0:00:04 > 0:00:07In Britain, we have an amazing array of places we call home,
0:00:07 > 0:00:10from thatched cottages and conversions to terraced housing
0:00:10 > 0:00:12and tower blocks.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14But when it comes to interior design,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18we don't always make the best of the rooms we live in.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23So we're asking 24 amateur designers
0:00:23 > 0:00:26who believe they have what it takes to be the next big thing in interiors
0:00:26 > 0:00:29to show us how it should be done.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33We'll travel across the country and through the ages
0:00:33 > 0:00:36to Victorian avenues, Art Deco cul-de-sacs,
0:00:36 > 0:00:39and Regency square.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Each time, three would-be designers take on
0:00:43 > 0:00:46similar rooms in three neighbouring homes.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49I don't really hate it, but I am not sure.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52I haven't upholstered these before.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54It is going really well.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Across eight heats,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00they will compete for a place in the quarterfinals.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Judging them are designer and President-Elect
0:01:03 > 0:01:06of the British Institute of Interior Design, Daniel Hopwood...
0:01:06 > 0:01:09The really great designers have a level of flexibility
0:01:09 > 0:01:12and they can work round a client and yet give them a lot of style.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15..and interior stylist and magazine journalist,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17Sophie Robinson.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19What I am looking for in this competition is
0:01:19 > 0:01:22designers who have a high level of creativity.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27Now it is their imaginations and design skills that will determine who will come out on top.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38The designers are in one of London's most desirable neighbourhoods,
0:01:38 > 0:01:39Muswell Hill,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43to transform the master bedroom in three Edwardian houses.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46They will each work to their three homeowners' briefs
0:01:46 > 0:01:49within similar rooms in neighbouring houses.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51It is a massive, gaping hole.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54This is bad, but wallpapering might be horrific.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55So far, so good.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58But only one can go through to the next round.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Upholster a chair before the reveal for the first time?
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Has she lost her mind?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06It's a step too far for me
0:02:06 > 0:02:07- A bit too rustic.- Yeah.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11One of you went just that little bit further.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14One of you will go through to the next round.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Muswell Hill is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in London
0:02:26 > 0:02:31but when these homes were built in 1902, the starting price was £375.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Pioneering developer James Edmondson
0:02:34 > 0:02:36recognise the area's untapped potential
0:02:36 > 0:02:40while he was cycling through its fields in 1896.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44A few months later, he bought a 30-acre plot and started laying out roads like the High Street.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Edmondson was widely praised by locals
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and builders as a good developer,
0:02:49 > 0:02:54somebody who transformed the area without spoiling its beauty.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03In the space of just a few years, Muswell Hill transformed
0:03:03 > 0:03:05from a rural backwater into a thriving suburb.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08In 1910, one guidebook called it "one of the most salubrious
0:03:08 > 0:03:12"heights around London, for, standing at 335 feet above sea level,
0:03:12 > 0:03:16"the air is exceptionally pure and enjoys its full share of sunshine."
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Now, three residents of Muswell Hill are putting their master bedrooms
0:03:26 > 0:03:28in the hands of our amateur interior designers.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35My style is essentially colourful, eclectic and homespun.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37I love to cram in as much as possible.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38That is part of the way I live.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43Get up early and do stuff and stay up late. That is the essence of how
0:03:43 > 0:03:47I design things for love of colour and life.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I am quite a competitive person
0:03:49 > 0:03:54but I have no idea if I will follow the first hurdle
0:03:54 > 0:03:57or pick it up and learn a lot of stuff and go all the way.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I think my interest really started when
0:04:02 > 0:04:05I used to go to jumble sales with my granny when I was a little girl.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09She definitely gave me an eye for a bargain.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13My style is definitely quirky. I love colour and textures.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18I like putting different combinations of textures and colours together.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20I'm a go-getter.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Once I make my mind up,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I make it happen. I'm quite steely inside, really.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Fluffy outside.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35My grandma used to take myself and my sister around show homes
0:04:35 > 0:04:36when I was younger,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41and, from there, I was just so interested in interior design.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45It doesn't matter where I am, I could be walking to work,
0:04:45 > 0:04:46I could be on holiday,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49I am always thinking about it, 24-seven.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Even looking in the garden,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I can take colours in the garden of leaves
0:04:54 > 0:04:56and bring it into interiors and it is just a passion,
0:04:56 > 0:04:57that's why I love it.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02Now our amateur designers will each work with their first-ever client,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04to transform a bedroom with just 48 hours,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06spread over three days,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and a budget of £1,000.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17The first bedroom belongs to retired social worker and artist, Claire,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21and hasn't been redecorated since she moved in 26 years ago.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I have thought that I should do something different with it,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27but I just didn't know what to do.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31I just want something kind of lighter and perhaps more feminine.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I don't like frills and flowers.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38If that's what femininity is, that's not my style at all.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41But I'd certainly like something a bit lighter and brighter.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Before the designers can get started,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45judges Sophie and Daniel
0:05:45 > 0:05:47want to assess the potential of each room.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Right!- Some great details.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Are those original Edwardian fitted cupboards?
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Would you believe it? I never knew they had them.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58And an Art Nouveau fireplace.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01How perfect. The Edwardians liked to have Art Nouveau in their houses
0:06:01 > 0:06:02but only just little bits,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04they mixed it with lots of other styles.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06You can tell it is Art Nouveau
0:06:06 > 0:06:10because of the floral design you have here, but slightly stylised.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Nice to see it has not been messed around with,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17because a lot of these fireplaces got painted over in the '60s and '70s
0:06:17 > 0:06:20but this one is in really fine fettle.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23If you do find you have an original fireplace
0:06:23 > 0:06:26and it has layers and layers of paint on,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28you can buy special products which you pop on and leave there
0:06:28 > 0:06:31for a few hours and it slowly eats away all the paint.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Although this is a very large spacious room,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36there is a lot of demands required of it,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38so we have a lovely dressing area here,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41then we have the artist's desk with reams and reams of materials
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and then a bit of a library growing in the corner.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47There will have to be real practical consideration of how this room
0:06:47 > 0:06:50is used because it is not working that stylishly at the moment, is it?
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Charged with bringing some style to this tired room
0:06:54 > 0:06:57is mum-of-three, Sarah, from Sussex.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00The designers have been working on the client's brief for a week
0:07:00 > 0:07:03but this will be the first time they are meeting in person.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Thank you so much for letting me come here today.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08During their briefing, Sophie and Daniel will be judging
0:07:08 > 0:07:10how well they present their design,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13forge a relationship with the client
0:07:13 > 0:07:15and adapt to the client's needs.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I have put some ideas together
0:07:18 > 0:07:20and I think you have said an unobtrusive room...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Yes, sort of neutral and Scandinavian-looking,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26that kind of style.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Lovely, this is where I have got to at the moment.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I have several options for designs for things like the headboard.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Headboard.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35SHE LAUGHS
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Is a headboard a good thing?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I've never had a headboard.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41The first one is the very simple upholstered one.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Or there is the option to have a wooden one that we could wax
0:07:43 > 0:07:47with some white wax to have a limed affect that might fit in.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I wonder if you would be interested in seeing
0:07:50 > 0:07:52a window seat in your window.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56I did wonder about that, because I do spend time in here.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Would that provide storage?
