0:00:02 > 0:00:05Here in the UK, we're blessed with an enormous variety
0:00:05 > 0:00:07of types and styles of buildings that we call home,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11from thatched cottages to 1930s Art Deco apartments,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15regency terraces to contemporary townhouses.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19But sometimes, while the exterior creates a wow factor,
0:00:19 > 0:00:22the interior can be distinctly lacking.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26So we've gathered some of the UK's most talented amateur
0:00:26 > 0:00:30interior designers to show us what they're made of.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34In this semifinal, Oliver and Nicholas
0:00:34 > 0:00:37will go head-to-head to transform two rooms each
0:00:37 > 0:00:38in neighbouring houses...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Perfect, thank you.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41There is a plan in place,
0:00:41 > 0:00:44but there's also a little bit of winging it as well.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47..but only one of them can make it through to the final.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49I'm happy.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Putting them through their paces and scrutinising their every move,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56are judges Daniel Hopwood, designer and a director
0:00:56 > 0:00:59of The British Institute of Interior Design...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02This year we've got new challenges for the designers.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04We're really going to push them to the limit.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08..and internationally renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11As a judge in this competition, I want to see perfection.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14I think I will be quite a hard judge.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Now we've reached the semifinals, the stakes are even higher.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20So the judges are being joined by Michelle Ogundehin,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22editor in chief of Elle Decoration,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24to help them decide who will triumph.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26What makes a great interior designer
0:01:26 > 0:01:28is someone that understands that
0:01:28 > 0:01:30it's not just about how a space looks,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33but it's how it makes you feel.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37But it's going to take a lot of creativity and hard work to be
0:01:37 > 0:01:40crowned winner of The Great Interior Design Challenge.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55This time we're in the tranquil and picturesque village
0:01:55 > 0:01:58of Ashby St Ledgers, nestled on the borders between
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02For this semifinal, our two designers will be working on
0:02:02 > 0:02:06two rooms each in neighbouring thatched cottages.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Oliver and Nicholas will have 48 hours over three days.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13With two rooms to work on,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16they have a workforce of two builders and two decorators...
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Shall I leave the country now? Yeah, yeah!
0:02:20 > 0:02:22..and a budget of ?2,000. Yeah.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25They'll need to work hard and impress.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29This is the semifinal and what I want to see is passion,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32great design and something different.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Now they must show they've learnt lessons along the way from their
0:02:35 > 0:02:37first two professional projects.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41The designers have done three rooms so it's time for them to step out
0:02:41 > 0:02:45of their comfort zone and show us something new.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46And if that wasn't enough,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50their first room must be finished and judged on day two...
0:02:50 > 0:02:51I love you!
0:02:51 > 0:02:53There you go.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56..because at the end, one of them will be going home.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Okey doke.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02I would like to feel my competitive spirit kicks in.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I do want to go into the final.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Of course I want to win this. Absolutely, a million percent.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I can't mess it up.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18The historic village of Ashby St Ledgers was first mentioned
0:03:18 > 0:03:21in the Domesday book of 1086.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26The original Norman manor house and estate, an astonishing 83,000 acres,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30was a gift from William the Conqueror to Hugh de Grandmesnil.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33By the late 1300s, the estate had passed to another family,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37the Catesbys, who held prominent positions within the royal court.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Two centuries later, it was the turn of Robert Catesby
0:03:41 > 0:03:43to hit the headlines.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48It was right here in that room above the gatehouse that Catesby,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52leader of the English Catholics, set-up his command centre,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56planning the biggest plot against the English establishment,
0:03:56 > 0:03:57the Gunpowder Plot.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Catesby's notoriety has gone down in history
0:04:02 > 0:04:04but for the next 300 years, the estate languished
0:04:04 > 0:04:06in rural tranquillity
0:04:06 > 0:04:10until its new owner, wealthy industrialist Ivor Guest,
0:04:10 > 0:04:11took charge.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14When Guest bought the estate at the turn of the 20th century,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17he employed the most promising young architect in the country,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Edwin Lutyens, to remodel the manor house and gardens,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23and build this row of thatched workers' cottages in the village.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Today, in this quintessentially English village,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30it's the turn of our two semifinalists
0:04:30 > 0:04:31to leave their design footprint
0:04:31 > 0:04:35as they battle to secure a place in the final.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38They will each be handed a lounge and a dining room
0:04:38 > 0:04:40in neighbouring thatched cottages.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47The first designer to start is 63-year-old Nicholas,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51a freelance actor, director and writer from South London.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54It's going to look amazing. Yes!
0:04:54 > 0:04:57In his first heat, Nicholas showed his flair
0:04:57 > 0:05:00for the dramatic by giving a bland Victorian living room
0:05:00 > 0:05:02a Japanese twist.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Was it... Was it everything you expected?
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Everything and more.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I just love it so much.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11His love of theatrics continued in the second round
0:05:11 > 0:05:14when he turned a neutral Georgian terrace study
0:05:14 > 0:05:18into a '60s inspired chill-out den. Blimey!
0:05:18 > 0:05:20This is not what I expected...
0:05:20 > 0:05:21It's better.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24His styling is exemplary.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27While upstairs, his classical and elegant design
0:05:27 > 0:05:29overwhelmed the homeowner.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31It's lovely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33It's just fantastic.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37But does his theatrical style impress the judges?
0:05:37 > 0:05:41So, Dan and Kelly, the competition's really hotting up now - semifinals.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43With Nicholas, what are you wanting to see?
0:05:43 > 0:05:47What I want Nicholas to do is turn his very two-dimensional theatrical
0:05:47 > 0:05:50designs into something that's got the third dimension,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52which is a human application.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55But it's quite interesting because a lot of design is the
0:05:55 > 0:05:57first impression when you walk in
0:05:57 > 0:05:59and certainly with Nicholas, you walk in and you go,
0:05:59 > 0:06:00"Wow, this is amazing!"
0:06:00 > 0:06:03But if you just stand there for a few minutes,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06you realise that a lot of it is impractical.
0:06:06 > 0:06:13I do give a performance in the rooms that I offer
0:06:13 > 0:06:18and I would like to feel that that is part of my trait.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24The second semifinalist is 49-year-old hairdresser Oliver,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27a self-confessed maximalist from North London.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29This headboard is pretty spectacular
0:06:29 > 0:06:32when it's going to be upholstered in this fabric.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35In his heat, Oliver pushed the homeowners
0:06:35 > 0:06:37outside their comfort zone
0:06:37 > 0:06:41by introducing floral chintz into a forgotten basement guest room.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43In some ways I think it probably is
0:06:43 > 0:06:46a little bit chintzy for my taste, I guess.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51But in his next round, Oliver's Art Deco brief
0:06:51 > 0:06:53meant he could play to his strengths...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57He's got that incredible eclectic way of doing something.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59..and he blew the homeowners away.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00Wow!
