Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr came to an end tonight with a bumper Cornish holiday villa challenge.
Finalists Lynsey Ford and Siobhan Murphy were each given £6,000 to revamp a five-star getaway, taking in a downstairs open-plan living space, entrance hall, mezzanine landing and two bedrooms.
Siobhan was given the brief of transforming her two-storey home into a luxury family retreat, while Lynsey was catering for women looking for the ultimate ‘girls’ getaway’.
Both women impressed the judges but it was Lynsey who took home the title and the prize of redesigning a beautiful hotel in the Lake District.
Lynsey Ford was announced as the winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters after being given just three days to design an entire house. Pictured: The living room after
Lynsey Ford and Siobhan Murphy were each given £6,000 to revamp a five-star getaway in Cornwall. Pictured: The space before
Lynsey was tasked with designing the ultimate ‘girls’ getaway’, while Siobhan was given the brief of transforming her two-storey home into a luxury family retreat. Pictured: Lynsey’s kitchen space after
Lynsey admitted she had quit her job to focus on working in interiors before the winner was announced. Pictured: Lynsey’s bedroom design
Michelle Ogundehin was joined by designer Matthew Williamson and podcast host Sophie Robinson to help choose a winner. Pictured: Lynsey receiving the prize
Regular series judge Michelle Ogundehin was joined by designer Matthew Williamson and podcast host and ‘queen of colour’ Sophie Robinson to assess the final design.
Both Siobhan and Lynsey had been given three days to completely transform the space.
The judges were divided over Siobhan’s typically bold design, with Williamson describing it as ‘ripping up the rulebook’ but Robinson questioning if it fit the brief for a relaxing family retreat.
The open-plan living space was painted deep teal and packed with colour, but again the judges were not convinced if it was the sort of place where a family could unwind together.
‘Has she answered the brief? It’s intense, but does it really answer that broader demographic,’ asked Williamson.
The two bedrooms were similarly opulent but questions were asked over they’re suitability for families with young children.
Lynsey surprised the experts by creating a mini living area (pictured) for guests to relax and chat while getting ready to go out
Lynsey (pictured) admitted she was shocked to have won and said: ‘I’m totally and utterly blown away’
Michelle explained Lynsey was chosen both for her design and because the judges were confident she could deliver the redesign in the Lake District hotel. Pictured: Siobhan and Lynsey
Both women impressed the judges but it was Lynsey who took home the title and the prize of redesigning a beautiful hotel in the Lake District – and many viewers took to social media to congratulate her (pictured)
However ultimately it was not enough to outdo Lynsey’s beautifully thought out design.
Lynsey, an architect, impressed with her warm colour palette and bold textures in the entrance hall.
The deep colours continued into the open-plan living space, where she had added a curved bar to the kitchen and a clever divider to separate the TV and dining areas.
Upstairs, Lynsey made the most of the mezzanine by creating a mini living area where guests could relax and chat while getting ready to go out.
Siobhan, who has no formal interior design qualification, used her typical bold design throughout the property as she set out creating a luxury family retreat. Pictured: Siobhan’s entrance
Michelle, Sophie and Matthew were divided about Siobhan’s design (pictured) and debated whether it’s suitable for a family to unwind
The experts questioned if Siobhan’s design was suitable for families with young children and if she had followed the brief. Pictured: Siobhan’s bedroom design
Siobhan’s family retreat design (pictured) failed to impress the judges more than Lynsey’s efforts- despite their similarities
The two bedrooms were sumptuous and luxurious, although the judges questioned whether it was somewhat ‘lazy’ to have the same layout mirrored in the two rooms.
Michelle explained Lynsey was chosen both for her design and because the judges were confident she could deliver the redesign in the Lake District hotel.
‘She was the person that I just thought, “oh my god, this is going to transform their life”. And then also, “who is that person who is going to deliver that professional project. Who has just got that tiny slither of that more holistic package that is interior design”. And by a whisker, Lynsey took it home.’
Winning the competition, Lynsey said: ‘What has just happened? I think I’m in shock. I’m totally and utterly blown away.’
Social media users were torn about who should win – but agreed that both Siobhan and Lynsey are talented designers