Willow & Bert Interiors

Are you downsizing your home?

The process of moving to a smaller home can be a heady mixture of emotions- both excitement for the next chapter of your life and trepidation about letting go. Swipe to see my top tips on making the process of downsizing your possessions and style easier.

Engaging an interior designer early on in the process can be beneficial. It’s tough making choices about furniture, art work and styling, so having someone on hand to help you adapt to smaller space living without compromising on your unique style can ease the transition.

If you’re embarking on this soon, DM or drop us an email for a no-obligation chat about how we can help you downsize.

Confession time.

Does your kitchen look as s**c and span as this one?

Let’s be honest, most kitchens don't. And almost always because of one thing…clutter. Every home accumulates it - receipts, paperwork, greetings cards, charger cables, the list goes on! So, what’s the solution?

🗑️ Smart storage in the right location - this is different for every home.
🗑️ Be ruthless! Get rid of everything you don’t need straight away - no-one wants a paperwork purgatory on their kitchen side.
🗑️ Regular clear-outs. If you have a designated 'drawer of shame', put in time periodically to get rid of everything you no longer need.

Share the room in your house that attracts the most clutter in the comments ⬇️. I’ve got my sus**cions which will be the most common!

Swipe to come on a tour of this recently completed Oast House in Kent.

What a project! We loved working on this full-home renovation and here’s what the client had to say with about the process and end result:

“Willow & Bert recently helped us redesign our home following a major reconfiguration of the top two floors of the house. We felt overwhelmed undertaking such a large project with many different spaces, so Chloe’s help was invaluable, looking at each space one by one to give it an individual feel whilst ensuring that the overall design and flow of the house was all in sync. We absolutely love the final look and could never have achieved it without Chloe’s help.

With gorgeous statement wallpapers in the cloakroom and the master en-suite, pops of favourite colours in teen bedrooms and stunning fabrics throughout, Chloe has helped change our house into a family home we absolutely love with the perfect blend of comfort, practicality and style.”

We’d love to show you a before/after transformation for this perfectly formed cloakroom, but it didn’t exist before my clients started their transformation.

Designing a space that isn’t yet in your home is even trickier than planning for one you can already see. That’s where a professional interior designer can be worth their weight in gold. They can:

✨ Help you visualise how your new space will feel
✨ Advise on all types of lighting
✨ Recommend the ideal layout
✨ Make it feel like the room has always been there and flows naturally with the rest of your home

Do your renovation plans include the creation of a new room? What’s your biggest concern with the process? Drop it in the comments and I’ll try and offer some sage advice.

Them: White bathrooms hold their value and appeal to buyers when you come to sell.

Us: YOU live in your home and if you want colour, just bloomin' go for it.

If you’re up for inviting colour and personality into every corner of your home, you’ve definitely found the right account.

Hit follow to keep up to date with all our latest interior design projects. Coming up we have a fabulous garage to garden annexe conversion.

✨ Elevate Your Space with Details ✨

In the world of interior design, success is often found in the details. It’s not just about the overall look; it’s about the small, deliberate touches that elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Imagine a room in your home, where every element is thoughtfully chosen —a perfect shade of paint, a meticulously crafted piece of furniture, or a strategically placed light fixture. These details do more than enhance aesthetics; they create an environment that feels cohesive, intentional, and ultimately, more enjoyable to live in.

By letting us take on those details, you’re investing in quality and functionality. Each detail adds a layer of sophistication and ensures your design is not only beautiful but also practical and enduring.

Let me know if you’d like to know where these epic door k***s are from.

Whether you’ve never worked with an interior designer before, have a little bit of design experience yourself or are undertaking a big renovation project and need some back-up, here at W&B we’ve worked with all sorts of clients.

Swipe to read our handy guide to our 3 types of dream client ➡️ ➡️ ➡️.

Which do you most identify with 1️⃣, 2️⃣ or 3️⃣ - let me know in the comments?

I thought we could have a little fun today with a game of Spot The Difference 🔎

Swipe to see if you can count how many differences. Let us know your guess in the comments!

pov: kids room but make it simple, timeless and classy.

Bonus points to anyone who can name the publication the print is from ⬇️

Most of the time I design a room but sometimes I have to let the room take the lead a little!

Take this panelled dining room in a Wealden farmhouse dating back to the Sixteenth Century. The dark wood panelling, leaded windows and heavy ceiling beams aren’t something to fight against - instead, using the shapes, textures and colours to shape the remainder of the room was the order of the day. We opted for a mustard yellow small motif roman blind by @‌Lewis & Wood at the windows which doesn’t compete with its neighbours. Pulling that yellow out into the room via the @‌okavelvet dining chairs makes more of a statement and brings the room into the 21st century.