0:07:00 > 0:07:03It's perfect. It's perfect.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I find Oliver tends to think very much about the client and what
0:07:07 > 0:07:10their needs are but I don't want him to max it up.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14See, I disagree. I think he's got the right mind-set
0:07:14 > 0:07:18which is design for people to live in, rather than to look at.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20One of the things that I'm going to do differently,
0:07:20 > 0:07:24being in the semifinal, is actually I haven't totally stuck to brief.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27So surprise and drama in an English village.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29It sounds like an episode of Miss Marple. Both of them...
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Both of them are extraordinary.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35As the first designer to start,
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Nicholas is given the task of transforming two rooms in the quaint
0:07:39 > 0:07:43thatched cottage owned by Karen and Mark, starting with the lounge.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Although both designers have had their briefs for just over a week,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52this will be the first time they'll be seeing the rooms in person.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58The living room, that's got to be a little bit more homely, warm.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03It's got a lot of wood in here, a lot of pine.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09We've got a built-in cupboard, which we'd like to remain.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I just want to see this as a blank canvas.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17At the moment, I feel there's so much going on.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20It's all in the wrong place.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We want it subtle, subtle and classy.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Nicholas's second challenge is the dining room.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27Whoa.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30With the dining room, we've got a fireplace
0:08:30 > 0:08:32that obviously has to remain.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35There's some tiles around there which are in a dark blue,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38we just need that splash of blue in the room somewhere.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41I want the dining room to feel luxurious
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and a little bit more, sort of, atmospheric, a bit more cosy.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50Colour-wise, with my idea, it is going to be dramatic.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53It is going to be quite an impact.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59I'd like to show you my ideas for your living room.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01On hand to assess his mood board presentation
0:09:01 > 0:09:04are judges Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08They'll be looking out for strong presentation skills
0:09:08 > 0:09:11and an ability to adapt to his clients' wishes.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13The pine in the room,
0:09:13 > 0:09:18I just felt that this whole corner here gives an imbalance,
0:09:18 > 0:09:24so I'd like to incorporate a similar feature here,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26as if it has been built in.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Yeah. Are you doing anything with the fireplace? I...
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Because it's a different type of wood to the pine.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35What I can do is take some of the colour out of it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:41Yeah. The coffee table, as it is, dominates the centre of the room.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46I have in mind a round coffee table, glass top to it.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51OK...I'm not a fan of glass.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Right. Because I've had a glass table before,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58and I find that I'm constantly cleaning it.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03Obviously, I can look at what the possibilities are,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07and we could make a decision on that. OK.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Over here, Kiera's bed. Yes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:16This is a 5-star dog bed, so that she has...
0:10:16 > 0:10:17The rest will be fine.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21With her own tartan cushion, detachable and washable.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24These colours I love because they're really muted,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26and I like that as well. Are you comfortable with that?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Yeah, absolutely. You're saying all the right things.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31No, it's good.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Next up, it's the dining room.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38I'd like to do the feature wall coming round the fireplace.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41I got the impression you won't be in favour of having
0:10:41 > 0:10:45the picture rail painted. That's right.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48If we said that we didn't want to just stay with the wood,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51would that help you? It would help immensely.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54And that would only obviously be on the feature wall?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Yeah. Because of all of that, that looks to me to be a little odd.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03OK. The light fitting, I didn't want to go for purely blue light,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07because if you sit at a table in blue light,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11you actually look either ill or dead...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15OK... And the food doesn't benefit from it!
0:11:15 > 0:11:20OK. So they have a very fine swirl of red in them.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25I also have some blue lights, to go discreetly on the window ledge,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28so that you have midnight blue colour
0:11:28 > 0:11:32coming through the Venetian blinds.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34That's your... Blue room.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35..your blue room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37This is rather out there, and I think,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40is that fitting in this style of house?
0:11:40 > 0:11:44I wanted to go for a rather sumptuous feel.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46I think that's the bit I need to see,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49it's the bit that's going to sort of overtake.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52How do you feel about that? I'm comfortable with it.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57Are you? Yeah. I'm hoping that we are going to get a sumptuous,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01boutique hotel, something different.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It's... It's something different.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Nicholas is mastering the joinery and has really thought about how to
0:12:08 > 0:12:11lay it out properly by balancing that existing cupboard on the one side
0:12:11 > 0:12:15of the chimney breast by putting a lower version of the same style on
0:12:15 > 0:12:18the other side. The biggest issue I've got with the dining room,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21is if a homeowner says to me,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24"I would like some blue but I would like to have some greys," or whatever,
0:12:24 > 0:12:30I would have accents of blues, but this entire room is blue.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31And you know the big problem with that?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Blue, as a colour, is an appetite suppressant,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36which is not ideal for a dining room.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Fabulous! Yes, yes!
0:12:38 > 0:12:40The jury's out, because he does pull it off,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44but when I look at that presentation board, I feel blue.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Hello, welcome everyone.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53With his presentation over, Nicholas's 48 hours have begun...
0:12:53 > 0:12:54That's the room we've got to finish.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57..and he's drawing on all his directorial strengths
0:12:57 > 0:12:58to brief his team.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Feature wallpaper up to the ceiling.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Shall I leave the country now? Yeah, yeah!
0:13:04 > 0:13:07And as the builders clear out the rooms,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Nicholas starts to repaint a mirror using car spray paint.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13The great thing about car spray is
0:13:13 > 0:13:17that there are hundreds of different colours,
0:13:17 > 0:13:23so it's very easy to get exactly the colour that you want.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29This glorious midnight blue colour is in fact, "Peugeot China Blue."
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It's going to be known as the blue room, I think.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Three doors down, our second designer Oliver
0:13:36 > 0:13:38is about to take up residence in the cottage
0:13:38 > 0:13:40owned by Verity and Sean...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Thank you, dear.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44..starting with the lounge.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46OK...
0:13:46 > 0:13:50The living room is the main room of the house for us, isn't it?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52We use it for everything, really.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54It's a really nice size, actually.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58We would still like to retain the cottage, cosy charm.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Got a couple of nice paintings in there which we'd like to incorporate
0:14:01 > 0:14:04into the design - they're key things.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Paint, light colours I think, because it's a fairly dark room,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10especially in the winter.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Sort of country chic with a modern twist, maybe.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Oliver also needs to work on the tired dining room,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21which requires sophistication and elegance.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24The dining room at the moment is rather cluttered.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Aww, it's really cute!
0:14:28 > 0:14:30We would like a little bit more elegance.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33A little bit? We'd like a lot more elegance!
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Well, a lot more I suppose. Yeah, because Sean likes cooking...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I like hosting dinner parties,
0:14:37 > 0:14:41so for me the room would need to make a statement, I think.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I don't want it too fussy. A nice grey-eige colour.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46What colour's grey-eige?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Grey-eige is a grey/beige, obviously!
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Oh, OK. All right!
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It's a new one on me!
0:14:54 > 0:14:56So grey-eige it is, then.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Looking at the room now, I know I actually made the right choice
0:14:59 > 0:15:01in what I want to do.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05So I'm going to start with the lounge and I've come up with
0:15:05 > 0:15:08something like this. Wow.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Ooh, I do like those curtains!
0:15:10 > 0:15:13We've got like a really soft bluey/grey.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16It's light enough that it's not going to enclose the room,
0:15:16 > 0:15:18but it also gives a sense of tone.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22It's not a colour I would have thought of, you know?
