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Happy New Year and all that. And guess what? The highly anticipated return of The Great Interior Design Challenge is finally here! The Mad House has a special treat for you - an exclusive interview with the show's presenters. So, let's dive right in and discover what this new season has in store for us!
Changes and Fresh Faces
As always, change is afoot in the world of interior design. This time around, the show has a brand new team, ready to take on the challenge. The interview with Dan and Tom was a hoot last time, especially when we had to wait for the ever-distracted Sophie. But this season, everyone seems to be running late. Well, everyone except me - I'm always early. Being early has its perks, as it allows you to uncover fascinating details. Unfortunately, this time, I wasn't able to unearth any juicy gossip. Apparently, everyone is just lovely.
The Thrilling Journey Begins
Eventually, my turn came to meet the team. Surrounded by PR people, I quickly realized that everyone had their own entourage. Well, everyone except Tom, who had a lonely chair awaiting his future PR person. As we settled in for the interview, my heart raced, but I managed to keep my cool. Sitting next to Kelly, I couldn't help but admire her fabulous hair. It was clear that when she's around, no other hair gets a second glance.
Unveiling the Show's Essence
As the interview began, I delved straight into the heart of the matter. I wanted to know all about the houses, expecting some insider information that would pique everyone's curiosity. To my surprise, they had no clue about the houses, as they had a dedicated team finding them. Kelly confessed that she had never been to houses quite like these before. The concept of a close-knit neighborhood seemed foreign to her, given her illustrious clientele, such as the Beckhams. My witty response? "You should come to Crouch End, love." Kelly's hair shimmered in response, or perhaps it shuddered.
What's in Store for the New Season?
Now, let's talk about the show itself. Have no fear, it's going to be fantastic! Kelly is thrilled to be the new presenter, and Dan and Tom are equally delighted to have her on board. Kelly expresses her curiosity about what people can create in their homes, even on a tight budget. She admits that the contestants' budgets often shock her. As for the upcycling challenge, a fan favorite, it's still a significant part of the show. Kelly had to ask someone what upcycling meant, but she loves witnessing the creativity it brings forth. She's just lovely, isn't she?
The Show Evolves, but the Essence Remains
The show has undergone a transformation, with a faster pace and two room reveals, one of which challenges the designers to complete a room in just 24 hours— enough to make Dan slightly faint. Additionally, there are now two professional interior designers on the show. And let's not forget the wild card element, a signature feature of reality shows, where a previous reject is brought back into the competition. Dan summarizes the essence of the show perfectly: "It's about finding talent, nurturing it, and encouraging it to blossom."
Kelly's Personal Touch and the Return of Colors
The burning question on everyone's mind is how Kelly Hoppen, MBE, aka The Queen of Taupe, will handle the vibrant colors that were so prominent in previous seasons. Has she changed her approach? Kelly remains true to herself, emphasizing that, in her forty-year career, only 17 pages in her book focus on color accents. However, she appreciates other designers' use of color and can impartially judge their work. Besides, according to Daniel, we shouldn't forget the peach. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the first episode to learn more about it. Excitement is in the air!
Trends and Future Directions
As the interview nears its end, I couldn't resist asking about upcoming trends. The team agrees that velvet and opulence are making a comeback. The sharp lines of modernism are slightly softening, allowing for more organic shapes. Tom adds an intellectual touch, reminding us that Art Deco originated in the economic hardships of the 1920s. Amidst laughter and banter, it becomes clear that a tour of Trump Tower is on everyone's wishlist. As for Kelly's chances of decorating The White House, she doubts it will ever happen.
Behind the Scenes and Ensuring Excellence
I couldn't help but wonder what happens after the contestants leave. I inquire about the decorators being called in for touch-ups. Tom diplomatically mentions the concept of snagging, a process that varies in intensity. Dan, in his amiable manner, admits that he hadn't come across the term before. But as a professional interior designer, he ensures that nothing is left shoddy, emphasizing the importance of satisfying the clients' needs.
Before wrapping up, the team mentions some locations that posed challenges during this season: Cheltenham, Bristol, and Aberaeron. Intriguingly, there's also the peach, which will undoubtedly captivate our attention in one of the upcoming episodes.
With nine episodes in total, the series will run for three weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8 pm on BBC2. Make sure to tune in!
Remember, The Great Interior Design Challenge is back, and it promises to be a breathtaking journey into the world of creativity and design. And did I mention that Kelly is just lovely?
*By the way, the PR people were genuinely lovely. Their presence was merely to ensure that no secrets were inadvertently revealed in the team's enthusiasm to discuss the show.