0:07:58 > 0:07:59- It would.- Oh!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I think it adds that bit of serenity...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04That's quite a tempting idea.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08I have chosen a paint, it is a very strong and bold colour.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11This is its strongest essence.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Starting from that, we can work back down
0:08:13 > 0:08:16towards a softer off-white colour using the same tone,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19if that is something you might like.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Sarah is aiming
0:08:20 > 0:08:23to create a Scandinavian design with handmade touches.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26I would like, if I can, to cover your armchair for you.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- I love that.- Do you?
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- Yeah.- Really?!- I do.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31It is a 1940s linen.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- I have a little bundle here of things that I have been working on.- Wow.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I suppose I am slightly anxious about these lacy bits.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41That's fine.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I am a rather plain person.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46I was thinking about the odd frill on the end of a cushion...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50I am not averse to that, I just don't want too much frilliness.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53No, that's lovely.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55You're amazing, wow.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57I love the fact that she bought a board
0:08:57 > 0:09:00with lots of loose pieces cleverly stacked in order,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and then, out came the bundle of fabrics
0:09:03 > 0:09:07that you could pull out and look at the patterns.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09It just made it very lively and tactile.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Was it too many choices?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14I was almost feeling a bit overwhelmed.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I'm a little bit confused on what the final look would be.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21I'm certainly sure she's going for a lovely sea-green blue
0:09:21 > 0:09:24with lace on it because that's the clothes she was wearing, too.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27She has loads of creativity, is she trying to do too much
0:09:27 > 0:09:31and shoehorn too many ideas into one room?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34First job for Sarah is to get Claire's approval
0:09:34 > 0:09:38for the headboard she bought at an auction for £50.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- It looks rather fine.- But if you wanted to have something softer to lean against,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44you have that option, I have one of those.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45OK.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Do you think "yes" to headboard?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50I think, yes, I do.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Like all the other designers, Sarah now has £1,000,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56a professional builder and three days
0:09:56 > 0:09:59to bring together her many design ideas.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02I am going to crack on as fast I can,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04do as much as I can.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06It will be a very tight schedule, and from experience,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08if you have allowed yourself an hour to do something,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11the reality is it takes twice as long,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13so I think it will be hard.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Everything must go, carpet is coming up.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20The next bedroom is slightly smaller,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24after a bathroom was added to the layout by previous owners.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Publishing executive Alison and her family
0:10:26 > 0:10:31moved in last year and decorated everywhere but the master bedroom.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35I really like light and airy rooms,
0:10:35 > 0:10:36I like modern styles.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Definitely not shabby chic, please.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45One of the challenges in the bedroom is we have this big expanse of very dark wardrobes
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and they drain the light out of the room and I would be very keen
0:10:48 > 0:10:51to get them removed. I think for me the bedroom
0:10:51 > 0:10:54is about coming home at the end of a long day,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57getting the kids to bed and having somewhere to relax.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Interesting, eh?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03All I am seeing is wardrobes!
0:11:03 > 0:11:04I think I am drowning in wardrobe.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Isn't that incredible?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08This is too much, all this dark wardrobe.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11In what is an Edwardian room, it should be bright and light
0:11:11 > 0:11:13and fresh and this is so oppressive.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Too much and have you seen what is hidden underneath?- A fireplace!
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Yeah, and there's a hearth. There's the original tiles sitting there.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25They have just gone straight over it and there may even be a fireplace sitting behind there.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28The floorboards look in pretty good condition,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- but they're that nasty, hippy ginger.- Yes.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35It will be interesting to see if our designer chooses to tackle that
0:11:35 > 0:11:37because to paint or stain floorboards,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41given the time you have given them, will be bit of a tall order.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Given the task of lightning up this cramped and shady room
0:11:45 > 0:11:48is artist and homewares designer, Helen, from Durham.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52So this is it, this is the "ta-da!" moment.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Are you ready?- I am. I'm braced.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59I have two for you.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03We are removing the wardrobes,
0:12:03 > 0:12:05so it will be completely different,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07but there is not a problem with storage?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10No, we are very lucky, we have another room.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16Key to the design is this gorgeous Damask wallpaper
0:12:16 > 0:12:19which will be behind the bed wall,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22and I've taken all the colours from the wallpaper,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26so this would be paint colours on the rest of the walls
0:12:26 > 0:12:30and I plan to lime wash the floor.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32I love the wallpaper, I think that is very nice.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34SHE CLAPS
0:12:34 > 0:12:37I am a bit worried about the floor.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- That is the floor one, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I really wanted it light
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and I worry that might be a little on the dark side.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48That is the colour that is painted quite solidly
0:12:48 > 0:12:50so that will be watered-down.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Helen's own French-rustic style is evident in her design
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and she is also keen to create some novel furniture.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59I'm quite artistic,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02so I was going to cut out an MDF shape
0:13:02 > 0:13:04so it looked like a headboard
0:13:04 > 0:13:06and then paint it,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10and then, here would be painted
0:13:10 > 0:13:13so it looks like a real dressing table front.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16I'm very intrigued by the headboard.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20I need to see it to understand it, I think.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I have just tried to do the best for you.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Everything I've put on here, I would have in my own house.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28It is just a case of keeping light, I guess,
0:13:28 > 0:13:30and that is my only concern.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32She has gone for this very French,
0:13:32 > 0:13:37slightly shabby-chic thing going on, but it is very suitable
0:13:37 > 0:13:38for a bedroom. It is glamorous,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40opulent and very classic.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45What about the colours? A bit muddy with greys and browns.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47It looked a little bit heavy
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and I know Alison wants a really fresh, light space.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I think she has a nice overall look.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57Whether she has the colours right has yet to be seen.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Before Helen's rustic design visions
0:13:59 > 0:14:02can become reality, something needs to go.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Wardrobes out, obviously.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06All of them?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Yeah.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10OK.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13She is hoping the tantalising tiles
0:14:13 > 0:14:16will belong to a complete original Edwardian fireplace
0:14:16 > 0:14:18hidden behind the cupboard.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19I like those shoes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23A girl can never have too many shoes.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28The final bedroom is the same dimensions the last.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It belongs to Deborah and John
0:14:30 > 0:14:34who haven't updated their room since they moved in 12 years ago.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37It is very bland. The curtains are dated.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40The wallpaper is dated. The furnishings are dated.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Even the people are dated. - SHE LAUGHS:- That's right, yeah!
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Everything is dated!