0:15:22 > 0:15:23But I can see how it works.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Adding real panelling because you had... Wow, yes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31One of the things you did mention in your brief was about how that window
0:15:31 > 0:15:34can appear quite dark sometimes. Mm-hm.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37So what we're going to do is do like an optical illusion.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We're going to raise the blinds above the window
0:15:40 > 0:15:43and raise the curtain pole... Oh, I see.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45..so it gives you a much grander window. Oh, yeah.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Is this covering our existing...?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49No, that's a brand-new Victorian pine table
0:15:49 > 0:15:53which I'm going to convert into an ottoman. Brilliant.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Thumbs up? Yeah. Yeah.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57If we continue on that winning streak,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I'd like to show you what I've got planned for your dining room.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03You did say wow factor, didn't you? Yeah. Kind of...
0:16:03 > 0:16:04Kind of!
0:16:06 > 0:16:09OK. So I've got this.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Oh, wallpaper!
0:16:12 > 0:16:15So you'll have your wallpaper, your curtains
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and your Roman blind will all be exactly the same.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21It's kind of like a little bit of a maximalist approach,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24do you know what I mean? If you're going to do it, do it properly...
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Yes. ..or don't do it all. No.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28We're going to do the dresser in a really smart grey,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30which I think works beautifully with your blue and white china,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33which is where I took my cue for this whole room... Oh, really?
0:16:33 > 0:16:36..was from those plates. They were my grandparents'.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38And covering the... Yeah. Chairs. Good.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39So I've got six new dining chairs,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43so we'll do the blue and white ikat with navy blue velvet.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46It's different. I know.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48'Oliver's presentation was very upbeat,'
0:16:48 > 0:16:52he seemed incredibly confident from the start and his boards were really
0:16:52 > 0:16:54beautifully laid out.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56'He's very soft and gentle in the way that he presents,'
0:16:56 > 0:17:00but you do know that he's got all the salient points in his head.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03He's genius in putting the blind higher
0:17:03 > 0:17:05and the curtain pole higher to give it more height.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07That's really clever. You know...
0:17:07 > 0:17:08I wasn't sure, though,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11about the mixture of the cushion fabrics that he's gone for,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14because he's got those tartans, and the blacks and all the chintz.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Will that work? Let's move on to the dining room.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Yeah. What is it about blue today?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23This is the blue period. I hope we get over it very quickly.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I mean, there's no blue mentioned on the brief,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27so this has come from the plates.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I mean, that's quite... It's brave. It's brave.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34That paper is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but a whole room...
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Oh, I love it! I love it.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40The whole room and matching blinds, it's so 1970s posh!
0:17:42 > 0:17:45First things first, obviously we've got clear this room.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Oliver's 48 hours have begun,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50and he's got a long list of tasks to hand out.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52I've got wood panelling to go up in the other room,
0:17:52 > 0:17:53so the builders need to do that
0:17:53 > 0:17:55and two decorators need to crack on with here
0:17:55 > 0:17:57and then, yeah, wallpapered all the way round. OK.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00As his team start clearing out both rooms,
0:18:00 > 0:18:04one of Oliver's biggest jobs is to upholster the dining room chairs.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09Relatively cheaply you can get some nice fabric, stretch it over,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11staple gun it and they're good as new.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I got these chairs online and I got all six for under ?25,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16which is an absolute bargain.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Having stapled the covers to the chair,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Oliver is using studded trim to tidy up his handiwork.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27I think it's very quick and a very easy way of adding some real pizzazz
0:18:27 > 0:18:28to, like, pieces of furniture.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Boom! And now I've got five more to do.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37With both designers off the starting blocks,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40tomorrow's deadline to have their dining rooms finished
0:18:40 > 0:18:42is inching ever nearer.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Today, these cottages have been named in honour of Edwin Lutyens,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49who'd go on to become one of the most famous British architects
0:18:49 > 0:18:52of the 20th century.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55The celebrated partnership with the garden designer Gertrude Jekyll
0:18:55 > 0:18:59pretty much invented the olde worlde picturesque country cottage style
0:18:59 > 0:19:01so many of us hanker after today.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05The presence of a thatched cottage is considered to be the final touch
0:19:05 > 0:19:08to the vision of an idyllic country village,
0:19:08 > 0:19:12while many believe that thatched is the most characteristic
0:19:12 > 0:19:13of all functional materials.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17You can tell these cottages aren't real olde worlde thatched cottages,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19they're just too darn perfect.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23This is rustic charm done by an obsessive master architect.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Just look at the perfectly symmetrical proportions
0:19:25 > 0:19:27and that thatched roof, with its crisp edges
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and that line as if drawn by a ruler.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35From master architects to modern designers,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38it's time for the judges to see how Nicholas is getting on.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Hi, Nicholas. Hello. Hello, Nicholas.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Hello. Oh, it's coming up.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44That was the exciting bit, to see this wallpaper on the wall.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It's really nice, isn't it?
0:19:46 > 0:19:50I love this layering, the sort of matt and shiny and the depth in it.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51You were absolutely right. Absolutely.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Quite courageous, though.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Well, you wanted to see my style, me coming out.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59OK, so this is you? Yeah.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I'm glad to see you convinced the home owners to paint
0:20:02 > 0:20:05the picture rail in the navy blue so it doesn't stand out.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Wonderful. What's happening with the remainder?
0:20:08 > 0:20:13I would quite like to take the grey colour up and over it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14It's looking magical, already... Thank you.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17..and you've only got some wallpaper on the wall.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19I'm finding that very exciting.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22If you can follow that through in the rest of the space,
0:20:22 > 0:20:23I think we've got a winning space.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25So good luck. Thank you.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29You were really, like, gushing about that wallpaper!
0:20:29 > 0:20:31I loved it, it looks great.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33But by just hanging that wallpaper on two walls
0:20:33 > 0:20:37and then painting the rest of the room in pale grey,
0:20:37 > 0:20:38there's no drama.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40I love his courage.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43He's doing something to kind of shock that room,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45and he has, and he's shocked me.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Over at Oliver's, he's turned his craft to the blinds that are the
0:20:52 > 0:20:54same print as the wallpaper and curtains.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59I've managed to find some Roman blinds that are actually quite sheer
0:20:59 > 0:21:03but make a really good backing for much nicer fabric,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06so it actually cuts out a lot of the faff.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Using these backings, they were probably about ?17 each,
0:21:09 > 0:21:10which is nothing.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12I've chosen this fabric because it ties in brilliantly
0:21:12 > 0:21:14with the wallpaper.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16So the idea is that the pattern starts, you know,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20from the minute you go in and continues all the way round.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22I think it's going to be a bit of a show stopper.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Meanwhile, in the dining room,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27the first roll of matching blue wallpaper is going up.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Hi. Hello. Oh! Wow. We're kicking off.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Look how much bigger this room looks.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Oliver, you've done this room in blue,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40and what colour have we got in the other room?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43We've got a blue, but it's a different shade of blue.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Right. More of a grey/blue. Yeah, it is, and it's a softer feel.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48I want there to be a continuity between the rooms,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50but they're separate entities.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Well, you're taking a big risk, because that is a lot of blue.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56You've got to make sure that home owner really does love it,
0:21:56 > 0:21:58because you've got it all over the place.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Let's see how it turns out.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08This is looking so fantastic.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12The end of the first day is in sight and in Nicholas's dining room
0:22:12 > 0:22:15the feature wallpaper is almost complete.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I love you!
