Design Tips & Tricks - Shag Interior

28 February 202528 February 2025

Shag Interior – The Home of Maximalism – February Update

Founder of Shag Interior, Sophie Newlands, rounds-up the busiest month yet for the home of maximalism...

Wow, what a month here at Shag Interior – the home of maximalism! February has been a complete whirlwind and as I am writing this up I can’t believe how much we have packed into such a short month!

Let’s dive in!

Staffordshire Funding Festival

Let’s get started with the Staffordshire Funding Festival. This was a an event put on by The NextGen and Staffordshire County Council at Bet365 Stadium. The turnout was great and the speakers were exceptional. I gained a lot of knowledge and made some valuable contacts.

Ignite & Thrive

The following day I had a 1-2-1 session wit Bethan from the Rocketeer Group. We talked through my business journey so far and my goals, as well as the strategies I have in place and the areas I need additional help. I found Bethan to be a wonderful support and her presentation was insightful. As far as I know The Rocketeer Group offer support services to all SME’s regardless of where they are in their journey, so they’re definitely worth getting in touch with.

You can reach out to them here

Rome

On 9th Feb my husband and I went to Rome for 3 days! Brad has always wanted to go to Rome so I booked the trip as a Christmas gift and we had the best few days. We stayed in the most beautiful AirBnb (happy to share the link if anyone is planning a trip – just get in touch), and we really did pack a lot in to the time we were there.

From a design perspective, Rome is just breathtaking. The history and romance of the city is a feast for the senses, but my favourite part of the whole trip was doing a 5-hour tour of the Vatican at 7:30am! By 8:30am we were up inside the dome of St Peter’s Basilica where you can literally touch the original mosaics laid by none other than Michelangelo himself!

This work is beyond amazing, it’s one of the most impressive things I have ever seen – for me it was more amazing than the Sistine Chapel ceiling! And, for anyone who doesn’t think guided tours are for them, I urge you to give this one a go, the amount of history you learn is just incredible, and the tour guides have a great sense of humour.

Returning from Rome late Tuesday night I went straight back into a very busy 2 week period of back-to-back paint work which has been exhausting but so much fun!

Paint Work

I did a beautifully subtle, cloudy limewash at a barn-style property in Uttoxeter, followed by a gorgeous, deep purple colour drench for a music room/office in Stafford. For more info on my paint services check out my services page here

Behold, the Shagmobile!

I hit a milestone in the middle of the month and bought my first ever van! This was a really proud moment for me and signified the growth of my business. I can’t wait to get her branded now!

Zebra Print Ceilings… A Masterclass in Maximalism!

I was booked to do a maximalist ceiling design for one of my interior design clients and I had a blast! The neck-ache was totally worth it for the results.. a hand-painted, zebra print kitchen/diner ceiling… has anything ever been as Shag Interior as this?! Totally obsessed, can’t wait to help them source the decor now!

More Paint Work

Last week I was booked to do a feature wall for a cool hair and beauty salon in Walsall. I am going back to add more to it and refine the design a little so this is just a work-in-progress but I’m really excited to go back and finish it off!

This week I have had the honour of painting a nursery for my soon-to-arrive baby niece! This was the first time I’d painted a pink limewash and I love it so much – please give me more jobs like this, it was a joy to paint!

Last Few Days

The last 2 days of the month have been spent catching up on admin and design work. I love working on site for my clients but I also cherish my desk days as I sometimes feel like I’m lost when I haven’t had much chance to make sure I’m on top of everything.

How has your month been? I’d love to hear about your DIY projects, see any new homeware you’ve bought or just hear about what you’ve been up to, so leave a comment below or get in touch using any of my channels!

I am currently booked up until April, so if you are thinking of hiring me to do a paint job, or you’d like to become a design client, please get in touch ASAP so we can reserve some dates! Contact me here

31 January 202531 January 2025

Mindset for Solopreneurs

The solopreneurs guide to engaging the right mindset in 2025

Calling all solopreneurs who need a kick up the proverbial to get organised this year! This guide to mindset for solopreneurs is just what you need.

