Changing Rooms - Inspiring Design or Just Good TV?

Has anyone been watching the new series of #changingrooms ? I caught up on the first two episodes last week after being away on holiday. What did you think? I'd love to know what you thought if you watched it.

I'm in two minds about it. On the one hand it looks great fun, its a chance to have well known designers in your home, and it makes great TV having very over the top designs which let's face it, you probably wouldn't choose if it were just you designing on your own. But is that the idea of the show anyway? That said I've put it into series record so I'm not kidding anyone that I'll be watching the whole series!

I loved the colours in the boudoir makeover below. I think Russell and Jordan lost me with the faux hair installation, but other than that I loved it. The bed area was a bit 'pink' for me, I'd have liked to see another little bit of colour to break up the bedding or the cupboards in that area. I am a big fan of a pelmet though and thought the windows looked fab all dressed with a blind, curtains and pelmet to finish off.

In both the episodes, the designs were 'out there' and very bold, with the colours and designs that were brought to life for two sets of neighbours. I'm always nervous to hear the reactions of the homeowners when they see the finished results. They were all very polite and seemed to love what had been done. Maybe they were just being nice while the cameras were there! I'd be really interested to see if they changed anything when the crew packed up and went home.

I think it's important to remember that it doesn't show any of the 'behind the scenes planning' like there is in the Interior Design Masters TV show. All the work that goes into putting the scheme together isn't shown to the viewer, which gives the idea that plans are perhaps just 'cobbled' together, when in reality there is so much pre planning and designing before work actually starts. I started a really interesting discussion on this on one of the Facebook groups I'm a member of. Mostly the replies were that the show didn't do the industry of interior designers any favours and that it was more of an entertainment show than an interior design show. Viewers generally enjoyed the fun of it though, and of course some comparisons to the show when it was on back in the 90's with Carol Smiley and Co. I think the show has come a long way since then and is a welcome update for current interior design trends.

The below image was from week 2 where the brief was 'Peacock and Flamingo'. The bluey greens fitted really well paired with the pinks and oranges and golds and I loved the painted panelling effect on the walls. The swing seat suspended from the ceiling gave a ode to the peacock tail and successfully segmented the room into different zones. One of my other criticisms of the designs is that I'm never 100% how practical they are. This may look amazing, but having a swing seat in the middle of your room? I think it would annoy me after a while, and definitely not practical with two small children! I can see them swinging on it from the ceiling now! Help!

I think Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen is a great character and he is extremely flamboyant, but I'm not sure I'd want him to design one of my rooms. I love bold, but he is BOLD. However you know to expect it to be OTT so if you're ok with that, then you won't be disappointed with the result! Russell and Jordan from 2LG Design Studio bring their signature pastel based and retro style vibes to their rooms which gives a softer feel but still designed and well curated.

Check out my #sundaystyling post on Instagram and Facebook to see how I've given some ideas on how to achieve maximalist interiors inspired by the Changing Rooms episode.

It's a completely different concept (probably because it's for TV) to what I offer. I consult and liaise with my client's the whole step of the way, rather. than being 'designed to' and just seeing the end result with little or no input from the client. I want my client's to be happy, not shocked, but pleasantly surprised that I've delivered something they wanted and were expecting, that looks great.

I was a big fan of the above image in the homes of the neighbours in episode number 2. The brief was Italian Chic and I thought that Lawrence really delivered on this one. I loved the black and white look with splashes of gorgeous mustard yellow and the feature panels that were lit either side of the fireplace which had a complete new makeover was inspired. The neighbours weren't keen on the black curtains, but I liked the idea of painting a black panel on the wall to hide the curtain rail, and Lawrence's rationale behind the black curtains was that by having neutral walls and black curtains, it made the room feel much bigger. I thought the accessories were fab, and always love lots of plants in a scheme whether they are faux or real.

So I hope I've inspired you to watch Changing Rooms, for the good or the bad. Hopefully it might have inspired you to update some of your interiors too. If you don't know a Lawrence or Russell and Jordan, then I can help.

You can email me at hello@laurenmayinteriors.com or call/ text on 07712185467 and let’s get started. You can find out more about my services on my website www.laurenmayinteriors.com and see examples of my portfolio too and hear some client testimonials.

I can’t wait to hear from you and learn about your project.

Lauren X