0:22:18 > 0:22:20There you go.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24For the remaining grey walls to have the impact Nicholas desires,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27he wants to paint the wooden rails in the same colour,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30but he needs to persuade the homeowners first.
0:22:30 > 0:22:37If we could take the grey colour over the picture rail,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41I think it would be quite sophisticated and quite elegant.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42I've got no problems with it being painted.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44If you believe that it's the right thing to do...
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I think so. ..then continue with the grey.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Thank you very much.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52So you end on there and start again maybe there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54With the dining room on track,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Oliver's turned his attention to the lounge.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00That kind of thing. Yeah. I happen to love panelling.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03It's just a way of kind of embellishing walls, really.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05You know, it stops rooms from looking like shoeboxes.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07You add a little bit more detail, another layer.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Fantastic, thank you very much.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14It's the end of the day and I really feel that Oliver is just a little
0:23:14 > 0:23:17bit ahead, because his schemes are so resolved.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20He knows what he's doing, whereas I'm not so sure with Nicholas.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Oliver's just seems like it's more completed...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Yes. ..and because his presentation just seemed so positive.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29But we might end up with something that's just too conservative,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32and Nicholas comes out with something really daring.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36You look very tired!
0:23:37 > 0:23:41I think tired is probably putting it mildly. Yeah?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44How do you feel about being in the semifinals?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47In some ways it's like you're just doing another two rooms,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50but actually you've got to kind of pinch yourself and think,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53"What's at stake here?" It could be life-changing, so...
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Yes, it could kill me!
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Let's hope not. Come on.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04The first day is over, but the designers won't sleep easy tonight.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Tomorrow, the first of their two rooms have to be completed
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and the judges are expecting perfection.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Hello, how are we doing? All right? Fine, fine.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22That's the first bit up, fantastic.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Day two has begun,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and our designers can only think of one thing this morning -
0:24:26 > 0:24:28getting those rooms finished for the judges.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Ah, good morning. Hiya.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34With just a few hours remaining before Nicholas's dining room has to
0:24:34 > 0:24:38be completed, the final trace of wood is being painted out.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Meanwhile, Nicholas is turning his attention to his lounge.
0:24:43 > 0:24:50So what we need here, Johnny, is the cupboard to come to the wall here.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52He's focusing on the new pine cabinet,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54which will house the television.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57And then the doors to just concertina back,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02its tongue groove right to the floor. Oh, right. Excellent.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Three doors down, as the decorator continues to line the dining room
0:25:07 > 0:25:11walls with bird print, Oliver is sprucing up the pine dresser.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14What I want to do is just smarten the whole thing up using a special
0:25:14 > 0:25:18paint for furniture and it's a really nice sort of smart grey,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21so it will look... It will give it a proper face-lift.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22It's happy days.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Oliver may be feeling on top of things,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29but he's about to be thrown a curveball.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Keen to keep the designers on their feet,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34the judges are going to give them both an object that they've got to
0:25:34 > 0:25:36imaginatively work into one of the schemes.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Hi, Oliver.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Hey. It's creative challenge time! OK.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Nicholas, are you ready for this?
0:25:44 > 0:25:48I'm sure you will not get hysterical about something...
0:25:48 > 0:25:50spherical. How about that?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52It's quite good. Yes, it is.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56So you've got all the time you need, as long as it appears
0:25:56 > 0:25:58in one of the rooms. THEY LAUGH
0:25:58 > 0:26:00See you later. See you later. Bye.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Good luck. Thank you, Dan(!)
0:26:04 > 0:26:07You mean that, don't you? Yes(!)
0:26:07 > 0:26:09The designers' inventiveness with this creative challenge
0:26:09 > 0:26:12will be taken into consideration at the final judging,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16when Kelly and Dan will be joined by guest judge Michelle Ogundehin.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21While Nicholas ponders over the possibilities,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Oliver tackles the challenge head-on.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26What I'd like is for that to all come off.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31He gets builder Stewart to saw off the top third of the sphere.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36So what I've done, I've made it into a fruit bowl.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39What I'll do, just to the kind of finish it off is actually go
0:26:39 > 0:26:42all around the top with the copper wire, just so it really finishes it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Attention to detail was also a key factor in the design of these
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Arts and Crafts country cottages.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53But one feature of the exterior, though, you definitely cannot miss,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55is a thatched roof,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59that quintessential symbol of the English country cottage look.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01But Lutyens didn't just use it for its heritage,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04it had practical benefits, too, keeping the cottages snug in winter
0:27:04 > 0:27:07but letting them breathe during the summertime.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12The most common material used was the straw left over after harvesting.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Rye was a favourite but wheat straw was more widely used.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18It was applied lengthways and then trimmed,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21a bit like a shaggy hairdo sculpted into shape.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Pebble dash like this was immensely popular on Arts and Crafts houses.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It gave an appealing textured and weathered look,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35but it also came in rather handy for keeping the rain off
0:27:35 > 0:27:36the bricks hidden underneath.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41The Arts and Crafts movement stood for traditional craftsmanship
0:27:41 > 0:27:43using simple forms...
0:27:44 > 0:27:46..an ideology Nicholas wants to uphold
0:27:46 > 0:27:50with the new painted dining room chairs, which he's now waxing.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55The wax starts to give it a very different finish.
0:27:55 > 0:28:01It's giving it a really good, almost wood-like sheen.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Nicholas's chairs may be on track,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06but with just three hours before his dining room must be complete,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08he has other vital elements missing.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Hello, Nicholas. Hello. Hi there.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16I've heard that there's been a few little hiccups along the way.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21The Venetian blinds, they've been made, they've been dispatched...
0:28:21 > 0:28:24But they're somewhere in the ether. They are somewhere in the ether.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27The cushions are a similar issue
0:28:27 > 0:28:34and I didn't have time to make eight seat cushions.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Except, you know, it's a competition and this is about creating something
0:28:38 > 0:28:41in the time for the money.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44You've had someone do the painting, the electrics, hang the wallpaper,
0:28:44 > 0:28:46it was just the cushions. Yeah.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51And if I could point out, eight dining room chairs to paint and wax,
0:28:51 > 0:28:55that was my priority on the seating, rather than... The cushions.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57..making cushions.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00I'm feeling a little bit irritated after that meeting,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02but I'm feeling that you're quite angry.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04What an understatement!
0:29:04 > 0:29:07We're both thinking, really, he should have made them himself.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09Of course he should have made them himself!