0:14:45 > 0:14:47One of the things I'm hoping
0:14:47 > 0:14:51the designer will bring into our bedroom is a contemporary feel.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56How refreshing.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Simple, elegant, almost in period, actually.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Also, love the bed.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04This is a beautiful room.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08It has lovely proportions and some lovely original features.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I think they are up for a colour change in here and it is interesting
0:15:11 > 0:15:13to think about the type of colour you choose for a bedroom
0:15:13 > 0:15:15as it can really affect the mood.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Colours not to choose would be something like a punchy yellow
0:15:18 > 0:15:20as it is an invigorating colour.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Never have yellow in the bedroom, because it makes you look sallow.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Also, brown furniture is very affordable
0:15:27 > 0:15:29because it has become quite unfashionable,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31so that is an example of it.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35I rather hope to see some of the designers
0:15:35 > 0:15:36bring some of that furniture in.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40They will need to think of something for the problem they have over here.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42The non-wardrobe.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46That is surely a temporary solution
0:15:46 > 0:15:49But this house and these homeowners obviously love the period
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and they love their period details
0:15:51 > 0:15:52and I think the designer will have to
0:15:52 > 0:15:56really take that on board with their design.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Taking on Deborah and John's brief for a modern take
0:15:59 > 0:16:04on traditional English style is 30-year-old asset manager, James.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09I will present you now with the plan I've done for your room.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The wall finishes, I've chosen for you
0:16:12 > 0:16:14a lime kind of background
0:16:14 > 0:16:17with floral design which is quite bold.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I was thinking of having the wallpaper at the back of the bed
0:16:20 > 0:16:24but not simply wallpapering the wall.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I was thinking about putting some architraving around the edge of it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I thought it was quite a nice feature.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35I have decided to pick a light grey for the rest of the walls.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36They will be quite calming for you.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39This is the curtain material.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41These curtains will be full-length.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45It wouldn't be a material I would necessarily choose myself,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48but I can see how it blends together.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50James wants to bring different patterns into his designs
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and a contemporary touch to the furniture.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56I know you mentioned storage was a big thing for you.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59I am thinking about having some built-in wardrobes
0:16:59 > 0:17:02in this corner here, painted in a white finish
0:17:02 > 0:17:05and then it will be the same finish to the dresser
0:17:05 > 0:17:09which will also be upcycled.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I am very happy with the colour scheme you've chosen.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16My initial feeling about that
0:17:16 > 0:17:19is that the bedding itself is quite a statement
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and I wonder whether that will be too much.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- Too busy as such?- Yes, but, um... I'm looking forward to seeing it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29So am I.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31The scheme he has come up with is very on-trend,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35the vintage florals remodelled in punchy, poppy colours
0:17:35 > 0:17:36any very painterly fashion.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39If you do go for feature wall, the whole wall,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42it is almost like he is being a bit timid.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45I would have wallpapered that entire room
0:17:45 > 0:17:49with that floral fabric and just go for it with some punch.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52James is building a brand-new fitted wardrobe
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and needs to get the dimensions just right.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58I am thinking of having the pole to go into the wall,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01unless we are thinking of boarding,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04and then, at the top, we will have the roof.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08My only real concern is the depth of this,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12so I think the wardrobe may have to extend out.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20All three of our amateurs have made a start
0:18:20 > 0:18:23redesigning these bedrooms in sought-after Muswell Hill.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Gorgeous, taupe-y,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29grey, lush colour.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34But it has not always been the salubrious suburb it is today.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37For most of the 19th century, nearby Hampstead and Highgate
0:18:37 > 0:18:41turned into shining examples of suburban expansion
0:18:41 > 0:18:45while Muswell Hill remained rural and somewhat forgotten.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48It was hoped that Alexandra Palace, built in 1864,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51would bring prosperity to the area,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54but 16 days after opened, it burned down in an accidental fire.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56This new palace rose in the ashes,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59but by then, the fickle public had lost interest.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04But by the start of the 20th century,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08the financial spoils of Empire, technological change
0:19:08 > 0:19:12and waves of reform enabled Britain to undergo rapid social mobility.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16There was a growing middle-class who needed somewhere to call home
0:19:16 > 0:19:19and Muswell Hill was ripe for development.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Over time, the area has evolved
0:19:24 > 0:19:26and the houses have, too,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29changing fashions seeing period features taken out
0:19:29 > 0:19:32and later put back in. It is one of these features
0:19:32 > 0:19:36that Helen has high hopes of discovering behind the wardrobe.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48She is about to find out if the original fireplace is intact.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52SHE GASPS
0:19:58 > 0:20:03We were hoping for a beautiful Edwardian fireplace
0:20:03 > 0:20:08with beautiful tiles and it's a massive, gaping hole.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Finding a creative solution for this disappointing hole
0:20:16 > 0:20:19should come easily to artist Helen
0:20:19 > 0:20:24who runs crafting classes from her typically rustic-style home.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I have always been creative and always made things.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32I started by making home accessories, cushions
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and different bits and bobs to produce that shabby-chic look.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41I first started about 18 years ago, so it wasn't called shabby chic then.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43She has honed her interior design skills
0:20:43 > 0:20:47on her 17th-century farmhouse home in Durham
0:20:47 > 0:20:51where she also takes care of a menagerie of animals.
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Our home means a lot to us.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57We moved here 15 or 16 years ago and there is not anywhere
0:20:57 > 0:21:01within the house or gardens that hasn't been touched.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05To say I have a passion for it is maybe a bit of an understatement.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10I think it is actually in my blood. You can't fight it, can you?
0:21:10 > 0:21:14To be a professional interior designer would be great,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17because I get to play with lots of houses.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I don't think there's anything better than that, really.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Just playing house all day.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26It's a passion and to be paid for something you're passionate about
0:21:26 > 0:21:28would be quite remarkable.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Oh, Helen!
0:21:32 > 0:21:34Hello!
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Hello. I'm so happy to see you.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38So sad to see this.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39We can make it gorgeous, can't we?
0:21:39 > 0:21:41What are you going to do?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44My builder is going to make a surround
0:21:44 > 0:21:46and I'll paint the inside so it matches the walls.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Taupe on the walls. You're painting the floor...
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Alison was quite concerned about the dark colour.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Are you still going for that or have you appeased her
0:21:55 > 0:21:57and gone for the lighter colour?
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- I'm going for the lighter colour. - She's stubborn, isn't she?