This post is a little bit off-piste for me but I wanted to share a little story with you.

When I came back to my desk after the Christmas break I was full of panic because I had only one job booked in this year.

After a super busy period leading up to Christmas I unfortunately had not been managing my diary well and didn’t give myself many ‘desk days’, which is when I strategise and work on my marketing.

This meant I started the year with no business booked in, no new leads and a whole lot of worry!

So how then, did I manage to turn this around and end up having my most successful month yet? Read on…

The obvious one... Goal Setting

Everyone uses January to set goals for their businesses and personal growth and development. This is no different for me.

When I sat down to work our my targets for the year it was a lot easier than last year because I could go back and use last year as a benchmark, rather than having to guesstimate. I sort of know which months will be busy and which ones I need to market harder.

But rather than setting a turnover goal and cracking on I find it much easier to work quarter by quarter.

I use a whiteboard in my office to track my sales each quarter, with my overall target for each month written in bold. I input my actuals next to it at the end of each month and this helps me keep on track.

Aside from basic financial goal setting I also set myself some business growth related goals for the year. For me, these include being a guest on a relevant podcast, having a good PR piece in a relevant publication and applying for some business awards.

Have a think about 3 additional things you want to do this year to help position yourself as a leader in your industry and add them to your 2025 goals. I personally think doing this helps us to stay aligned with our overarching mission and stay true to our values rather than just focusing on the financials.

Once I got my head around the things I wanted to achieve this year I already felt more motivated, and planning how I was going to reach them then became less daunting.

Reverse Engineering

Every bit of my planning is done through reverse engineering.

I work out my ideal turnover, gross and net, and break this down into quarters and then monthly to work out what these figures are in smaller chunks.

If, like me, you have months or quarters that are typically quieter or much busier than others use this knowledge to adjust your goals accordingly, so you’re not setting unrealistic goals for months that are very quiet.

From here I then work out how many of each service I need to be selling to hit those targets, and how many leads I need to convert that number.

Once I got my head around reverse engineering my whole business became so easy to run, because I wasn’t flying blind and setting random targets. Forecasting became a lot more accurate and it helped me to also plan my marketing strategy.

Healthy Habits

I know I sound really boring now but last year was the first time I tried Dry January, and look what happened…. I launched a bloody business!

Me and my husband both love a social drink at the weekend, and we do a lot of things that usually involve alcohol, so having a complete detox from it in January has become ritualistic. It helps to reset the mind and body and gives you razor sharp focus.

I also struggle with sleep. It’s rare that I sleep through and usually go through months of waking up several times a night, or waking up at 3am and not getting back to sleep, leaving me permanently shattered.

This month I have slept like a baby. I’ve realised that my body doesn’t have time to recover from the weekend before I’m back chugging pints of Guinness again the following weekend. So this has been a bit of a wake up call for me and although I’m not quitting drinking altogether, I’ve made the decision to heavily reduce the number of times per month I drink.

Alongside this, I started journalling which has been such a beautiful thing to do. I had a gratitude journal for Christmas from Papier and it’s just so lovely to write in each morning and evening.

I love it that much that I’ve just ordered a wellness journal too! If you want to grab yourself one I’ve linked mine here

As a self-confessed fitness-phobe the thought of working out makes me cold. I’m definitely not interested in joining a gym, that environment just isn’t for me.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve turned 35 this month or if this has just been a side effect of the other healthy habits I’ve put in place but I had the urge to get fit.

Yes, I know, this is normal for people in January, and only time will tell if I manage to stick to it or not, but I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and I’m now going into week 3 of the challenge.

So far I’m absolutely LOVING it. For me, the best part of it is I get to do it alone. I’m really self conscious about my fitness and my lack of natural athleticism, so gyms and classes have always scared me.

