A Weekend of Interior Inspiration at the Isle of Wight Homes & Interiors Show

There are some places that seem to lend themselves naturally to beautiful interiors and East Afton Farmhouse on the Isle of Wight is certainly one of them.

This weekend I had the pleasure of spending two days at the Isle of Wight Homes & Interiors Show, held at the wonderfully atmospheric East Afton Farmhouse. It was a lovely combination of interiors, craftsmanship, creativity and countryside and even better, I was there with my lovely friend and fellow interior designer, Chantal, who is based on the island and someone I’m fortunate enough to collaborate with regularly.

There’s something particularly enjoyable about visiting an interiors event with someone who shares your enthusiasm for beautiful spaces. There was plenty for us to admire, discuss and, inevitably, add to the wish list!

A beautiful setting

East Afton Farmhouse provided a wonderfully characterful backdrop for the weekend. With its historic architecture and cosy, individual rooms, it felt like the perfect setting for an event celebrating homes and interiors.

Rather than feeling like a traditional trade show, there was a lovely sense of home, craftsmanship and individuality throughout.

It was the sort of place where you could wander from room to room and discover something unexpected around every corner.

Handmade and full of character

There was a wonderful mix of exhibitors, from carpets and window treatments to artwork, photography, glass, flowers, decorative pieces and furniture.

One of my particular highlights was Carisbrook Flower Farm, who were showcasing their beautiful natural creations and running willow and bamboo wreath-making. I loved seeing these traditional, tactile materials being used so beautifully, and the handmade wreaths felt completely at home in the farmhouse setting.

There were also lots of beautiful ornaments and decorative pieces, the kind of details that can give a room its personality and make it feel truly individual.

For me, those finishing touches are often what take a room from simply looking beautiful to feeling like it genuinely belongs to the people who live there.

Creativity and craftsmanship

The show wasn't just about buying things for your home. There was a real emphasis on making and craftsmanship, too.

There were sewing workshops, demonstrations and opportunities to see people creating things by hand. The Isle of Wight Glass Museum also had a presence, adding another lovely dimension to the event and celebrating the island's connection with traditional craft.

There were photographers, carpet and furnishing companies, and Apollo Blinds, alongside lots of independent businesses offering inspiration and ideas.

It was an eclectic mix, but that was part of its charm.

Bayliss & Booth

The show was sponsored by Bayliss & Booth, who had a particularly lovely presence in the barn.

Their interiors are the sort that really appeal to me, considered, characterful and timeless, with pieces that feel as though they could become part of a home for many years rather than simply following a passing trend.

Their stand fitted beautifully with the overall atmosphere of the show: a celebration of interiors that are individual, interesting and full of personality.

Discovering something different

One of the things I enjoyed most was discovering smaller, independent businesses and makers.

As an interior designer, I’m always looking beyond the obvious choices. I love finding those slightly unexpected pieces, a beautiful handmade wreath, an unusual decorative object, a piece of artwork, a lovely textile or something created by a local craftsman.

Those are often the things that give a home its sense of character and tell a little story about the people who live there.

A weekend well spent

The Isle of Wight Homes & Interiors Show felt less like a conventional interiors exhibition and more like stepping into a beautifully curated collection of homes, workshops and independent businesses.

Add in a gorgeous historic farmhouse, the island countryside, plenty of inspiration and good company, and it made for a pretty lovely weekend.

I came away with lots of ideas, plenty of inspiration and, as always, a rather long mental list of things I would quite like to have in my own home!

Most of all, I came away reminded of how much I enjoy discovering beautiful, well-made and individual things for the home particularly when they have been created by talented independent makers.

And perhaps that's what I love most about interiors: it isn't always about buying something new. Sometimes it's about finding that one special piece, made with care, and giving it a place where it can be enjoyed for years to come.

Thinking about your own home?

If you’re looking at your home and wondering how to bring together period character, timeless style and the practicalities of modern family life, I’d love to help.

Whether you’re considering a single-room refresh or a larger renovation, I offer thoughtful, tailored interior design for period and character homes across Hampshire.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation and let’s talk about how we can make your home work beautifully for the way you live.