You Can’t Develop Your Style Without First Making Bold Commitments with Nina Watson
You Can’t Develop Your Style Without First Making Bold Commitments with Nina Watson
Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nina Watson, a designer whose energy, warmth, and passion for her craft are utterly contagious. After visiting her London home, where she treated my husband and me to tea and delicious treats, I’m happy to call her a lifelong friend—and she’s never getting rid of me! If you’ve ever felt unsure about your home or hesitant to commit to a design choice, Nina’s stories and insights will inspire you to see your space in a whole new way. Her home is beautiful, yes, but it’s also deeply personal—a reflection of her family’s life, values, and unique stories.
Style in the Mix
We kicked off by discussing her signature style, which she describes as “vintage eclectic.” But Nina didn’t stop there—she took us on a journey through her love of different eras, materials, patterns, and colors, highlighting the magic of how she mixes it all together. Her approach reminded me of what I often say: your style isn’t about fitting into a category—it’s found in how you blend everything into something uniquely yours.
Style Evolves: Living with Choices and Learning from Them
Color was another major topic. Nina is in the process of making some big changes, like lightening the molding in her kitchen and softening the built-in bookcases in her living room. Though I loved these spaces as they were, hearing her explain her reasoning made so much sense.
Her kitchen originally featured dark, glossy molding that provided a striking contrast to the space’s lighter elements. While the look was bold and dramatic, over time, Nina realized it distracted from the room’s real focal points: the gorgeous vintage green tiles and the garden view. Now, she’s in the process of painting the molding a softer, dusky pink, letting the room’s star features shine. Nina didn’t see this change as a correction but as part of the natural evolution of her style. She committed to the original choice, lived with it, and paid attention to how it felt—and only then decided to make a change. Her story reminds us that design isn’t static; it’s a process of learning and adapting as we live in our spaces.
Life Informs Style: Designing for the People Who Live There
Nina’s stories about designing for her family were some of the most touching moments of our conversation. She spoke about her son’s room, which she recently reimagined with a treasure map theme. He’s on the autism spectrum, so it was essential that the space feel both imaginative and secure. Nina carefully balanced playful elements, like the treasure map wallpaper and starry blue ceiling, with familiar touches from his old room, like keeping the same bed frame.
This thoughtful approach ensures her son feels comfortable and connected to the space while also allowing it to spark his creativity. Nina’s ability to tailor design to the unique needs of her family is a beautiful example of how our lives and routines can (and should) shape our spaces.
Style Reflects Your Values: Sustainability and Storytelling
Nina’s home isn’t just a collection of beautiful objects—it’s a reflection of her family’s values. Sustainability is at the heart of her design philosophy, from upcycled flea market finds to heirloom-quality pieces that stand the test of time.
One of my favorite details is her ruby-red front door, complete with custom stained glass that she designed herself. It’s bold, it’s welcoming, and it speaks to her love for blending the old with the new. Nina’s ability to create spaces that tell a story—whether through vintage treasures or design elements inspired by personal experiences—is a reminder that our homes can reflect not just who we are, but what we care about.
My conversation with Nina left me inspired to look at design as a process of discovery and growth. Whether it’s embracing the mix, committing to bold choices, or creating spaces that reflect who we are, Nina’s stories remind us that our homes are playgrounds for creativity and personal expression.
If you’re ready to find inspiration, make bold commitments, or simply fall in love with your home again, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Nina’s wisdom and see how her thoughtful, joyful approach can help you create a space that truly reflects you.
Until Next Time
-Zandra