What do you think? Is it ever worth sacrificing your home’s architecture for your own design? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

⚡️ Pattern Clash ⚡️

Two of our absolute favourites in one place for Rebuildagram - a classic chunky red and white stripe from Romo for this interlined curtain alongside an epic Brunschwig & Fils green and animal print wallpaper.

If you know you wouldn’t be brave enough to take the plunge with this style in your own home, let me help give you the confidence to clash with conviction- head to my blog to get the low down on pattern clashing.

If your life involves any of these:

🦮 Dog
👧🏼 Children
🚶🏻‍♂️ Countryside walks
🏃🏼‍♂️ Running/cycling

Then a ‘Bootility’ room could change your life. Ok, ok, it may not be life-changing but certainly life-improving! A bespoke boot room cm utility room means you can combine all the muddy/dirty/wet elements of day-to-day life into one room which you can easily shut the door to when it all gets a bit too much.

Opting for bespoke joinery means it can be 100% tailored to your life and being separate from the kitchen gives you the option to choose harder-wearing materials you wouldn't necessarily need in the kitchen.

Want to know if you can squeeze one in to your current home? I can help. Drop me a DM.

📸 Mikey Reed

I wish I could bottle the feeling I get when all the trades have left site, everything is decorated, styled and spotlessly clean and it’s just me.

That moment before the clients begin to live back in their new room is a heady mix of trepidation and excitement. Some people do marathons for thrills, I do interior design!

When life gives you lemons…beautifully style them and take a photo for Instagram. Or something like that!

But in all seriousness, styling your home isn’t just for photoshoots or when you move house. Styling is the thing that ties together the interior design with the way you will live in the space. When we near the end of a room or whole house project, I’m always happy to help clients style areas to ensure there’s cohesion throughout the house.

It’s our job to be detail-obsessed.

It’s the difference between a plain off-the-shelf pair of curtains and, for example, this beauty: a bespoke, contrast-lined, interlined and beautifully trimmed curtain that will drape beautifully and withstand the test of time.

Will it cost more? Yes. But will it last longer? Absolutely.

If you share our details obsession, get in touch.

Even the most functional spaces in our home don’t have to be featureless.

Take this utility/dog shower area in a Tunbridge Wells family home. Going bold with a patterned blind in this geometric weave from @‌G.P. & J. Baker and adding interest with a bold print in an easily wipeable frame (!) means you *might* even begin to look forward to showering down a muddy dog.

OK, OK, maybe that’s a bit far. but you get the gist!

I wanted to debunk the myth that interior designers only work with enormous or open-ended budgets. I pride myself on maximising a client’s budget to achieve a beautiful effect without pushing them outside what they want to spend and talking openly about budget is something I incorporate from the off to avoid awkward conversations later into a project.

Take this room, for example. The floral pattern, perfectly suited to this space and the leaded windows, is beautiful but expensive to use in vast quantities because of the cost per metre. So, a great alternative to using it for curtains was to let the smaller windows do the talking with a striking patterned fabrics that requires far fewer metres. At the garden windows and doors, which have a pole nearly 5m long and needing over 27m of fabric, we opted for plain fabrics in three colours to stick within the room’s palette but not stretch us over budget.

So please don’t let budget constraints stop you from considering using an interior designer- a significant part of what you pay for is our expertise in maximising your budget without compromising on look.

Curved oast house walls ✅
Deep recesses ✅
Narrow windows ✅
Sloped walls ✅

Never let it be said we aren’t up for a challenge! Oast houses are one of my favourite property types to work on because they're full of interesting challenges like this tricky window. If we put up a traditional curtain or blind here it simply wouldn’t sit right - it would hang in mid-air due to the sloped walls and with such a narrow window it would block the light if hung inside the recess.

So, in instances like this, a bespoke and very beautiful roller blind is just the ticket. It’s cost-effective, functional, doesn’t block the light and as a necessary bonus is effortlessly stylish.

No, you don't need to get your eyes tested, there really are 3 of these beauties hanging in this landing in a Wealden farmhouse home in Brenchley.

Here’s why we fell in love them:

💡Structural and textural interest - with the backdrop of neutral walls and dark wood beams these architectural lampshades add much-needed interest to the landing.

💡Illumination - the shape of the shades throws light downwards for functional lighting to help you climb the stairs, and the upwards shade directs ambient light to the ceiling to create soft atmosphere.

💡 Budget - it’s always important to keep ££ in mind and these lights were sourced as part of a whole house renovation, so every penny counts. Sourcing the unique even on the high street, like these feature shades from La Redoute is all part of the day job here at W&B.

What do you think?

3 reasons why we love a multicoloured fabric and how to make one work in your home.

