is a Quirky B Flowers of Thorpe Summer Garden with a single cotton border in navy. © Alun Callender

WHERE DOES YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION COME FROM?

I have a very strong colour palette that I draw from so I look to art, fashion and other designers for inspiration. I’m always looking out for interesting new patterns and colour palettes and how to put them together in schemes in new and exciting ways.

DESCRIBE THE STYLE IN YOUR OWN HOME?

A mash up, a colour explosion and all my favourite things in the same place, I like a homely look so I’m quite a maximalist.

Sophie’s Rug Stars choice is a Quirky B Flowers of Thorpe Summer Garden with a single cotton border in navy. © Alun Callender

WHAT PART DO RUGS PLAY AND HOW DO YOU USE THEM?

Rugs are a great way of layering up even more colour and texture and I like to layer up smaller rugs or use one super large on one in my designs. A large rug in the bedroom that you can sit the bed on really helps to ground a room.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR PARTICULAR RUG DESIGN?

It has all my favourite colours and I have always had a love of Liberty prints and I think it’s been translated in the most delightful way, the trick here is by tucking it under the bed it gives it a lovely border of flowers all the way around.

Sophie’s Rug Stars choice is a Quirky B Flowers of Thorpe Summer Garden with a single cotton border in navy. © Alun Callender

WHICH ROOM WILL THIS RUG GO INTO?

This will go into my bedroom.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE MAKE ME A RUG SERVICE?

I called in lots of samples beforehand to know that the rug will go the rest of my furnishings – this is a great part of the service. I like the fact that the rug can be made to any specific size too.

Sophie’s Rug Stars choice is a Quirky B Flowers of Thorpe Summer Garden with a single cotton border in navy. © Alun Callender

FINALLY, WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ALTERNATIVE FLOOR AND WHY?

I would have to say the rug I have chosen although to be honest I was spoilt for choice!

See Sophie on our Rug Stars

Visit Sophie on her website and follow her on Instagram

More fabulous flooring and interior inspiration on our blog 

www.alternativeflooring.com