0:22:00 > 0:22:03What I might do is I might use the floor paint over the gloss
0:22:03 > 0:22:05and just knock it back a little bit.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I don't want to say shabby, because she doesn't like shabby.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Quite rustic, isn't it? Do you think Alison will like the rustic look?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I'm hoping she'll like it.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Alison is very clear that she likes light, bright,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18fresh materials, and it's looking too dark.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20There's no light and shade in there.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Don't match your wall colour to your floor.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's just going to look really brown.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30A few doors down, Sarah's creating a designer fabric duvet cover,
0:22:30 > 0:22:34with a linen sheet she bought for £2, a patterned paint roller
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and a tin of water-based paint.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39This is our wall colour, and it's a lead colour,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and what I want to do is just thin it down
0:22:41 > 0:22:45until it's single-cream consistency and then I'm going to use it
0:22:45 > 0:22:50to put the pattern onto the linen that I've dyed.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Costing around £30,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55paint rollers work with a special system that feeds paint
0:22:55 > 0:22:57evenly as it runs across the fabric,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00leaving behind an intricate pattern.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01Right, I'm going in.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11They can be used on fabric, paper, walls and even floors.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Not perfect, but we're after a kind of washed-out,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17slightly faded look, and I think we're going to get there with that.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Working with fabrics is Sarah's forte.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26And her own home in West Sussex reveals the scale of her love
0:23:26 > 0:23:28for all things vintage.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I love old designs.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33And I think that you just can't have enough vintage fabric.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36If you love it, then more is best.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I love folding mine up and looking at it.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41There's no way of escaping the fact I like to hoard fabric.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I do have a business that I would cut it up and use it,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47which is great, because that just allows me to buy more fabric.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Sarah trained as a chef, but set up her own business a few years ago.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55And she has even written her own book on crafting.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59My children are quite vocal about the fact that they think it's a lot of rubbish,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02but I will also find them saying to their friends,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04"Oh, come and look at my bedroom, it's got maps on the wall", or,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08"Have you seen my mum's studio where she makes stuff?", and that kind of thing.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11So, I hope it's not too torturous for them.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15Sarah now wants to make the leap to become an interior designer.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Designing and interiors
0:24:17 > 0:24:21is something that I've wanted to do for a long time.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22I would just love to do that.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Decorating a room for a client for the first time
0:24:26 > 0:24:30is already proving a challenge. To fit the Scandinavian brief,
0:24:30 > 0:24:34she has to tone down her signature style of bright, bold florals.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36This is the first time I've painted a ceiling.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39In my original plan, I had thought about putting
0:24:39 > 0:24:43some wallpaper on it, and I'm pretty glad now that I haven't!
0:24:43 > 0:24:46This is bad, but wallpapering might be horrific.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50I was looking at Sarah, thinking, she's got a whole window seat
0:24:50 > 0:24:54to build, and upholster it, and get all those cushions on.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- And a window treatment. - She's got to upholster a chair.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00So, yeah, you're right. A very, very ambitious design.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Sarah's got so many things that she's got plans for,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05but they're only plans.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12A few doors down, James is creating a large panel to frame his bold,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16patterned wallpaper. But first, he must work out where to put it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20OK, so let's say to there.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Right, yeah. This space...
0:25:23 > 0:25:28Costing just £26 of his £1,000 budget, the traditional-style
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Edwardian architrave is fixed to the wall with a nail gun.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33That's good.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39It's good to see it up, actually.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45James' own home in Surrey reflects his taste for the traditional.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Since I've just moved into this house,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51a lot of my time has been designated to the interior design
0:25:51 > 0:25:55and trying to organise contractors to try to get the finished brief.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00But once this house is finished, I may go on to something else.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Despite a successful career in property investment,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06James has other ambitions.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Being a professional in interior design
0:26:08 > 0:26:10is something that I've always looked into.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13And only recently have I started wondering
0:26:13 > 0:26:17whether I'll take that big, bold step, leave what I'm doing
0:26:17 > 0:26:21and venture into doing it professionally.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I'd like to look at creating my own brand
0:26:24 > 0:26:26and develop an interior design company.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30It's always been my dream, it's always been my passion.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31One day, I'll hopefully do it.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Back in Muswell Hill, James is giving his client's brown furniture
0:26:40 > 0:26:44a more contemporary look, to fit with his modern floral scheme.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49I'm just rubbing this down, so the paint will then stick,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52after the primer's been put on.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- We're working on an old chest of drawers.- Yeah.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- It is a nice piece of old furniture.- It is.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01But I know John and Deborah's brief
0:27:01 > 0:27:03specifically mentioned white furniture,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07and she wanted to get rid of this mahogany, satin kind of finish,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and then paint it white.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- OK, if the client wants it... - If the client wants it, she gets it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13She's gets it. Exactly.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18It's near the end of the first day
0:27:18 > 0:27:21and the designers are still hard at it.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Helen's had a change of heart
0:27:22 > 0:27:26and decided to go with her client's choice of floor paint.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I'm just staying positive, really.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Life's got many more dramas, hasn't it, than the colour of the floor?
0:27:32 > 0:27:37As long as Alison gets what she wants, that's what matters.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40James is priming the dresser, ready for its brand-new look.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Tomorrow morning, I can put the first coat of paint on the dresser.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47And Sarah is finally getting some paint on the walls.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Do you think it looks like a battleship?
0:27:49 > 0:27:51It looks a bit like Invincible,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53or perhaps Cell Block H?
0:27:53 > 0:27:56That's me done for the day.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Oops.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03I think a nice warm bath is called for.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It's day two.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18The designers have until lunchtime tomorrow to finish their rooms.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21After a busy first day, the rooms have been prepped,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24wardrobes have been ripped out, colours have been chosen
0:28:24 > 0:28:26and fabrics agreed on.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28But today our designers must start the hard work
0:28:28 > 0:28:30of making some major changes.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34The shell for James's fitted wardrobe is in place,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37but he's unsure how it's going to look.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40I'm thinking about putting a little bit of architraving on the doors.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Because otherwise it might just look too bland.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Sarah's getting worried.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I've got a long list.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48The woodwork is going to take some time to paint,
0:28:48 > 0:28:52and we're also putting in our own window seat and shelves.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Upholstering a chair, I think, is going to be on the wish list
0:28:55 > 0:28:58rather than a priority, because I don't really know what I'm doing.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00That'll be several hours to do that.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Just up the road, Helen is putting up damask wallpaper,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11which is at the heart of her French rustic design.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I've got the fireplace to fix,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18wallpaper, shelves, bed head and paint the floor again.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Going to be very, very busy.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- Love your wallpaper! - It's lush, isn't it?
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- I bet you feel good getting that up, don't you?- Yeah.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- It's all tied into the accessories and things, so...- Brilliant.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- ..if she hadn't liked that I would've been in trouble!- OK!
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Now, the other big change that I can see in the room is the floor!
0:29:39 > 0:29:42It is the lighter colour, so she won that argument.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Well, I didn't really argue
0:29:44 > 0:29:46because I just think she has to live here, you know,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49so what she wants is absolutely fine.
0:29:49 > 0:29:50The floor hasn't held us up,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53but certainly taking the wardrobes out yesterday
0:29:53 > 0:29:57was just a massive job, and that's really impacted on us.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00So, overall, you're feeling the pressure of the time
0:30:00 > 0:30:03you've got available to do all this.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Yeah, it's quite tight, and quite a lot of things have had to go.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10It'll just be... not exactly as the brief.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12I couldn't get the full appreciation of the floor,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14because she's rightly covered it to protect it,
0:30:14 > 0:30:17but I do think she's made the right choice - it's a nice colour.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19It's light, it's neutral, and it's what Alison wanted.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25In James's house, his clients have concerns about his wardrobe.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I guess it's because as you've come into the room, you kind of...
0:30:29 > 0:30:31My eye, immediately, is drawn to that.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It may be because it's dark in colour,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38but immediately I kind of just see that piece of wood jutting out.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42At home I measured it, and you need 60cm in order to clear for the door.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46For jackets and things, coat hanger space.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48At 30, the door wouldn't be able to close.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50To detract from the wardrobe,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54James wants to add more of his floral pattern design to the room.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57What I've thought is, maybe we can put wallpaper on the chimney breast
0:30:57 > 0:30:59rather than just keep it all grey.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02And then there's a bit of symmetry with this wall.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- What are your thoughts?- Good idea. Balance it.- Yeah. That would look nice, actually.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Bring a little bit more colour. - We might have a bit too much grey.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- That's what I was thinking. - Might be good.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13When it's painted white and you've got this feature wall...