These are the understated heroes - bit like the residents of Slough House (for all the slow horses fans)

Nearly every scheme we develop will include one of these carthorses. They are powerful but subtle - often used for key upholstery pieces and responsible for effortlessly pulling everything together. They add variety but don’t overwhelm, here are the reasons we will always look to include.

🧵 Multicoloured fabrics add a subtle versatility - working to blend effortlessly with different colours and styles. They can tie many elements within one room together.

🧵 Life can be messy and the beauty of a multicoloured weave means they have met their match! These fabrics subtly camouflage spills and stains, making them a practical choice for everyday living.

🧵 Trends may come and go - I’m talking to you Mr Grey, but a multicoloured fabric has an enduring charm. A timeless choice that effortlessly weaves through the changing seasons of design.

Let’s add that touch of quiet magic. Don’t forget to comment, like, save and share this post - it’s always great to get feedback!

** Spatial Planning **

We recently talked about the flow of your home. Spatial planning is a vital part of the design process which makes sure nothing interrupts your home’s flow. It comes as standard in both my Home Consultancy and Design my Home packages.

Spatial planning looks at both the design and functionality of your spaces. If you’re wondering how important it is, imagine bumping into the same armchair every day on your way around your sitting room - that’s poor spatial planning in play.

When I look at spatial planning I’m looking to find a good balance between comfort, beauty and function. That’s why it’s important that we discuss:

⤵ The pathways you use through your space on a day-to-day basis - we want you to be able to ‘flow’ through your space

🤚🏻 The function of the room; how you use the room and what you need to keep to hand to live well in it. e.g. the kitchen work triangle

🛋 The balance of furniture - if a room feels just right, it’s usually because it has the correct scale and proportions of fitted and freestanding furniture for the size of room.

Ever stop and wonder how the heck you got somewhere? 2024 marks a really exciting year for W&B - our 10th anniversary.

So before I get giddy with excitement and start planning plentiful celebrations I am going to stop and consider everything that has been achieved. What started out as a - some might say “hobby job” - something creative to do and keep busy with once the kids were at school has truly turned into something very special.

I’m going to be revisiting some of my favourite projects from the last decade and sharing some of the tips and advice I’ve learnt over the years, so stay tuned!

FINALLY it looks like we might have some proper Spring sunshine for a few days and just in time for the BH weekend. What a treat.

I couldn’t resist sharing this beautiful apple blossom in a gorgeous Goad jug. For me, blossom and bluebells always herald the arrival of the Spring proper, daffs - though I love the pop of yellow in the midst of Winter, they don’t quite herald the return of the sun’s warmth. So let me know which Spring flower gives you hope that warmer days are around the corner?

🪞 On reflection… 🪞

I have a long-standing love affair with mirrors in interiors. They are so versatile and useful in almost every room of the house and there are so many advantages of installing one (or three) in your home.

The illusion of space
In even the smallest room a mirror can help it feel more spacious and create depth.

Reflecting light
Of course mirrors are ideal in rooms with low natural light - or with lots of beams which can suck the light out of a room. Strategically placing a mirror next to or opposite a window will instantly make the space feeler brighter and reduce the need for artificial lighting. In very dark rooms mirrors can be used in conjunction with wall or ceiling lights to cleverly illuminate darker corners.

A handy viewpoint
Besides being handy for checking your collar or make up, mirrors also can be installed to give you a different viewpoint of rooms in your home, for example to see into a children’s playroom from the kitchen.

Focal point
In rooms which lack a focal point like a fireplace, a statement mirror can do that job beautifully.

From experience, mirrors can be like Marmite - how many do you have in your house? Have a quick tot up and let me know! I’m definitely in double digits.

Do I really hang all the curtains and blinds in each of my projects?

Of course! When I’ve measured the space, planned and discussed with my client, found the ideal fabric in the perfect colour way and woked through all the rest of the behind the scenes admin - there’s no way I’d miss out on the satisfaction of hanging them in their rightful space!

It also means I can check they're hanging correctly, steam them if required, check that the lining falls perfectly, triple-check for any loose threads, adjust hooks where required and dress them into meticulously placed folds.

No matter how many projects I work on, this is still one of my favourite (although always nerve-wracking) parts of my job, so if your curtains need an upgrade, get in touch today to experience the W&B personalised service.

Does your house have a flow?

It’s almost definitely easier to know when it doesn’t! Here’s my top 5 red flags when it comes to flow:

🌟 Obstacles
Very simply, if you bump into something in your natural walk-line through your home then change are it needs to move!

🌟 Too many junctures/joints
Multiple flooring types, colour or pattern changes and furniture styles can be jarring as you move through your home.

