IDM 5 Episode One
Introducing the designers, the first brief, my thoughts, previous winners, behind the scenes and wardrobe notes, but no spoilers!
And so it begins, ten hopeful designers let loose on the All Hallows convent in Norfolk! Sounds a bit improbable doesn't it. But they will be responsible only for converting ten former nun’s cells into bijou B&B guest rooms.
Since 2009 the nuns have leased the premises to Emmaus, a global homelessness charity which provides homeless people with accommodation and meaningful employment. Being in a great part of the country for ramblers and hikers walking the Pilgrim’s Path from Lowestoft to St David’s Head, they are hoping that the allure of a few snazzy guest rooms could bring in some much-needed additional income.
The brief is therefore quite simple: design an inviting and memorable room that shows off your signature style. Not forgetting that it needs to be comfortable and practical for a short stay. I also wanted them to incorporate at least one piece of furniture from the on-site ‘rummage room’, a cornucopia of second-hand furniture and accessories. What could possibly go wrong?!
Key things: From my perspective, respect for the heritage and context of the project — this is an active convent. Context is always king; this is a beautiful part of the countryside. Practicality: would I be happy to kip down here for a night? Concept: what would make these small, completely nondescript rooms memorable?
Who are the designers?
Anthony Ray @anthonyraydesign (with the mad shirt)
Ash Appleton @anafricaneye (with the beautiful braids)
Ben Irurzun @bygoneben (with the beret)
Domnall Starkie @smartswagdesign (big smile and glasses)
Francesca Kletz @francesklondon (Pierrot!)
Hannah Drakeford @hannah_drakeford_design (with the serious hair cut)
Jessica du Preez @jessicadupreezdesign (with the 70s shades)
Matt Smith-Wood @matt.smithwood (cool in khaki)
Roisin Quinn @roisinquinn (bright in red)
Sheree Millington @chez.shez (beaming in the middle)
IDM Alumni…
As we travel together through Season 5, I thought it would be timely to reflect back on previous contestants and how well they’ve done. Competing on Interior Design Masters is no walk in the park. It’s an intense fast-track insight into the world of interior design; relentless in the pressure to come up with new ideas, work with people you hardly know, and get things done on time and on budget. The only difference to the real world of design is having a camera in your face! But what our previous winners have gone onto do, is testament to its teaching power.
Starting right at the beginning then, Cassie Nicholas (@dighaushizzle on Instagram) was the winner of the very first season, despite having no previous formal training in interior design. A Fashion Photography graduate, she used to own and run an antiques shop with her husband, Edward, in Central Bristol, describing herself then as a “secret goth” who “disliked upcycling”. Her schemes were based around beautiful objects and textiles. “I like to layer rooms with fabrics as if dressing a person” she said, “layered looks can really soften a room.”
Her prize was to redesign the Jin Bar at the Dorsett Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, London. Here are some of the pictures. I love the way she combined what is now her signature style of old and new, colour and texture.
Cassie now does both residential and commercial interior design, alongside keeping herself busy as a product and interior photographer and stylist as well as sourcing antiques for her Antique Brand, Dig Haüshizzle. Cassie Nicholas
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PS For a super fast-track, How to Become an Interior Designer course, you need to see my notes on Season 4. Go back a year right here on Substack (which will be behind the paywall unless you subscribe), for the lessons of every episode.
Behind the Scenes…
It’s always a bit daunting the first time we meet the designers. They’re super nervous
and wondering what on earth they’ve signed up to. And we don’t really know anything about them. We’re given a few biographical notes obviously (also to ensure we don’t have any personal connections to anyone), but the journey for me is absolutely one of learning them through their work, so I never want too much detail. I don’t want to start with any preconceptions in my head!
I love working with Abigail Ahern. She has such a unique take on design and is so articulate about it, as well as being a whip-smart business woman who’s built her brand through sheer hard graft and passion. It’s always inspiring to hang out with her.
She is the epitome of what it means to clarify your design DNA, in other words, defining what you stand for, and then evolving and adapting that over time. And as I shared on Instagram recently, her latest book, Everything: A Maximalist Style Guide, is one of my all-time favourites. She is just an all-round fabulous woman.
Wardrobe Notes…
In the Studio… Turquoise coat: The Fold London
Dress: Roksanda Literally my favourite designer ever!
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (my ancient old foot friends).
On location… Denim suit: The Fold London (I wish I’d kept this, so easy to wear!)
White cotton top: Albaray (lovely sustainable cotton).
Trainers: my trusty old faves, again, Adidas Stan Smith Originals, bought from Yoox
So grateful for the breadth, depth and the beauty of your content. Favourite Substack hands down