0:31:13 > 0:31:14Your eyes should be drawn...
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Your eyes should be drawn to the chimney breast,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20rather than the wardrobes.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Also, the pendants.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24I am really, really keen to keep it.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- I just think it lends itself to the room.- Yeah.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- It's just going to bring a new life to the room.- Yes.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- Rather than how it looked before. - Well, we can see.
0:31:32 > 0:31:33See you later on.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40My biggest concerns, really, are just making sure
0:31:40 > 0:31:42the wardrobes are all done.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45I'm just hoping we can keep on track. So far, so good.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Let's just hope, if we keep on top of it,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50we might have a winning house.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Despite a to-do list as long as her arm,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Sarah is making changes to her simple Scandinavian design
0:31:58 > 0:32:00that only add to her workload.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03I've decided with the wardrobes -
0:32:03 > 0:32:06the more I look at them in this existing colour, the buttermilk -
0:32:06 > 0:32:09we just can't have that in the room. It's really jarring.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13So, we are going to put an eggshell coat of the same grey on the wall.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16So, hopefully, there'll be a more unified wall.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I see you've painted both the wardrobes in the colour of the walls.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Is there a reason for that?
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Yeah, well, we really want the fireplace to sing out.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32I think it's got these beautiful tiles on it,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35and, hopefully, with the same colour all around,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37we're giving it an opportunity to stand out.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Is that your look?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41My look is the most floral, eclectic,
0:32:41 > 0:32:46layered up, shabby... Totally contrasting to this!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48I first saw the brief, and I took a long hard look at it,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51and I thought, "I don't know where I'm going to start."
0:32:51 > 0:32:54It is way away from what I am comfortable with, and normally do.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56But, actually, I'm loving it.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I have totally fallen in love with this scheme. I am...
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Yeah, I'm really pleased. I love it.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Well, good luck. As I said, lots to do.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08The current trend for painting traditional wooden furniture
0:33:08 > 0:33:11might turn the Edwardians in their graves.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14But they were also fans of mixing modern and traditional styles
0:33:14 > 0:33:17in an era characterised by a spirit of optimism.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20It was the new century - there was a new king on the throne,
0:33:20 > 0:33:22the Edwardians embraced modernity,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25but they also loved reviving styles from the past,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27often mixed up in the same building.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29In the house behind me, we've got
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Queen Anne style gables and bargeboards,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35right next to incredibly fashionable Art Nouveau leaded lights
0:33:35 > 0:33:36around the front door.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43One street over, and this house is built by the same builder,
0:33:43 > 0:33:45at the same time, but it's got a completely different style
0:33:45 > 0:33:47to the previous house.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Look up and you see the carved wooden porch
0:33:49 > 0:33:52and the delicate segmenting of the window - the mullions.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56It nods to that other late-Victorian revivalist style - Arts and Crafts.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59But there's still a hint of the Art Nouveau here
0:33:59 > 0:34:01in the stained glass in the front door.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05This mixing and matching of various styles in multiple combinations
0:34:05 > 0:34:08on different streets might make the developers
0:34:08 > 0:34:10seem like they were hedging their bets.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12In fact, this hesitant approach to new design was
0:34:12 > 0:34:15the foundation of their success.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17The individual looks of these terraced houses is what
0:34:17 > 0:34:19makes them feel so unique.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Something our designers are trying to echo
0:34:26 > 0:34:28on the insides of these homes.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32At the halfway point, Helen has finally finished painting.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35It's quite nice to get this covered.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39Erm, I hope it doesn't lull me into a false sense of security
0:34:39 > 0:34:42now it's nearly done, cos we've got, like, masses to do still.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47But that feels good!
0:34:47 > 0:34:51To make the most of where the fireplace would have been,
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Helen has cleverly used wood from the old wardrobe
0:34:53 > 0:34:56to create a new surround.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00Oh, my God! That's gorgeous, Stuart! SHE SQUEALS
0:35:00 > 0:35:03She's clearly pleased with the results...
0:35:03 > 0:35:04SHE GASPS
0:35:04 > 0:35:07SHE GIGGLES
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Yay, Stuart!
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- Actually doesn't look too bad, does it?- Ooh, delicious.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20One street over, James is painting his fitted wardrobe
0:35:20 > 0:35:22the same colour as the walls.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Seeing the wardrobe now, as it's built and then with it painting,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I'm really, really pleased with it
0:35:28 > 0:35:32and it didn't seem to stick out as much as I thought it would
0:35:32 > 0:35:35when it first went up, when it was the raw wood,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38but seeing it now painted, I'm really pleased with it.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40I'm happy and I'm sure Deborah will be happy.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44He's also upcycled the homeowners' old chest of drawers.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45Glad to get them in here.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53Quite pleased and relieved, actually, that it's all back together.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56James unfortunately still hasn't got any wallpaper up.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59He's got carpet to go down. It's going to be all revealed tomorrow.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01But I've got faith, you know.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03He's doing quite an ambitious scheme,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05he's got bold colour, bold pattern.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06I just hope that that lamp
0:36:06 > 0:36:09integrates with his fantastic concept.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Something Deborah fell out of love with, and he might be able
0:36:12 > 0:36:14to show her that it can look cool and groovy again.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Scandinavian simplicity might not come naturally to Sarah,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23but she's finding ways to add a touch of her vintage floral designs,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26this time using her paint roller to add pattern to the wall.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31There's something sticking on the roller, it feels like,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33so in order to get the pressure right...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38I'm just going to carry on. If I have to redo that bit up there, then...
0:36:38 > 0:36:43It's just going to the certain point and then stopping. It's not great.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45With the roller not working as smoothly as it should,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48it's taking extra time she can't afford.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57I don't particularly mind if it's not perfect.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Got a slight contrast in the colours here, we have got a little bit
0:37:00 > 0:37:04of variation in the density of the paint that's going on the wall.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Do you think it will be better when it dries?
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Sarah's using a simple trick to give her design a touch of elegance.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17When built between 1902 and 1907, these houses also incorporated
0:37:17 > 0:37:20clever tricks to enhance their design, creating
0:37:20 > 0:37:24an illusion of wealth to attract the middle-class Edwardian house hunter.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27To make these terraced houses seem like more expensive
0:37:27 > 0:37:30semidetached properties, they've been grouped together in pairs,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33with their front doors right next to each other,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35and each pair is subtly different in design.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37The pargeting, or decorative plaster work,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40on the gables is different on each single house,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43making every one seem like it has its own personal coat of arms.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47This is another trick, because actually it was mass produced from the kind
0:37:47 > 0:37:51of pattern books that builders used for copyright-free facade designs.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54As James Edmondson's development gathered pace,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56with new interest from commuting City workers,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59accountants and clerks, other builders got in on the act.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02One of Edmondson's rivals, Charles Rook, built this street,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05and he was so pleased with his success,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08he commissioned this flamboyant house, complete with carvings
0:38:08 > 0:38:12of his own face, so he could gaze on his achievements in perpetuity.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Our amateur designers are hoping to bring more
0:38:18 > 0:38:21than flights of fancy to their clients' rooms.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24But since each room is slightly different,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Sophie and Daniel want a barometer to test their creativity,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30so they've given them each a plain mirror to adapt to their design.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35King of pattern James is using petal-shaped bits of wood
0:38:35 > 0:38:37to add a simple graphic decoration.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I was walking round a building merchants thinking,
0:38:40 > 0:38:41oh, my God, what the hell should I do?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44And I came across these, I thought perfect.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47I'm going to stick this on with some very strong adhesive,
0:38:47 > 0:38:49which sticks to mirrors.