0:29:09 > 0:29:12The two things that will really finish that room off
0:29:12 > 0:29:13are not going to turn up.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17What he really needed on those chairs are bespoke cushions
0:29:17 > 0:29:19but something just shop-bought
0:29:19 > 0:29:21would just look a little bit makeover to me.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24He's better than that. He is better than that.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27There isn't a contingency plan.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29It's in the lap of the gods.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35But keeping a tight rein on his designs,
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Oliver is making all of his soft furnishings from scratch.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40I've made these fabulous curtains
0:29:40 > 0:29:42and now obviously they need to be finished.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46The hems aren't done, so just a quick sort of hem the ends up.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Nicholas is racing against the clock and time is of the essence.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55The dining room furniture is being repositioned...
0:29:55 > 0:29:56This way.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58..and artwork is going up...
0:29:58 > 0:30:00That's nice, yeah.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02..as are the blue pendant lights.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08And just in the nick of time, one of the missing deliveries has arrived.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11I've got my blinds up.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13I'm happy.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Look.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16This is happy.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Nicholas's time is now up.
0:30:19 > 0:30:26I honestly don't need to do any more in this room...
0:30:26 > 0:30:30except try the lights, see if they work.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32HE HUMS A TUNE
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I've had comments from the judges that have said,
0:30:35 > 0:30:39"Nicholas, we want to see your style,"
0:30:39 > 0:30:44and I can honestly say that doing that room
0:30:44 > 0:30:48in those colours is my style.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Nicholas was given the task of creating a luxurious,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53atmospheric dining room,
0:30:53 > 0:30:57taking inspiration from the blue feature tiles around the fireplace.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Yesterday it lacked warmth and character.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Now, it's got a bold identity with a strong flow of colour.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10The feature wall with textured paper
0:31:10 > 0:31:14and powerful print adds and air of opulence.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16While painting the wooden picture rail in matching grey
0:31:16 > 0:31:19gives a sense of space,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21and accents of blue in the lights,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25picture frames and table accessories tie his scheme together.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32They wanted luxurious, they wanted atmospheric.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34I think he has created that feeling.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38One of the things I find quite clever is this feature wall.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42Now, I would have been tempted just to take it to there but in fact he
0:31:42 > 0:31:44was quite right to pull it through to the right
0:31:44 > 0:31:47because it's almost visually straightened that room out
0:31:47 > 0:31:51a little bit because of that awkward corner.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54I love the blinds. I think the lights are genius.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56This is a big cupboard. Yeah.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00By having the smaller lights, very modern, with the blue...
0:32:00 > 0:32:04these look like they float. That is very clever.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06But I can really do without the blue lights.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07Those blue lights,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10I think there should be able that unless you're designing
0:32:10 > 0:32:14a petrol station, you do not use them.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18I think he's working to brief and I think that this blue does work
0:32:18 > 0:32:22in creating that atmosphere but I would actually want to imbalance it
0:32:22 > 0:32:27slightly, maybe chuck a naughty colour in somewhere,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30because at the moment it's too well-behaved.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Nicholas has been working to homeowners Karen and Mark's brief,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38so their opinion will be taken into consideration by the judges
0:32:38 > 0:32:40when they make their final decision.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Oh, lord!
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Oh. Fantastic.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54It looks much bigger, doesn't it? It does, yeah.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56A completely different room.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59So the big question, wallpaper, what do you think?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02I don't hate it.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Isn't that... That's praise! That's a start!
0:33:04 > 0:33:07..but it's not as bling as I expected it to be.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11The clever thing that he's done is the picture rail.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Does the room have atmosphere? Yeah, I think so. Yes...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17but there's a lot of blue.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22Even if these were toned down and that stayed...
0:33:23 > 0:33:26..that would bring it down a bit,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30because at the moment I think it's, "Wow, a lot of blue."
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I've got less concerns about it than you have.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I think it's great way it is. Maybe I'm just a little bit more...
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Picky. That's the word.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Picky's the word. Demanding. Yeah, high expectations.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43High expectations.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49In Oliver's dining room he's also racing against the clock.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Look at that.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54With matching blinds and curtains hung
0:33:54 > 0:33:56and painted furniture restored,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59all that's left is for Oliver to dress the table...
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Can't beat a nice white tablecloth, eh?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04..and add a few finishing touches.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07HE HUMS A FAST TUNE
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Oliver's time is up. That's it, done.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12With my hand on my heart,
0:34:12 > 0:34:15I can stand here and say I really love that room.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19I put my heart and soul into it and it's just so amazing to actually see
0:34:19 > 0:34:21it come to fruition and to see it in reality
0:34:21 > 0:34:24and I hope they really love it.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Oliver's brief was to design an elegant country dining room
0:34:27 > 0:34:30to host sumptuous dinner parties.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Yesterday, it was a cluttered, bland space,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35overshadowed by large furniture.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Now, it has a grand, elegant feel,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42befitting a quintessentially English cottage.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46With wall-to-wall matching paper, bespoke curtains and blinds
0:34:46 > 0:34:49adding symmetry and refinement to the window.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54While bold modern fabrics on the chairs tie in the colour scheme
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and give the room a contemporary edge.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58SHE GASPS
0:34:58 > 0:35:00This is so enchanting.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04It's refreshingly new but actually quite old-fashioned, too.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07I think this is quite clever with the matching curtains because we've
0:35:07 > 0:35:10all veered away from anything which is matchy-matchy,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13yet when you've got a really fussy wallpaper,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17if they'd gone for a plainer fabric, it would have stood out more,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20but by being the same fabric, it blends in.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23But I also like the fact that he's been a little bit naughty.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25he's added in this ikat fabric,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29so he understands about breaking the pattern at the same time.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32This is not my style, end of. Is it not? No.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36But the feeling I get is that I'm back at Granny's house
0:35:36 > 0:35:38for tea and that was a nice feeling.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41A granny who's quite up-to-date. Have you noticed the tableware?
0:35:41 > 0:35:44This is absolutely... I know, the sort of rose gold. It's fabulous.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Yeah, I mean, Granny's been out shopping, hasn't she?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Not only has he created good design,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54but he's done it in a way like it's been here for a while
0:35:54 > 0:35:56and that's really hard.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59I was a bit concerned that the light fitting would look too
0:35:59 > 0:36:01much like one that you'd find in a snooker room.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04For me, it's a shame it's not just a fraction lower.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07A bit lower because actually when you're sitting down...
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Oh, no! Just think about it. I know, that is a bit of an issue.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13You're going to see the light bulbs, so that should have been as low as they dare.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15On the brief they ask for a bit of shabby chic.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18I'm really glad he moved them away from that
0:36:18 > 0:36:21and went to something which is much more, as he said, manor house.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25A little bit crisper, a little bit more proud and finished.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30Now it's time for the homeowners to check out Oliver's work.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Oh, my gosh! Wow! It's a different room.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39The space.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Even this looks much better now
0:36:41 > 0:36:44because it was lost before and now it's...
0:36:44 > 0:36:46The wallpaper brings it out.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48What do you think of the wallpaper and the pattern?
0:36:48 > 0:36:50I think it's lovely, it's stunning.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Yeah, I quite like that. I mean the way it's framed that window,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56it's made that window look bigger.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58He's styled your clutter?!