If you feel this way too just give this a try, you can go entirely at your own pace and it’s designed to ease you into it so you are less likely to quit.

I’ve learnt a lot about myself in the past year and I’ve realised that although I’m far from being a ‘control-freak’ in general, I do like to have control over my own health, wellbeing and success.. which I guess is why I’ve always wanted to be self-employed. I like to be in control, and that’s okay!

Tools to Succeed

I use a combination of different apps and tools to help me keep all of the above running smoothly and I want to share with you below what these are:

Google Calendar
This thing runs my entire life. I colour code work, appointments, meetings, personal and things like bill days so I know exactly what’s happening at all times.
I also preset my desk days and days off so that when I’m booking work in I don’t end up working 5 days in a row on back to back ceiling projects, or end up neglecting desk days which result in problems further down the line when I’ve not got any leads lined up to convert.
You can also add links to Zooms and other online meetings direct from your emails so you never have to search through your emails to find that damn link!
Canva
I use Canva to design anything I need to print and anything I need branding such as testimonials, banners and profile pictures. I have my brand kit setup on there so I can alter any template using my brand colours and fonts quickly. I pay for the pro account because I use it so often, £13 per month is worth it for me but if you don’t really need to use it much in your business then the free option is really good too.
G Mail
I recently switched my emails over from Outlook to Gmail and my god my life is easier now. I had so many issues on Outlook which were affecting my ability to run my day-to-day. Switching to Gmail (on the advice of many of my Instagram followers) was a genius move. Especially as I use all of the other Google applications too.
G Drive
This cloud based storage system is awesome. I can keep all my brand assets, photography, contracts, proposals and anything else in colour coded files on my drive.
I use share the link to my brand assets folder with anyone who needs it – eg marketing agencies who are making some content for me and my gifting company who make the bespoke gift boxes for my clients.
It’s super easy to share the link and saves you attaching file after file to an email.
FreeAgent
I got this accounting software free when I opened my Natwest business bank account and what a life-saver it is!
Although I still keep a manual weekly sales report, all the other info I need is worked out and presented automatically through this clever technology.
You can link you bank accounts to it so it displays realtime balances and categorises your expenses and income so you don’t have to go through it all when it’s time to pay the taxman.
I also use it as a CRM because you can generate quotes and invoices through the system, emailing them directly to your clients. You can also brand the invoices to look the way you want them to with your logo, colours and fonts.
It even works out your profit and loss, and can provide a benchmark for similar businesses in your area so you know how you’re tracking compared to your competitors.
I’ve not used any other accounting software so I can’t comment on those but I can confirm I love FreeAgent and will continue to use it!

Networking & Learning

The last thing I want to add to this post is about the importance of networking and continuing to learn.

I love learning. If there’s a course relevant to me and it’s free you can bet your ass I’m doing it.

Networking for me is a necessary evil. Like many people, I don’t like networking and I’m not good at it. I have to force myself to go but it does often pay off, making connections with people who then become part of your extended network.

The one thing I will say is PLEASE go and contact your local council or Chambers of Commerce, because I most definitely would not be sat here with a business that is generating a profit without the help I received from these organisations.

There are so many free events, training and resources available and I think if you are just starting out you should prioritise utilising these. Block time in your calendar to attend the workshops, you’ll not only learn a lot about the foundations you need to have in place to get going but you’ll meet people in the same position as you, which is a really great thing because being a solopreneur can be really lonely!

You can also access information on grant funding and other initiatives to help you launch and grow your business.

I hope you found this guide helpful, if you did please leave me a comment and don’t forget to drop a link to your business pages so I can give you a follow!

Here’s to a successful 2025!

Want to inject some maximalism into your home or business? Contact Sophie for a quote!

30 January 202530 January 2025

January at Shag Interior

Birthdays, parliament and feature walls... Shag Interior's busiest month yet!

