Scarlette Douglas On Her 5-Year-Long Dining Room Renovation

In our new column, Staying In With, we ask the experts of interior design to tell us about their ultimate night in. Here, we speak to Scarlette Douglas, property expert and TV presenter, about her latest (and favourite) home project: a dining room renovation with plenty of character.

Staying In With Scarlette Douglas

What’s your favourite place to stay in, and why? 

My favourite space to stay in would have to be my dining room. It used to be my least favourite space, but recently I redecorated it and now I love spending time in there. It’s open plan with the kitchen, so it’s got a great social element to it.

Is this a space you like to host guests in, or wind down in?

It’s definitely a space I like to host guests in because it’s where I serve food; whether that be a nice brunch, lunch, adinner or a cheese and wine night. It’s also a great intimate space for date nights and hosting my parents.

How have you set it up? 

I’ve set it up in a way that makes it feel super cosy both in the daytime and during the evening. Because it opens into the kitchen, it’s very easy for me to bring any food in – from preparation over to serving.

I have two beautiful gold mirrors with leaf patterns that sit either side of a gorgeous piece of artwork from an American artists I love. The dining table is always laid and set ready for any spontaneous meal or gathering. I have nice sheer curtains that drape over the back sliding doors for the daytime which let in a warm glow, and heavier black out curtains for the evening that when pulled closed, creates an intimate atmosphere. There’s a television on the wall as well, which gives it the feel of media room, with a side bar for any tipple a guest may fancy.

Tell us about a ‘wow’ feature that you love.

It’s really hard to pick just one feature that I love in my dining room. The whole thing is what makes it. If I really had to pick one it would maybe be the artwork, as it’s just so beautiful and is such a great focal point in the space.

What was your best investment when decorating?

I think it would be the sheer curtains! They match the decor perfectly and were an absolute bargain! I bought two for £36 and the leaf print on them go so well with the wallpaper on my feature wall.

Is there anything on your wish list for the space?

I’ve recently just finished decorating the room so there isn’t anything else I’d want to put in there. If you had asked me a month or so ago it would have been the curtains and mirrors for sure! Now I think it’s perfect as it is.

What does the space say about your personal design style?

If anyone walked into my dining room, they would know the exact style I like and the exact person I am. There’s a lot of gold in there, sparkles, leafy prints and nods to nature; there is so much beauty in all the small things, the little details. It’s very different to most people’s styles, but for me, it suits my personality perfectly.

Do you see the space changing much in the future?

I can’t see the space changing anytime soon. I’ve finally got it to where I want it to be – and that has already taken five years – so I’m very happy with it right now and couldn’t imagine changing it again. I love what it looks like and I’m content.

Do you prefer staying in or going out?

My friends would disagree, but I absolutely love staying in my house! I love being cozy. I love relaxing, whether that’s on the couch in my living room, in my bed or in the dining room; a good night in for me with my partner, friends or family would be the best.

How do you live a life in balance at home? 

I find it very hard to live a life in balance because I’m always so busy and there are so many different businesses that I run. I think you can tell that with my house! Even though there’s a common thread running through it – leafy prints, peacock feathers, the colour pink – each room has its own personality and is very different to the one before. There is so much going on but somehow everything comes together and just makes sense.

Anything in the pipeline you can tell us about?

Yes! Stuart [Douglas, Scarlette’s brother] and I started filming a second series of Can’t Sell Must Sell in March, which we are very much looking forward to. It’s grown from a six-episode series to an eight-episode one and we already have some brilliant houses lined up! I can’t wait for everybody to see it.

I’ve also set up my own independent travel agency which is extremely exciting as I get to put all my experience of years of travelling with my TV shows into a new venture!

The Ideal Home Show is coming up – what’s the story there?

The Ideal Home Show is one of the longest running exhibition shows in the UK and it’s a show that Stuart and I have been going to as guests for as long as we can remember. So to be back for a third year as expert speakers is truly an honour for us. We genuinely love the show, we love what it has to offer and we love how much people can learn from it. We’ll be on the main stage giving out tips on property flipping.

Anything else we should know?

The nation will also be able to catch us on Celebrity Hunted, Stand Up to Cancer later on in the year so keep an eye out for it!