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Wow. Yeah. All the blue and white now.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03It looks lovely. He's styled the dresser as well.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06So you wanted a kind of dining room that was impressive,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09where you could entertain, that's got a bit of the old wow factor.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10Has it got it? Yeah.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Half the village will want to come for dinner now.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Where are you going to put them all?!
0:37:14 > 0:37:17It's the period of the house, I think. It just all works.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Wow. Top marks. BOTH: Yeah.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Day two is drawing to a close and after such mixed reactions of both
0:37:27 > 0:37:31judges and homeowners, it might seem as if Nicholas is trailing Oliver
0:37:31 > 0:37:33but the race isn't over.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Tomorrow, both designers have a whole new room to finish,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and a surprise guest judge to impress,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41before one of them can secure a place in the final.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Good morning. ALL: Morning.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58It's the start of day three and with a place in the final up for grabs
0:37:58 > 0:38:01and another room to finish, our designers are feeling the pressure.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04So good job we've got an extra surprise for them.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06The designers don't know it yet,
0:38:06 > 0:38:11but guest judge magazine editor Michelle Ogundehin is on her way.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16She'll help decide which designer will make it through to the final.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Before she arrives, she's casting a critical eye over their schemes,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22starting with Nicholas's dining room...
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Having read the homeowners' brief,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27I know that the blue original fireplace tiles are important,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29so I see that pop of colour,
0:38:29 > 0:38:33but what I don't see is how this would all work together.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35..followed by Nicholas's lounge.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37There's a lot going on in this board.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39We've got different types of material,
0:38:39 > 0:38:44different textured wallpapers, copper and the pine.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46This is... This is going to be a tough one.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Next up, it's Oliver's design schemes,
0:38:48 > 0:38:50starting with the dining room.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54I'm a bit worried by the rather rampant use of this traditional wallpaper, though,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57we've got it on the walls, we've got it curtains and blinds.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00I think that might be a bit OTT.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02So what will Michelle make of his lounge?
0:39:02 > 0:39:06I love how the designer's introduced this idea of panelling,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08which is something that's actually very easy to do.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Wonderful mix of fabrics.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13I'm wondering how that's all going to sit together.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23With Michelle's arrival, the designers are summoned outside.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Morning. Good morning. Morning.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Morning, Oliver. Good morning.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35It's the last day of the semifinal
0:39:35 > 0:39:38and you two probably think you've got more than enough pressure heaped
0:39:38 > 0:39:42on those shoulders but we're going to add just a little bit more.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46You're going to be judged not just by these two formidable design talents,
0:39:46 > 0:39:48but a third. Oh, God!
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Joining us today is the editor in chief
0:39:51 > 0:39:54of one of the leading design magazines in the UK.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57She's hugely respected and has been in the design industry
0:39:57 > 0:40:00for over 20 years.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02It's Michelle Ogundehin from Elle Decoration.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05THEY INHALE OK.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Great to meet you. In my job, I see thousands of houses,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16so what I'm looking for today is something a bit different.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20I want to be surprised. I want originality with a twist.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23So with three judges to impress today, better crack on.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Off we go. See you later.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Michelle Ogundehin is going to be judging us.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31I mean, come on!
0:40:31 > 0:40:35The pressure is now going up and going up and going up.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40It's a fresh eye and I'm very honoured that she is here.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44They might be right to feel the pressure,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47as Michelle checks out the rooms both designers finished yesterday,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50starting with Nicholas's dining room.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53I was really concerned about this one from the mood board.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55I really hadn't got a sense of what I was going to see
0:40:55 > 0:40:59and I'm very pleasantly surprised.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01The homeowner wanted elegance,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04they wanted a high-end boutique feel.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05It's certainly elegant.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09I like the sort of little sweeps of red, that suddenly really pops out,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11which again was something that didn't come across
0:41:11 > 0:41:15in the mood board, but here it's working.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17It's a very formal arrangement.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I can see that working well for dinner parties,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22not quite sure how it's going to work with me
0:41:22 > 0:41:24with a bowl of cereal in the morning.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Next up, Michelle casts her eye over Oliver's dining room.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32Wow!
0:41:34 > 0:41:38I mean, the homeowner wanted wow factor, they wanted pattern,
0:41:38 > 0:41:40they wanted some colour, so we've certainly got that,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44but I'm just a bit overwhelmed by how much patterned wallpaper
0:41:44 > 0:41:48there is here. I think sometimes for a pattern to really sing,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50you need to contain it.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52When there's so much of it I don't know where to look,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54so it's quite busy.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58I really like this contemporary modern print in the sort of
0:41:58 > 0:42:02dark indigoes against the more traditional wallpaper.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04One offsets the other.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07It looks like the mood board,
0:42:07 > 0:42:11but perhaps it would have been taken to just another level if there'd
0:42:11 > 0:42:14been something a little bit unexpected here.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23With Michelle's fresh take on the rooms, it's now all to play for.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25As the first designer to start,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Nicholas now has just a few hours before his time is up.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Having sprayed the homeowners' original light fitting in copper,
0:42:33 > 0:42:35he's incorporating it with the creative challenge,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38to create a more contemporary diffused light.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43It's interest, so that you look up and you see...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45the world.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46That's fabulous.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49And keen to show his homeowners that he's listened to
0:42:49 > 0:42:53their concerns, he's had a rethink about the glass coffee table.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57What we were going to do was to put a glass table top on
0:42:57 > 0:43:01which was a bigger size.
0:43:01 > 0:43:07It's my decision to pull back and not try and be too tricksy with it.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14In Oliver's living room, the beaded panelling is up,
0:43:14 > 0:43:18ready to be painted the same duck egg blue colour as the walls.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23In the garden, Oliver is also breathing new life
0:43:23 > 0:43:25into a recycled table.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29This was an old table which I've cut down and I've just added this
0:43:29 > 0:43:32upholstery foam and then...
0:43:32 > 0:43:34Yeah, I'm just upholstering it.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37So all in all, this has probably come to...
0:43:37 > 0:43:39Probably under ?50.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Having stapled the fabric to the foam,
0:43:42 > 0:43:46Oliver is once again using his trusty studs for an elegant finish.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Smart.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54Where is it? No, perfect. Thank you.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58As the first designer to start, Nicholas is almost out of time.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00Can I have furniture in, please?
0:44:00 > 0:44:03Round, round, round, round, round, round, round.
0:44:03 > 0:44:04Three...
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Thank you, God.