Welcome to the Shag Interior monthly round-up! It’s a new year, and yesterday we entered the Chinese New Year of the wood snake, which brings with it new opportunities for growth and change.

Shag Interior turned 1 on 5th January which made me reflect on my first year in business. I feel incredibly lucky to be a year in and making a living from what I love. When I first started out my only aim was to earn enough to cover my half of the bills and mortgage, but now I’m actually running a profitable business!

And although I’m not landing contracts designing YSL flagship stores (yet!), I am gaining more clients and growing the business into a trusted, recognised brand, which I’ve been working very hard towards achieving.

Let’s dive into Shag Interior’s busiest month to date and unpack everything I’ve been up to!

Limewash heaven is complete!

I kicked the month off with my last visit to this beautiful, newly renovated semi-detached property in Wolverhampton.

Having already completed the limewash throughout the entire first floor – walls and ceilings – and through the hallway, stairs and landing, it was now time to finish off the last doorframes upstairs.

I used Bauwerk limewash paint for the limewash and the results are just stunning. For the doorframes I used Zinsser Bullseye 123 and Zinsser Allcoat, the application was perfect – highly recommend!

If you are interested in finding out more about limewash and its suitability in your home refer to my guide here

I joined the pilot cohort for the 'Women in Business' programme, ran by Staffordshire County Council

Staffs CC piloted a business support scheme in January for women in the area to help launch and grow our respective businesses.

As a founder going into my second year of business I found this programme extremely useful to refresh my memory of some financial basics, network with the other amazing founders and access further support to help with my ongoing strategy.

As well as gaining confidence and knowledge I was also asked if I would like to exhibit at the upcoming event in March, which I excitedly said yes to!

This will be my first time promoting Shag Interior at an event, if you would like to come along and support myself and the other brilliant businesses tickets can be booked here

I booked a gorgeous faux limewash job

I returned to a property in Stoke for the third time, this time to do a faux limewash feature wall in the dining room!

I absolutely love to do faux limewash, the delicate, soft blends of colour provide such a gorgeous backdrop for artwork, or subtly command attention on their own without competing against other elements.

It is such a versatile finish and looks good in any room. If you’re looking to have a faux limewash finish in your home or business get in touch here – I am now booking for March and filling up fast so make sure you reach out today!

Find out more about my services below:

I was invited to the House of Lords!

Yep, you read that right! After completing a brilliant course last Autumn curated by Small Business Britain I was invited to the House of Lords, along with the other founders, for a private lunch & networking!

As well as this being a really cool opportunity to have a nosey inside one of the most famous buildings in the world, it was wonderful to connect with other business owners from all over the UK, and hear from the mentors who delivered the content of the course.

My first commercial job of 2025!

I was so excited to be asked to do a colour-blocking design for Francesco’s Hair Salon in Stafford!I sketched some initial design on my ipad to get an idea of what salon owner, Jo, was looking for.

Once she was happy with the rough idea she purchased the paints in the company colours and I brought it to life through a combination of freehand and using painters tape to get super clean lines.

Other bits and pieces...

Here’s the other things I’ve been up to this month:

Completed my self assessment – definitely going to hire an accountant for next year, I’m so over the gov.uk website!
Turned 35 on 29th January and will be celebrating with friends and family on Sunday.
Had some really exciting site visits which have resulted in booking some super cool commercial jobs.. watch this space for some more creative feature walls!
Filled my diary until March – hurry if you want to book in with me to grab a slot! Email me!
Started the Couch to 5k Challenge! I’m not a natural athlete by any stretch of the imagination so we’ll see how long I can keep it up for… I’m on week 2 at the moment, feel free to send me good vibes and words of encouragement to keep me motivated!

I’d love to hear from you if you have a project I could help with. I am dedicated to transforming properties into maximalist, soulful spaces and I love to paint limewash, textures and finishes, murals and feature walls, so please get in touch using the button below to enquire!

