THE AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARDS 2017: ABOUT THAT NIGHT
**SPOILER: You may sense total excitement in this post from the outset and throughout**.
THE 2017 AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARDS
It was an unseasonably balmy Wednesday evening in London. Feeling suitably pampered and preened, I arrived at the iconic Design Museum in Kensington. This was no ordinary Wednesday evening though. It was Amara Interior Blog Awards time!
A very happy me outside the Design Museum, London
I felt honoured to be attending this prestigious event as a finalist. Now in its fourth year, the awards are a major highlight of the blogging calendar. As a new blogger, I felt the proverbial Charlie Bucket at this highly esteemed industry gathering. In fact, the invitation was even (partly) GOLD! It was set to be a memorable occasion – and what a night it was!
AWARDS TIME
I am delighted and humbled to share with you that not only did I mingle with the ‘best in the biz’ but I actually WON AN AWARD!
Yes – I won ‘Best Newcomer Blog’ and I couldn’t be more delighted!
With the lovely – and very glam – girls at Humanscale which was the sponsor of the ‘Best Newcomer Blog’ award
I say ‘actually’ because I’m still in total shock.
Sitting there, at the back of the auditorium and the furthest point from the stage, I didn’t believe for a second that my (blog’s) name would be called. I never believed that – following a dramatic pause from host and judge Daniel Hopwood – Girl About House would be ushered down or would sashay through the crowd in stilettos.
Never for a moment had I actually prepared to be dazzled by lights and photographers. And I had never toyed with the possibility that I would hold that beautiful, marbled award.
I hadn’t even reapplied my lipstick! Rookie error.
Cheesy grin from me! Posing with the judges, Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood alongside sponsor Humanscale‘s Lizzie after receiving my award
ABOUT THAT NIGHT
Let’s rewind for a moment.
As I made my way into town early evening, I reflected on what an absolute honour it was to have reached the final in the first place. So much of that was down to the encouragement of friends, family, fellow bloggers and lovely readers and I am so very grateful for the support!
The competition was just so fierce. The others in my category were so able and accomplished.
Feeling nervous as I arrived and realising I didn’t know anyone except my husband, minutes later with drink in hand I was in the thick of it and mingling with the industry’s best.
Conversation and drinks were flowing
My Instagram feed had come to life! Faces I recognised, voices I’d heard before, exceptional talents – all ‘glammed-up’ and ready to party!
THE AWARDS
Amara certainly know how to throw a party! The attention to detail was excellent with nothing overlooked: Delicious canapes, chilled glasses of fizz, music played at the perfect level for mingling – a recipe for success.
Out comes the gin
The more formal portion of the evening took place in the Design Museum’s slick auditorium. The awards were introduced by Sam Hood who is Creative Director and Head Buyer at Amara (and is also really lovely).
TV duo Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood did a fabulous job presenting – they have such a great rapport. Each category was introduced, the judges thoughts summarised and then winners were revealed and called to the stage to collect their award.
Winners had been selected by an expert judging panel; leaders in their field. Sam Hood – Creative Director and Head Buyer at Amara, Sophie Robinson – Interior Designer and TV Presenter, Daniel Hopwood – Architectural Designer and TV Presenter, Charlotte Cosby – Head of Creative at Farrow and Ball, Kate Watson-Smyth – Journalist and Interiors Expert, Creator of Mad About the House, Pip McCormac – Interiors Journalist, Kimberly Duran – Interior Blogger, Creator of Swoon Worthy
After this followed yet more drinks (gin this time) and as the event wound down, stylish and delightfully weighty goodie-bags were given to all guests. Filled with interior treats-galore, this was a perfect end to the evening.
AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Here is a short video of event highlights. The green and black skirt makes a few appearances…
GIRL ABOUT TOWN
What a celebration!
The hubby and I revelled in the fact that we were actually ‘out out’ – something that happens rarely as parents! He even humoured me with some selfie-action and posed for photos – something that I normally have to beg him to do!
This shot is potentially his real smile’s first appearance on camera (wedding pics aside)
THE 2017 AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARD WINNERS
I really enjoyed meeting so many fabulous people. Having poured over many of the finalist blogs and an enthusiastic Instagram follower, I was in awe of the creative talent. A huge highlight for me was sharing the stage with the other winners for the celebratory shot – what an honour it was to enter the line-up with them all!