0:38:49 > 0:38:50Something like that.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59Helen is adding an artistic twist with a rustic hand-painted frame.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Gorgeous.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04But the mirror is a long way down Sarah's to-do list.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07There is so much to do that it's going to take
0:39:07 > 0:39:09about twice as long as I've got to do it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12So we're not going to be able to do anything about the upcycling.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16I think we just have to go for it tomorrow.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19It's near the end of day two and James is finally seeing
0:39:19 > 0:39:23his patterned floral wallpaper go up in its feature frame.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- Really happy with it.- Yeah.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Really happy.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- Need a bed there.- Yeah.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33Fab.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37But all three designers still have a lot to do to complete their rooms.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Not everything's going to be as I hoped.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46Not everything's going to be finished. But what will be will be.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47We've got to get out of here
0:39:47 > 0:39:50within the next sort of 20 minutes, quarter of an hour.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54Pleased with where we are, but I think we've got a long day tomorrow.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Today the final designs will be finished and seen by the homeowners.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Their feedback will help the judges determine
0:40:06 > 0:40:08who goes through to the next round.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12With just a few hours to get everything done,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Sarah is feeling the pressure.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17We've just got the blinds to come back from the seamstress
0:40:17 > 0:40:22and I'm just trying to work out exactly how they're put together.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25It's like bringing up a really nasty kite.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28There aren't any instructions, which is...
0:40:28 > 0:40:32good, because I hate reading instructions anyway.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37Just means that we've got less time to try and upholster a chair.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40James is on track, with a chimney breast being wallpapered.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43But there's one big job left to complete.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48The main thing that's concerning me is to get the pelmet built
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and painted and then the curtains need to go up,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53so that's our main concern right now.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59Around the corner, Helen is painting her headboard using an art technique
0:40:59 > 0:41:02which uses imagery to create an optical illusion.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06It's a style that people like to call trompe l'oeil.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09But it's not true trompe l'oeil, because it doesn't look like
0:41:09 > 0:41:13a photograph or a real image, it's more quirky than that.
0:41:14 > 0:41:20This headboard's based on an Edwardian design of a brass bed.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25It just adds a little bit of me to the design, really,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27cos I tried to do everything that Alison
0:41:27 > 0:41:31and her partner wanted me to, but...
0:41:31 > 0:41:34because I'm the designer
0:41:34 > 0:41:36I just wanted to leave a little bit of me as well.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41With the clock ticking, and having only ever practised
0:41:41 > 0:41:45a few times at home, Sarah decides to take on the moth-eaten armchair.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49I don't really know what I'm doing,
0:41:49 > 0:41:54but I'm going to enthusiastically try and upholster this as best I can.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57She's chosen a traditional vintage fabric
0:41:57 > 0:41:59to add some colour to the design.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02She starts by attaching it to the frame using a staple gun.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06This is a quick-fix way of covering this chair.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09It's not a professional job, but it makes it pretty
0:42:09 > 0:42:13and it is a great way of speedily updating a chair.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18This is a special needle for upholstery.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20You push it in and then pull it round
0:42:20 > 0:42:23and it comes back out a bit further along.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26I just want to get it a little bit tighter,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28just so it looks nice and neat.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31If she doesn't get that room finished,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33all she's going to have is grey.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Upholster a chair before the reveal for the first time?
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Has she lost her mind?
0:42:42 > 0:42:45In James's room, the pelmet's going up.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Just hold that in. Thank you.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Lovely. Cool.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56And he's adding more pattern with some finishing touches.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02I'm just going to try and make the pendant look a little bit different
0:43:02 > 0:43:05by wrapping some material around the wire,
0:43:05 > 0:43:09and hopefully it will look a little bit...edgy.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Is it all worth it?
0:43:14 > 0:43:17The deadline is fast approaching.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20I've got an hour and 20 minutes to go,
0:43:20 > 0:43:24and it makes me feel slightly twitchy.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26I'm really pleased with how it's going,
0:43:26 > 0:43:28with everything apart from the time!
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Feeling a bit sick actually.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32And every minute counts.
0:43:34 > 0:43:40Bit stressed, and scared. I want to make sure it's finished on time.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Put in a drawer, so she can put her knick-knacks in them.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47It's starting to look like a room! Hurray!
0:43:47 > 0:43:51All we've got is one more curtain, clear the floor,
0:43:51 > 0:43:55erm...just a little few tweaks and then we're finished, we're done.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Finally Sarah gets round to upcycling her mirror,
0:43:58 > 0:44:00and she's gone for a rustic look.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04Something I found in the garden. I don't think we've had any other time
0:44:04 > 0:44:06so it doesn't really matter which hour you choose.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09I think we just have to go for it now.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12The amateur designers have had just under three days,
0:44:12 > 0:44:16and £1,000, to transform these Edwardian bedrooms.
0:44:16 > 0:44:17Oh, the mirror's dreadful.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20It will be up to Sophie and Daniel to decide which of them
0:44:20 > 0:44:23deserves a place in the quarterfinal.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29First to be judged is Sarah's handmade Scandinavian design.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Three days ago, this outdated bedroom
0:44:34 > 0:44:36hadn't been decorated for 26 years.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51It's now been transformed.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57By painting the fitted wardrobes and walls in the same grey tones,
0:44:57 > 0:44:59the Art Nouveau fireplace now stands out.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02Sarah's hand-rollered a duvet cover
0:45:02 > 0:45:05and an entire wall in vintage floral print
0:45:05 > 0:45:09and the curtains have been replaced with Roman blinds.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14She's created a shelf above the door to display ornaments.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18The large bay now has a window seat with handmade cushions.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21And Claire's much-loved armchair has been reupholstered
0:45:21 > 0:45:23in a vintage linen print.
0:45:25 > 0:45:26DANIEL EXHALES
0:45:26 > 0:45:28It's beautiful.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33It's elegant, it's calm, but it's also really...
0:45:33 > 0:45:38pretty. She's re-upholstered the family heirloom.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41It's absolutely delightful. What a beautiful fabric it is.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43And there's a pop of colour in it too.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45If not, this room would be quite sombre,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48cos there's not much colour anywhere else.