Sophie x

22 November 202422 November 2024

Maximalist Living Room Magic.. Shag Interior Transforms Magnolia Living Room into Luxury Paradise!

Maximalist living room magic!

I am SO excited to share with you some before and after images, along with the moodboard and concept, of one of my favourite projects to date!

When I sat down with Clare and David (client) at our first appointment it became clear that there were several issues with the living room and that for the last 6 years the room had only ever been used as a workspace in the day time; favouring watching TV upstairs rather than in the family room.

Living room before Shag Interior — Before

As you can see from the before images, whilst the room wasn’t unpleasant, it lacked character, charm and ultimately it wasn’t a functional space owing to the uncomfortable couches and layout.

Some of the issues we discovered were:

North-facing rectangular room with limited light due to trees outside window
Door opens into the centre of the room
Lack of electrical sockets so unable to switch furniture around
Not cosy

Once we had established the client’s pain points I then set about putting together an action-plan. Firstly, I presented some options for a concept. Clare and David were excellent at communicating their likes and dislikes and we quickly settled on a maximalist design with rich, jewel tones and gold highlights.

The Action Plan

I created a moodboard and suggested we embrace the lack of natural light rather than fight it by trying to brighten it up. I assured them that this would create the cosy atmosphere they desired.

We colour drenched the room in Valspar Outdoor Escape, including the skirting and doors.

David was working from the small desk at the back of the room which was not the most inspiring place to be productive. I immediately suggested we flip the layout and put the desk in the bay window, making the most of the natural light available and providing a more stimulating environment for working.

I also suggested we install a pocket door to give more space to the centre of the room but this was decided against due to the fact they have four children, so likely to get broken over time.

I had an electrician come and install some extra sockets at the back of the room so we were able to plug the TV in and additional lighting.

I presented some wallpaper options for the far wall to introduce some pattern and colour. Clare & David decided on this print from Lust Home. Available here

I then sourced all the furniture and decor needed to pull together the overall scheme.

The stunningly beautiful purple couch was found at Vintage Sofa Company, as was the INCREDIBLE leopard print footstool! (My personal favourite piece).

Lighting, artwork and soft furnishings really pushed this room into the luxe design we see now. I’m a big believer in clashing and layering print on print. It’s my speciality.

Fianlly we added the finishing touches such as mirrors, candles and not forgetting some lovely plants to really amp up the jungle vibe!

"We now love to spend time in the room and do so every day. Every time I walk into the room I just love how it looks and feels. I feel like we have a space that's very special."

Clare Williams

Stafford

Ready to inject some personality into your home? Contact Sophie today and see how we can bring your vision to life!

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I’m Sophie, maximalism specialist and founder of Shag Interior. Click here to see the services I offer or email me to enquire about working together.

31 October 202431 October 2024

Limewash vs Faux Limewash : which one is best for you?

When it comes to Limewash should you get the real deal or fake it with the faux limewash technique?

Limewash vs. Faux Limewash: What’s the Difference?

Limewash paint has become a go-to option for homeowners looking to achieve a textured, natural finish with ‘old-world’ charm. Its rustic, matte appearance has a unique depth and movement that can transform an ordinary wall into an interesting canvas that oozes rich history from even the most modern of buildings.

To book a paint service please email with your requirements.

But what if you want the limewash look without the commitment to its traditional application? Or perhaps the room isn’t suitable to a paint that cannot be scrubbed clean such as high-traffic areas or bathrooms..

That’s where faux limewash techniques come in—using two tones of emulsion paint to mimic the effect of real limewash. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which technique is best for your space.

What is Limewash Paint?

Limewash is a traditional paint made from crushed limestone that has been fired and mixed with water. It creates a breathable, organic coating on surfaces, often used in older homes or buildings because of its authenticity and environmental friendliness.