What a privilege to appear on stage in the winners’ shot! From left to right: designsixtynine; The Pink House; From Evija with Love; Grillo Designs; Dainty Dress Diaries; Topology; Alice in Scandiland; Emma Jane Palin; Sam Hood on behalf of Design Chic; ME; Rockett St George; 91 Magazine; Nor-Folk
MEET AND GREET
Meeting the fabulous Oliver Thomas (BBC’s ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’ season 4 runner-up)
Having the opportunity to chat with industry front-runners such as Kimberly Duran of Swoon Worthy (who was also a judge) and Emily Murray of The Pink House was another highlight.
Emily was the ‘Best Newcomer Blog’ winner last year and has built up an impressive brand, complemented by her pink locks. She picked up the ‘Best Written Blog’ award this year – an accolade totally deserved.
Kimberly was an absolute delight to meet. She actually knew who I was which was extremely exciting! Not only that but she withstood my barrage of blog-related questions, answering with genuine interest and enthusiasm. Thank you Kimberly for your words of wisdom and excellent advice!
Sorry for the fuzzy-photography here but had to share this one!
Interior stylist, TV personality, Amara Interior Blog Awards judge/presenter and all-round interiors guru, Sophie Robinson was also really lovely and so encouraging. We bonded over a mutual love of statement skirts!
The colourful Sophie Robinson
GIRL ABOUT HOUSE
That concludes my coverage of the Amara Interior Blog Awards 2017. What a memorable and remarkable evening!
So, what now?
In all honesty, I have no idea and that’s what I love about it! I’ve met some really friendly, genuine people (little shout-out to the gorgeous Charlotte of Simply Savy Me) and I’m so excited about what this blogging future may hold. For now, I’m going to keep on doing what I’m doing and enjoy the experience! (More behind-the-scenes of the blog here).
Thank you again for all the support, overwhelmingly delightful comments and skirt-appreciation (it’s vintage Jaegar – courtesy of my mum’s wardrobe)!
Girl signing off,
Sarah x
p.s. I’ve embraced Insta-stories (ish) so get involved and follow Girl About House on Instagram. Here are my Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter links too – for good measure.
@2017 - Girl About House. All Rights Reserved.
20 thoughts on “THE AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARDS 2017: ABOUT THAT NIGHT”
Absolutely gorgeous round-up of the evening Sarah, staying up most of the night payed off. Better get writing mine! Congratulations again xxx
Thanks so much Emma! I am really feeling it now and am looking suitably Halloween-scary! Well done again on your win and I look forward to reading yours xx
Sorry – WINS🥇🥇 👏🏼 xx
Congratulations on the amazing night and on your win! It says a lot about your work that you received this recognition, and it shows- your blog is beautiful. Keep up the great work!
That’s so lovely to hear – thank you Silvia. It has definitely been a bumpy ride so it was amazing to get such recognition! Still can’t quite believe it!!
Reading this made me feel excited all over again! So beautifully written Sarah, the biggest congratulations again! X
Thanks Charlotte – was so lovely to meet you! Gav went out and bought me a card and some chocs after your Insta-story (so thank you)!!xxx
Congratulations that’s so exciting! It seems like this was such a fun event to attend and such an honor to receive an award. Keep doing amazing things darling!
Thanks Ell – it really was fantastic! So much fun, loads of lovely people and a real buzz. I do love an excuse for getting spruced-up too (who doesn’t?!). x
Oh my goodness, congratulations!! Your hard work and passion have paid off and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for you in the future!
Thanks so much Sarah – lovely of you to say. I am also so excited for the future but the pressure has also increased with the win(!) x
Congratulations Sarah on a well deserved award. You effortlessly reveal your inate artistic talent not only through your blog , but in your classy attire as well. You have a wonderful future ahead, so go for it!
Congrats and incred achievement. You’ve worked so hard am so proud xxx
Huge congratulations, I know exactly what you mean, I felt exactly the same .. so funny about the lipstick, I was thinking that I should have brushed my hair ha ha Loved your outfit by the way and wish I actually had spoken to you on the night.. well maybe next time ! Well done !
Great post and huge congrats to you again! Loved your outfit and sorry we didn’t get a chance to speak. Hopefully we can met up again soon xx
So pleased for you and absolutely well deserved! Massive congrats darling! xx
Congratulations! Great blog too x
Hello!
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You blog is great!
Happy Blogging!
Until we saw the JC report, we had no idea of this talented side of the family. Mazaltov! Very impressive website.
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