Blissful home masterclass
Last month, I had the pleasure of hosting an interior design masterclass, Blissful Home at the breathtaking Birdsall House, near Malton in North Yorkshire.
Set against the backdrop of golden stone, open skies, and early autumn sunshine, the event was designed to help guests uncover the creative process behind crafting a home that is deeply personal, expressive, and considered.
I created Blissful Home to share something I feel passionately about: the idea that great design is not just about aesthetics, but about personal storytelling. Throughout the day, I guided a small group of twelve guests through my approach to interior design, one that blends intuition, emotional connection, and intelligent use of space, colour, and form.
We explored what it means to ‘write the story of your home’, to think about how each room reflects who you are and how you live and how to communicate that story through the subtle, often unspoken and sometimes even unseen language of interiors.
As well as being an interior designer, I previously worked as a personal style consultant. That background in personal styling brought an added layer to the day: helping guests discover their individual taste and style language, and understand how this translates from what they wear to the spaces they inhabit.
One guest told me that, for the first time, she understood why certain things in her home didn’t feel quite right, and more importantly, how she could begin to change them.
There was plenty to absorb, from colour psychology and mood-based palettes, to layout tips and the sensory elements of home, how a space feels, sounds, and flows. The custom colour charts I created were especially well received, helping guests match colour to energy, emotion, and atmosphere with more confidence and clarity.
Throughout the day, we paused for conversation and reflection over cups of tea and coffee, and a seasonal two-course lunch served in the elegant dining room at Birdsall House. The setting added so much to the experience: not only visually, but in the enchanting sense of place it offers.
By the end of the day, there was a distinct shift in the group’s perspective, many guests said they couldn’t wait to return home and begin applying what they’d learnt. It was a full, inspiring, and uplifting day, and one that had a certain magic to it.
This is what some of the attendees had to say afterwards:
‘I attended ' Blissful Home ' yesterday at Birdsall House, near Malton. The offering from Isobel Star had intrigued me as I have some house renovating to embark on. The day was really informative yet fun, in a wonderful Yorkshire setting with top notch catering carefully delivered by the Birdsall team. I've now got a lot wider skill-set due to the industry tips and tricks shared by Bel. She also provided a great array of samples, swatches & a brilliant workbook to guide us through the various interior choices to be made. I can highly recommend this course for anyone wanting some extra pointers on interior design. Thank you.’
Jennifer
‘Isobel’s Blissful Home Workshop, was a fantastic experience. The workshop was very well organised and incredibly interactive. The detailed core exercise book provided was extremely helpful, making the course feel like a “become an interior designer in one day” experience.
Isobel’s approach to designing a home was something I had never considered before. She engaged all the senses, making the process feel very personal and immersive. Her unique perspective on home design truly opened my eyes to new possibilities.
By the end of the workshop, I felt confident in her abilities, and I’d trust Isobel to design my home interiors without hesitation. If you’re looking for a hands-on, thoughtful approach to interior design, I highly recommend this workshop!’
Izabela
I’m deeply grateful to the sponsors whose generosity and vision helped bring the event to life. Their beautiful materials, colour palettes, and craftsmanship provided the perfect backdrop for the conversations we had throughout the day.
Thank you to Fired Earth, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Ian Sanderson, James Hare, House of Hackney, Rob Hardy & Co, Angela Stubbs Photography and Watermark Gallery for their kind support, each one played an essential part in creating an atmosphere that inspired and delighted every guest and of course many thanks to the team at Birdsall House for their faultless hosting, delicious lunch and divine surroundings.
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If you're ready to begin your renovation or refurbishment with intelligent, creative and discreet support, you can explore my private interior design services here, or get in touch with me directly here.