🌟 Light and dark
Lighting changes that are too stark between spaces can be distracting.

🌟 Clutter
Piles of ‘stuff’ - every home has them but when they get out of hand they’re a great indicator of the flow being ‘off’.

🌟 Tumbleweed
Sometimes areas of our home just simply aren’t used. If there’s ‘tumbleweed’ anywhere then it’s time to intervene!

Flow is that feeling of effortlessly stepping from one room or space in your home to another and feeling as if everything just ‘clicks’. It should feel completely natural but, of course, plenty of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to make it that way!

It’s one of the reasons I love working on full house projects- we get to identify the use, colours, patterns, furniture and artworks that create a cohesive home rather than just a series of standalone rooms.

Do any of these red flags ring true for you? Let’s book a discovery call to think about how to overcome them.

Could you live in a room like this - or would it just be a “tad” too much?

The trend for this full-on immersive style of decorating is strong, as seen here in the Sanderson Fabrics and Wallpapers showroom at London Design Week.

And while most families might not choose to go quite so ‘all in’ with pattern in their living room, it goes to show that whatever you think is too much pattern or print can definitely be topped!

Part of the joy of the process for me when I get to know new clients is gauging their level of ‘too much’! And maybe, just maybe, pushing them to consider stretching it ever so slightly!

How crucial are mood boards in my design process?

To explain, let’s play a game.

I've visited your home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent to discuss redesigning your Sitting Room.

Following our meeting, I can either:

a) send you an email outlining a pink, green and navy blue colour scheme with dusky pink accent chair, floral soft furnishings and metallic accessories.

b) send you this image.

I know which one I’d find easier to work with.

Visuals help you follow your heart 💕when it comes to your interior design. Seeing the scheme in this format helps you know what stands out, what you love and what you might like to change. Putting the hard work into the mood board is always worth the effort.

Ready to see the moodboard I’d create for your next home project? Drop me a DM to book an initial consultation.

Time for one of those posts to pop and say hello

As you’ll know I’m Chloe and I run Willow & Bert Interiors, so a little bit about myself:

🏠 I live in a big (fairly chaotic) house with my husband and our blended family of five kids and 2-3 dogs.

🧺 So as you can imagine we never empty laundry basket at home

☕My day isn’t complete without a very specific 2 cups of tea and 2 coffees

🍥 I love sushi but hate olives, oranges and offal

🆘 I still haven’t cracked that adult skincare regime…any one relate?!

🫢I struggle with vertigo (never sit with me on a chairlift) and I also have Trypophobia (the fear of repeating patterns)

🌴I’m forever itching to travel - next on my wish list is Sri Lanka and Cuba - just need my lottery numbers to come through!

👚 I’m a sucker for frilly shirt and I hate wearing high heels

📃I love making lists, but never get the bottom one - like the aforementioned laundry

🌈 Navy blue, yellow and coral are my most favourite colours

🍪 I make insanely good brownies but still have yet to master the art of pastry, that’s what retirement is for…that and gardening right?!

⚓ My guilty pleasure right now is watching “Below Deck” and I adored Succession - that theme tune!

👿 On the negative side, I can be a “bit” impatient, (as many will attest). I don’t suffer fools and I HATE bad table manners.

🐶 I also hate washing muddy dogs after a walk

Finally, and I’ve shared this with many in the past - but my mantra:

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure”

So please let me know if any of the above strike a chord - hopefully so! I’d love to know more about any of you…
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Time is running out - don’t forget:
IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!

We’ve joined forces with 9 other fabulous brands to offer one lucky person the chance to win an amazing set of prizes worth over £1000!

All you need to do is:

1. Like the posts

2. Follow all of the brands taking part (we will be checking!)

3. Tag your friends. One tag per comment, but you can enter as many times as you like

4. A winner will be chosen at random on 4th April at 6pm and they will win:

🐣 A limited edition fine art print from worth £95
🐣 Two bespoke frilled cushions from worth £100
🐣 A stunning £100 voucher from
🐣 A gorgeous gift voucher from worth £100
🐣 A case of 6 Folc English Rosé from .folc worth over £100
🐣 A beautiful bowl and jug from worth £100
🐣 An amazing £100 gift voucher from
🐣 A beautiful bright pink enamel tray and stand from worth £125
🐣 A complete bundle of award-winning chocolates from worth £100
🐣 And last but not least - a countryside spa and stay at The Retreat Elcot Park from worth over £200

GOOD LUCK!

Closing date is 6pm on 4th April 2024. Winner will be announced on 5th April 2024. Open to UK entrants only. This competition is in no way endorsed by Instagram. No one will ever contact you via DM for card details . No cash alternative. Entrants must be over 18