0:44:06 > 0:44:08Finally, his 48 hours are up.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12Guys, thank you so much.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15It's now in the hands of the judges.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21I honestly can't believe what we have achieved.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24It's been incredible.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Nicholas's brief was to bring chic and sophistication
0:44:27 > 0:44:29to a tame country cottage
0:44:29 > 0:44:32that 48 hours ago was lacking a sense of style.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38Now it shouts elegance with its muted colour scheme.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41and the abundance of textured fabrics add a sense of class.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45The dominating and mismatching pine furniture
0:44:45 > 0:44:47has been balanced in colour,
0:44:47 > 0:44:50and a new pine cabinet to house the television
0:44:50 > 0:44:53has added symmetry to the fireplace.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57Accents of burnished copper in the lighting provide warmth
0:44:57 > 0:44:59and help soften the space.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08Wow, what a transformation. I'm just trying to take it all in.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11I do love the fabrics, I love the colours.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13His upholstery is good.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16I was really concerned by his mood boards,
0:45:16 > 0:45:19because I just couldn't get a sense of how this room was going to feel,
0:45:19 > 0:45:21but it hangs together a lot better than I thought it would.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24I'm quite impressed with what he's done with the creative challenge,
0:45:24 > 0:45:28because he's put it up into the ceiling pendant
0:45:28 > 0:45:31and I guess when the light's on it's going to cast
0:45:31 > 0:45:34some interesting shadows over the ceiling. It's very clever.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37With points from Dan and Kelly for the creative challenge,
0:45:37 > 0:45:39the judges move on to the rest of the room.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41He's done a really, really good job.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44If you look at that setting, with the wing chair, those lovely
0:45:44 > 0:45:47curtains, that absolutely beautiful window with the view outside,
0:45:47 > 0:45:50that is perfect country cottage look.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53That's what people aspire to and he's done it so successfully.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56It's very calm, it's very considered. It is.
0:45:56 > 0:45:57It's a really competent scheme.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00Nicholas has added symmetry to the room
0:46:00 > 0:46:03and practicality by putting this TV housing here.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07I think that the dog is the luckiest dog in the world.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09I love this dog bed. I think it's fab.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12But that rather lets the whole room down, doesn't it? Yeah.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15A coffee table should be the big centrepiece in the heart of the room
0:46:15 > 0:46:18and it's not doing it for us.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21I think what we're all saying is overall it's a really good scheme,
0:46:21 > 0:46:24he did finish it on time, it's on budget,
0:46:24 > 0:46:28but is the scheme good enough to go through to the next round?
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Nicholas has a lot riding on homeowners
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Karen and Mark's reaction to the lounge.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Wow. This is better!
0:46:44 > 0:46:46I like this room. OK. This looks fantastic.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50I feel a lot better about this room! Because obviously the last room...
0:46:50 > 0:46:52You had mixed opinions about. Yes, I did.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55I know you liked it... Yeah. I did. This is lovely.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58Oh, it is, yeah. And I can't see the TV!
0:46:58 > 0:47:00He's made all this. Oh, I love it.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02I love it. I honestly do love it.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04I can't lie, because it's beautiful.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07Oh, this is very classy. I do like this.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Very simple. This is me.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12You may have the other room, I'll have this room.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14Well, there you go, you can sit in there. Yeah!
0:47:14 > 0:47:17You can sit in here. Do you like it? It is brilliant, yeah.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Absolutely. Love it.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21Spot-on. Anything not right?
0:47:21 > 0:47:23Anything not quite hitting the spot?
0:47:23 > 0:47:25The only thing that differs is the coffee table's different
0:47:25 > 0:47:28to the mood board presentation of a glass top,
0:47:28 > 0:47:32which you had concerns about anyway. I'm happy that it doesn't have it.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35Yeah? Yeah, yeah. He's managed to get the new enclosure,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39the fireplace and that all looking like they belong together.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Brilliant. Ten out of ten for this one.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44I'm really happy with this one. Good.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52Meanwhile, with Oliver's 48 hours running out,
0:47:52 > 0:47:55he's hanging the curtains and blinds higher up the wall to create
0:47:55 > 0:47:57the illusion of a bigger window.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02With the bespoke ottoman upholstered,
0:48:02 > 0:48:05Oliver just has to place a few finishing touches.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11All-righty and then we're done! That's it. That's it.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17I've done it! It's done. I can do no more.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22Oliver's homeowners requested an English country cottage sitting room
0:48:22 > 0:48:25that was cosy and homely.
0:48:25 > 0:48:2748 hours ago, it was a symphony of beige
0:48:27 > 0:48:30that lacked character and composition.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34Now, it's a sophisticated space that oozes warmth...
0:48:36 > 0:48:39..with beaded panelling adding grandeur to the room.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43The raised curtain and blinds allow additional light
0:48:43 > 0:48:46to flood into the room, while the mix of plaids and tweeds
0:48:46 > 0:48:49create a sense of finesse and refinement.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Wow, what a difference.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00Absolutely loving all the different textures on the cushions.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Absolutely, I really love it too.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04I remember seeing all the different fabric swatches
0:49:04 > 0:49:05on the mood board and thinking,
0:49:05 > 0:49:07"I'm not sure if that's going to work." Yeah.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09He's pulled it off.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11I mean, he's taken a bit of a risk here,
0:49:11 > 0:49:13because the brief was, "No dark colours."
0:49:13 > 0:49:16It's sort of just dark enough.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19If he'd gone any darker then it might have ruined it as a look.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22But it sort of shows his authority as a designer, you know,
0:49:22 > 0:49:25to make them step out of their comfort zone just a bit.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28You know what I really love though is the moulding.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30It feels like it was always here. Yeah.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33And the way he's used it to frame the pictures, frame the mirror.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Yeah. I think that's a real touch of magic.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37The ottoman's classic, isn't it, these days.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40In a country living you've got to have one of these things,
0:49:40 > 0:49:42because you can use them both as a seat
0:49:42 > 0:49:44and also as a place to put things.
0:49:44 > 0:49:46My God, here's the creative challenge.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48How clever is that?!
0:49:48 > 0:49:51I would've rather liked if he'd done something just a little bit naughty
0:49:51 > 0:49:52somewhere that broke the taste.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55Don't you think that would've just turned it into being quirky
0:49:55 > 0:49:56for the sake of it though?
0:49:56 > 0:49:59Well, quintessential English is a bit quirky as well.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01I think he's done it with the fabrics.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04The fabrics here are different to the fabrics there. Yeah.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06That's eccentric enough to me.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09You've got the blowsy blooms, you've got tartans, you've got stripes,
0:50:09 > 0:50:11you've got the sort of devore.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13There's a lot going on in here.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16But Kelly's not impressed with the three blinds that have been put up
0:50:16 > 0:50:18rather than just one.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21I honestly think this is a fantastic room,
0:50:21 > 0:50:27but I'm not sure I can forgive him for the blinds.
0:50:27 > 0:50:28That, for me, is a mess.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33But the homeowners' reaction will play a vital part
0:50:33 > 0:50:35in the judges' final decision.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44Wow. Oh, my gosh. Different room completely.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48That's just lovely. Look at the curtains.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51And the sofas, look. They look more stylish now.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54That window looks huge now, doesn't it?
0:50:54 > 0:50:57The light fitting. Oh, look, look! The mirror...
0:50:57 > 0:50:59how it's hung. Brilliant.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03Yeah, look, it's hanging off chains. I know, they're so simple.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06And this. I know. We've always wanted one of those, haven't we?
0:51:06 > 0:51:08Now you've got one. A posh footstool.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11A posh footstool! The only thing is I think one of the dogs is going
0:51:11 > 0:51:13to think it's a dog bed, but that's not a criticism.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15That's all right, that's fine. It's multifunctional.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Oh, it's lovely! It's funny, the colour...