Pros of Real Limewash Paint

Natural and Eco-Friendly
Limewash is made from all-natural materials, making it an excellent choice for those looking to use eco-friendly products. The paint is VOC-free and highly breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate, which can help prevent mold growth.
Authentic, Aged Look
Limewash naturally weathers over time, giving your walls an authentic, soft patina that adds character. Each coat of limewash gives walls an irregular, cloud-like texture that no synthetic product can truly replicate.
Highly Breathable
Limewash is perfect for older buildings with porous surfaces like plaster, brick, and stone. Its breathability prevents trapped moisture, which can damage the underlying structure.
Antibacterial and Non-Toxic
Limewash has natural antibacterial properties, and because it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, it’s a good option for people sensitive to toxins in paints.

Cons of Real Limewash Paint

Requires a Porous Surface
Limewash must be applied on porous surfaces like raw plaster, brick, or stone. It won’t adhere properly to non-porous surfaces like drywall or previously painted walls without special preparation.
Requires Multiple Coats
Limewash often needs several coats for an even, lasting finish. It can also become streaky if not applied correctly, especially when dealing with dark or uneven surfaces.
Fades Over Time
One of limewash’s most charming aspects—its natural aging—can also be seen as a downside for those who prefer a more durable, long-lasting finish. It fades and weathers, especially when exposed to the elements outdoors.
Limited Colour Options
Limewash paint comes in a more limited range of colours, typically soft, earthy tones. Bright, bold colours are harder to achieve with this natural medium.

What is Faux Limewash?

Faux limewash is a painting technique that uses two tones of emulsion paint to mimic the texture and depth of real limewash. This method allows for greater flexibility in terms of surface preparation and colour choice while still giving a similar textured, layered effect.

Pros of Faux Limewash Technique

Works on Any Surface
Unlike real limewash, faux limewash can be applied on any surface, including drywall, previously painted walls, or even non-porous materials. This makes it more versatile for modern homes.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Faux limewash doesn’t fade or weather as much as real limewash, making it a more durable option for high-traffic areas or rooms that require a finish with more longevity.
More Colour Options
With faux limewash, you can use a wider variety of colours. By mixing two tones of emulsion paint, you can create a wide array of custom hues, ranging from soft neutrals to bolder shades.
Easier to Apply
The faux limewash technique is typically easier to apply than real limewash and often requires fewer coats. Homeowners can achieve a limewash-inspired look without the labour-intensive application process.

Cons of Faux Limewash Technique

Lacks True Authenticity
While faux limewash can mimic the look of limewash, it doesn’t have the same organic texture or patina that develops over time with real limewash. It’s a good imitation but will never have the full depth or historical accuracy of traditional limewash.
Less Breathable
Unlike real limewash, which is highly breathable, faux limewash is as breathable as the emulsion paint it’s made from. This means it won’t offer the same benefits for older buildings that require moisture control.
Can Be Difficult to Perfect
Faux limewash requires blending and layering to get the look right. Without proper technique, the finish can end up looking patchy or too “contrived” if not done with care. Achieving a natural look may require practice or a professional touch.
Lacks Antibacterial Properties
Since faux limewash is essentially emulsion paint, it does not have the antibacterial and anti-mold properties that limewash naturally offers.

Limewash vs. Faux Limewash: Which is Right for You?

When deciding between real limewash and faux limewash all you really need to do is consider your specific needs and the character of your home.

Choose real limewash if you’re working with a historic property or surfaces like brick and stone, and you want a timeless, organic finish that weathers beautifully over time. It’s an ideal choice for those who value sustainability and prefer using natural, non-toxic materials.
Opt for faux limewash if you’re looking for a versatile, durable option that can be applied on any surface and allows for more colour flexibility. Faux limewash can be a great choice for modern homes, offering a similar aesthetic with less maintenance and greater durability.

Ultimately, both options offer unique benefits, but your choice will depend on the look you’re trying to achieve and the demands of your space.

Whichever you decide, make sure you properly prep your surfaces & don’t panic after the first coat – it’s meant to look like that!

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