0:45:48 > 0:45:49So you like the way she's accessorised.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52There's lots of nice little displays around the room
0:45:52 > 0:45:56- and personal objects have been used. - That's great. No, it's lovely.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Don't slam the door too hard
0:45:58 > 0:46:01cos if you get your head hit by a bust you've had it!
0:46:01 > 0:46:03But it looks really cool.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06I like the tableau over the metal shelf. That works very well.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09What I think's really nice about what she's done there is,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11that's actually the mirror, customised.
0:46:11 > 0:46:15She's created a box frame and then brought the chicken wire out front,
0:46:15 > 0:46:17and I just think that's a really nice place for Claire,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20who is an artist, and that's obviously taken into account
0:46:20 > 0:46:21what she does and her personality.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24But I'm not quite sure if it's...classy enough.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27With such an elegant fireplace there,
0:46:27 > 0:46:30that mirror business on the top is just not working.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33A key part of the judging criteria
0:46:33 > 0:46:36is what the homeowners think of the room.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Claire will now see the complete room for the first time.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Oh, my goodness!
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- Wow. So different.- Your new bedroom.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47My new bedroom. It's beautiful.
0:46:47 > 0:46:48So thrilled.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51She's such a clever girl. My goodness. And the chair.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55- Look at the old moth-eaten chair. - Yes, it was moth-eaten.
0:46:55 > 0:47:00That is so lovely. I love the grey, it's a warm, gentle grey.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02She really did understand me.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05I feel I could live with this for many years. It's lovely.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07I feel very lucky.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Great.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Next it's Helen's rustic French design.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19Three days ago the bedroom was cramped with wall-to-wall wardrobes.
0:47:32 > 0:47:36Now it's a more spacious room, with painted floorboards
0:47:36 > 0:47:40and a wall of reflective wallpaper.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44Helen has created a fireplace to go with the original tiles.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46She's also brought in mirrors and plates
0:47:46 > 0:47:48to give the room a French feel.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53She's upcycled old furniture and added her own artistic touches.
0:48:00 > 0:48:04Alison wanted something that felt soft and tranquil and calming
0:48:04 > 0:48:06- and this colour scheme definitely achieves that, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09By removing the wardrobes has actually allowed
0:48:09 > 0:48:12more versatility with the layout, hasn't it?
0:48:12 > 0:48:15The room feels very relaxed, and that's come through in her styling.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17I do think that fireplace is a triumph,
0:48:17 > 0:48:21cos it was just made from nothing. And it looks quite effective.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23The only thing I'm disappointed in
0:48:23 > 0:48:25is I'm not sure about leaving the inside.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27I would have painted it a darker colour
0:48:27 > 0:48:29and maybe had a few candles in the room or something.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31What do you think to the trompe l'oeil?
0:48:31 > 0:48:33I rather like it. It's very French.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37You know, from the 1920s, they used to do that sort of
0:48:37 > 0:48:40almost stage-set look. I rather like it.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42I'm not sure the bed head has been brilliantly executed, though.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45She's chosen to hide it with the cushions, which is quite telling.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49Yeah. I was looking behind me and we've got some, erm...
0:48:50 > 0:48:52..I don't know. You know, laundry...
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Yeah, laundry dollies, and I actually quite love them.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57I think they really pick up on that French, country, salvage...
0:48:57 > 0:48:59It's like bringing the outside in.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01There's a garden chair over there as well.
0:49:01 > 0:49:05But I don't think it's quite bright for an elegant town house like this.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09- No. It's a step too far for me. - Bit too rustic.- Yeah.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14- SHE LAUGHS - Are you ready?
0:49:17 > 0:49:20I will speak in a minute! I'm taking it in!
0:49:20 > 0:49:25How did they do it all in the time? That's just... Gosh.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28I was kind of looking for light and bright,
0:49:28 > 0:49:32and I'm kind of feeling this is not so light and bright. And I think...
0:49:32 > 0:49:35- We've got a fireplace.- We have a fireplace.- And some lovely little...
0:49:35 > 0:49:38- Look at those tiles.- Oh, that's lovely. I hadn't noticed that.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40- That's very nice.- It is, isn't it?
0:49:40 > 0:49:43Yeah. I think she's done an enormous amount in a very limited time.
0:49:45 > 0:49:49Finally, it's James's patterned floral design.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53Three days ago, Deborah and John
0:49:53 > 0:49:56described this room as bland and dated.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10Now it has a mixture of bold-line floral designs
0:50:10 > 0:50:13and modern greys, creating a contemporary look.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19James has created a large fitted wardrobe, upcycled the homeowners'
0:50:19 > 0:50:24chest of drawers, and he's filled the room with patterned fabric.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29Underfoot, he's also laid a grey wool carpet.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37It's popped a massive smile on my face, this room.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39- Ooh, it's so easy to do that! - SHE LAUGHS
0:50:39 > 0:50:42You know, Deborah and John said that they love colour,
0:50:42 > 0:50:45they love lime, they love cerise pink, they're up for pattern
0:50:45 > 0:50:48and florals, and I have to say my first impression
0:50:48 > 0:50:50is James has really delivered that.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52Yeah, I tell you what I really do like, is the fact
0:50:52 > 0:50:55he's not afraid of pattern and he's just clashed away, so you have
0:50:55 > 0:51:00those very strong curtains and then with the wallpaper here.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03I'm so glad that he put it on that side too.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06And I actually really like the way that he's picked
0:51:06 > 0:51:08the grey from the floral to put around the rest of the room.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11It just calms it down, because when you're working with
0:51:11 > 0:51:14these really punchy brights, especially in the bedroom,
0:51:14 > 0:51:16you do just want to kind of chill it out a bit.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18And for me, the grey is a nice balance.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21What do you think about that wardrobe in the corner?
0:51:21 > 0:51:24He didn't put it on the right-hand side because as you walk in...
0:51:24 > 0:51:26- There was a logic.- He didn't want you to be hit with it.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29But at the same time, it's kind of spoiled the view of that corner.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32And they did ask for something quite modern, didn't they?
0:51:32 > 0:51:36- It's quite plain, but maybe plain works.- I really like the pelmet.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40Because that track was a curve and I was thinking, that's going to
0:51:40 > 0:51:43be challenging, to get a box pelmet to fit round a curved track.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46But it's quite nice how he's kind of cut it on the diagonal,
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- and I like the detail in the middle, too.- Yeah, it's like a keystone.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52And that's quite clever, because that's reflecting the architecture.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56So while I'm looking this way and it's all really pleasing...
0:51:56 > 0:51:59- that is just one big grey empty wall.- Gosh, yeah.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Hasn't really thought about that.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Yeah, it looks like the Bismarck, doesn't it? It's a bit scary.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07Looking at the light, which has always been an issue,
0:52:07 > 0:52:09the clients didn't want it, they wanted to get rid of it,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12and we thought that was a bit sad, because it's rather a nice piece,
0:52:12 > 0:52:15but it just needed to be changed and dressed up a little bit.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18But, erm, that's not the way to do it.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20And spot the customisation.
0:52:20 > 0:52:21I've never seen anything like that before.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24- It's quite cute.- It doesn't float my boat, I'm afraid.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27They're actually biscuit joints for wood joinery, aren't they?
0:52:27 > 0:52:29Oh, they are too! Oh, well, ingenious. OK.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33- It floats my boat slightly.- Your boat's now bobbing up a bit, is it?
0:52:33 > 0:52:34Yeah.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40Right, welcome to your new bedroom.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Wow. It's amazing, isn't it?
0:52:42 > 0:52:46- Tremendous.- I like the grey. I find that sort of quite calming.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51But I also like the fact that you've got the...the green and the grey.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53Brings some really nice colouring to it.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57- And also the mirror's tremendous. - Yeah. I like the candles.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59- And...curtains. - And the curtains, yeah.
0:52:59 > 0:53:03I hated the pelmet, so that looks really, really nice.
0:53:03 > 0:53:06- I'm really pleased, I think it's absolutely great.- Very nice indeed.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15It's time for the judges to pick a winner.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18For the designers, it's an anxious wait.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21It was a kind of baptism of fire. If I go through, I go through.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24I've learnt a lot.
0:53:24 > 0:53:25I feel pleased with the result.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28There's not many people get this opportunity.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31It would be absolutely amazing to go through to the next round.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34There is always room for improvement, but with the budget,
0:53:34 > 0:53:37it was so strict, so I've done the best I can.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42So, judges, how did they grapple with those big Edwardian rooms
0:53:42 > 0:53:45and all those period details? And how did Sarah do?
0:53:45 > 0:53:47She was dealing with a client, Claire, there
0:53:47 > 0:53:49who was very, very sensitive about that room,
0:53:49 > 0:53:52it hadn't changed in, you know, two or three decades.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54She handled that beautifully well.
0:53:54 > 0:53:58And that interior was made with love, because it was handmade.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02I know Sarah was worried that her roller stencil on the back wall
0:54:02 > 0:54:05might be a bit uneven, but I think we were both for that
0:54:05 > 0:54:08because it looked...handmade.
0:54:08 > 0:54:13But the concern that we had with Sarah is that she gave Claire
0:54:13 > 0:54:15lots of options.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18I thought it was a dangerous strategy, given that she's
0:54:18 > 0:54:22got a very short amount of time to execute her designs, to come in
0:54:22 > 0:54:26with so many choices on furniture and colours and fabric.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30And the result was that we did not get the seat cushions
0:54:30 > 0:54:32in the window, and that was tragic.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35How did Helen do? I mean, Alison kind of got French boudoir,
0:54:35 > 0:54:38shabby chic, which is exactly what she didn't really want.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Yeah, that was quite a key phrase on the brief,
0:54:40 > 0:54:42"I do not like shabby chic."
0:54:42 > 0:54:45In her original presentation, Helen said,
0:54:45 > 0:54:47"I'd love to have this room myself,"
0:54:47 > 0:54:50and you think, alarm bells ringing, this is going to be dangerous,
0:54:50 > 0:54:53she's going to go on a run and not think about the client.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55In her defence, she does know that look well
0:54:55 > 0:54:57and she executed it nicely.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59I thought she styled the room beautifully,
0:54:59 > 0:55:01very nicely dressed bed.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05She popped her...objects around nicely, popped up the mirrors.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08I had a really nice feel about it.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10James? Fared very well, I think.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Deborah and John loved the result.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14That panel was ingenious. You loved the panel.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17Yeah, and what I particularly liked is it framed that wonderful bed
0:55:17 > 0:55:20and I thought James was very clever to recognise that
0:55:20 > 0:55:21that was such a strong piece.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24He got that trend, that look absolutely spot on,
0:55:24 > 0:55:27and yet, for a bedroom, it wasn't too in-your-face.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32He chose a very nice subtle, warm grey to balance out the boldness.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36But it wasn't dressed. I didn't see any interesting accessories,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39I didn't see anything creative with the accessories.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43He didn't come up with some new ideas to play with. It's like seeing
0:55:43 > 0:55:46a fabulous lady wearing a gorgeous dress, but no earrings.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48So, have you made your minds up?
0:55:48 > 0:55:49It's very difficult.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51We've got three very different designs,
0:55:51 > 0:55:55very different approaches and very different strengths,
0:55:55 > 0:55:57so we're going to have to think hard on which of those strengths
0:55:57 > 0:56:01- we think are strong enough to go through to the next round.- Mm.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06Only one designer can go through to the next round of the competition.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12Well, designers, you three grasped the nettle, those big,
0:56:12 > 0:56:16enormous, elegant Edwardian bedrooms this week.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20But one of you went just that little bit further.
0:56:20 > 0:56:25One of you is going to go through to the next round. And that designer...
0:56:25 > 0:56:28is Sarah. Congratulations!
0:56:28 > 0:56:29Thank you!
0:56:31 > 0:56:34- Oh, thank you. - Well done, congratulations.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41Since we started the rooms, I've had about nine hours' sleep,
0:56:41 > 0:56:43so I'm not in the best position to say, "I can't wait
0:56:43 > 0:56:46"to do another one," but, no, I'd love to see another brief
0:56:46 > 0:56:49and another room is just going to be...exciting.
0:56:49 > 0:56:50I'm looking forward to it.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52Sarah...
0:56:52 > 0:56:54- Just so lovely.- What do you think? - I love it.- Seriously?
0:56:54 > 0:56:58- I love it, I love it.- Really? - It's beautiful.- Really?
0:56:58 > 0:57:03Really, really gorgeous, yeah. Can't believe it's my room, though!
0:57:03 > 0:57:07I feel that we've found a gem of a designer in Sarah.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10She's got real true creativity.
0:57:10 > 0:57:14She didn't just buy things, she used things and manipulated them
0:57:14 > 0:57:17and turned them into something else.
0:57:17 > 0:57:22Going forward, we need to see Sarah selling the idea to the client,
0:57:22 > 0:57:25not giving them that many options.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28I'm quite pleased and proud of what I've done.
0:57:28 > 0:57:32Design's my life, so it's in my blood, so it will always be there.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35- What do you think? - We love it, we like it!
0:57:35 > 0:57:37- I'm really, really pleased. - Brilliant.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41Yeah, I'm really proud of my design and most importantly my client,
0:57:41 > 0:57:44Deborah and John, were really, really happy and I met
0:57:44 > 0:57:48all their objectives, so that's the main important thing to me.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51I'm amazed. I'm genuinely amazed.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56These beautiful homes on the slopes of Muswell Hill
0:57:56 > 0:57:59are the very embodiment of Edwardian flights of fancy,
0:57:59 > 0:58:03mixing up modernity with all sorts of styles from the past.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06Their builders didn't let budget get in the way of ambition,
0:58:06 > 0:58:09a lesson learned by our designers, whose work captures
0:58:09 > 0:58:13that spirit perfectly of those pioneering developers.
0:58:15 > 0:58:17Next time, Victorian terraces...
0:58:17 > 0:58:20Even the smallest houses had a very grand space.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23I'm not 100% on the logs.
0:58:23 > 0:58:25..where our designers hit a brick wall.
0:58:25 > 0:58:27POP!
0:58:27 > 0:58:29- It's got air bricks behind it. - I think it's scary.