0:51:18 > 0:51:20Although it's darker than it was before,
0:51:20 > 0:51:23the room looks bigger. I think it's a very calming colour as well.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25You wanted comfort and sophistication. Yes.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27And have you got it? BOTH: Yeah.
0:51:27 > 0:51:28Love it. Love it.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31If Oliver was here, I'd kiss him.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39The designers can do no more.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42It's now a waiting game until the judges decide
0:51:42 > 0:51:45who has secured a place in the final.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48So, Michelle, as a guest judge how have you coped with it?
0:51:48 > 0:51:51You know, from seeing one room to another, two very different people,
0:51:51 > 0:51:53two very different designs.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56It's always a huge leap, isn't it, to go from someone's flat vision
0:51:56 > 0:51:59of what they are presenting to then actually walking into the room
0:51:59 > 0:52:02and going, "Oh, is this what I expected?
0:52:02 > 0:52:03"Is it more than what I expected?"
0:52:03 > 0:52:05And, in some ways,
0:52:05 > 0:52:07they gave me that spark of genius that I wanted to look for.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10In other ways, it was exactly what was on the board.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13So I think there were positives and negatives for both rooms.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15Both, in each of their own way, delivered
0:52:15 > 0:52:17really quite radical dining rooms
0:52:17 > 0:52:19and then pulled it all in and gave us
0:52:19 > 0:52:21quite sensible living rooms.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24So, judges... Hello! How's it going? Good.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26Have you decided, have you decided? No! We're debating.
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Debating, and it's not easy because they're both such good designers.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33But what did they say? Ahh. We want to know. OK.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35Well, shall we start with Nicholas? Yes.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38The dining room - very mixed reaction.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41He loved it, she was very equivocal about it.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44What didn't she like? Blue, very blue.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Blue, blue, blue, blue. I mean, she mentioned blue.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48She asked for blue. It was in the fireplace.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51But all the same kind of blue everywhere.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54She came around to the wallpaper...
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Good. But the living room was almost yin to its yang.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59She adored it. ALL: Yeah. Both of them adored it because
0:52:59 > 0:53:01it had everything the other room lacked.
0:53:01 > 0:53:06It had warmth, it had texture, it had lightness, brightness.
0:53:06 > 0:53:12You could not have had two more opposite rooms in the same building
0:53:12 > 0:53:13as those two rooms.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16I think because of the extremes of those two designs,
0:53:16 > 0:53:20it shows Nicholas has got quite a wide repertoire, because I think for
0:53:20 > 0:53:22a lot of people, they'd love that dining room.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24And the homeowner, she asked for a boutique hotel feel
0:53:24 > 0:53:28in the dining room and she asked for cosy cosmopolitan in the lounge
0:53:28 > 0:53:29and that's what she got.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32I thought his sitting room was a little bit country-casual,
0:53:32 > 0:53:34but there was no edge to it.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37He had a lot of pine to contend with there, though, didn't he...?
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Yes, he did. ..that she did not what him to paint over.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Now, Oliver's homeowners...
0:53:42 > 0:53:45loved it all. Both rooms.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47They were falling over themselves.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49I struggled with the dining room.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51For me, there was just way too much pattern.
0:53:51 > 0:53:52I loved the mix of the modern fabric
0:53:52 > 0:53:54with that sort of very traditional wallpaper,
0:53:54 > 0:53:56but it was just... It was too much.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58What did they say about the living room?
0:53:58 > 0:53:59They adored it!
0:53:59 > 0:54:02They loved the colour, they loved the curtains.
0:54:02 > 0:54:03They adored the curtains.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06So, come on, let's go through them, positives and negatives.
0:54:06 > 0:54:11I think Oliver has a very simply eclectic way
0:54:11 > 0:54:14of design where he creates something that is effortless.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18He sometimes over-designs an area.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21I think Oliver presents really coherent visions,
0:54:21 > 0:54:24so I think I know what I'm going to get.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27My concern would be maybe some of the magic gets lost
0:54:27 > 0:54:29because he's perhaps fixed on that vision.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32In contrast, Nicholas presented a very muddled vision.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35I had no idea what I was going to see when I walked into the room
0:54:35 > 0:54:38but when I did, I thought he'd really pulled it off.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42I'm always entertained with what Nicholas does because he experiments,
0:54:42 > 0:54:45he offers us something radical and he offers us solutions to problems
0:54:45 > 0:54:47and does that really well.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50So we're looking for a finalist. Have you made a decision?
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Luckily enough we've got you to help us
0:54:52 > 0:54:54because I think we're still at a level of indecision.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11Now, the architect of these fabulous cottages, Edwin Lutyens,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14was an absolute master of taking tradition
0:55:14 > 0:55:17and creating something striking and original with it.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20A sensibility which I think you two were absorbing
0:55:20 > 0:55:21in your four amazing rooms.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25It's been a real honour for me and I can really see that you guys
0:55:25 > 0:55:28have worked so hard and there's a lot of time, effort,
0:55:28 > 0:55:30dedication and passion gone into these projects.
0:55:30 > 0:55:31Well done.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Nicholas, firstly, you answered the brief.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36That dining room wanted atmosphere,
0:55:36 > 0:55:38you gave it and you gave it in spades
0:55:38 > 0:55:42and then use solved the issue of all that pine in the living room
0:55:42 > 0:55:45and gave them a very calm and elegant space.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49Loved it. Moving on, sometimes hold back.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Those blue lights in the window, maybe didn't need those.
0:55:53 > 0:55:58Oliver, your presentation was so fantastic because what you put on
0:55:58 > 0:56:01the presentation, you actually delivered.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05But going forward, sometimes you just need to stand back
0:56:05 > 0:56:07and check what you've done.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10I wish there was space in the final for both of you lovely,
0:56:10 > 0:56:13talented fellows, but there's only room for one.
0:56:13 > 0:56:19So the designer going through to the final is...
0:56:23 > 0:56:25..Oliver.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36I feel tearful.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38I can't believe it!
0:56:38 > 0:56:44I am absolutely gobsmacked and that is the absolute truth.
0:56:44 > 0:56:45'I've done it. I can't believe it.'
0:56:45 > 0:56:47I'm in the final!
0:56:49 > 0:56:52You've done a phenomenal job, Nicholas. Phenomenal.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56I've got this far and I think I will use this
0:56:56 > 0:56:58as a stepping stone.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02It's just been a fabulous time and I'll miss that.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07Hello there. I didn't get through this round.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09Nicholas is brilliant at creating theatre,
0:57:09 > 0:57:12no-one better than him,
0:57:12 > 0:57:14'but design and designing for the home
0:57:14 > 0:57:18'isn't always theatre, sometimes it's just home.'
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Do you want some good news?!
0:57:20 > 0:57:22Brilliant!
0:57:25 > 0:57:29Oliver's got a place in the final because he's a really good designer.
0:57:29 > 0:57:34There's a little edge to him where he just creates effortless design.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38I felt it was so refreshing to see a classical designer for a change
0:57:38 > 0:57:42and he tailored his schemes around the homeowners beautifully.
0:57:42 > 0:57:44We want you to go on now and win it.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46Oh, he will. I'm sure you will. I'll try my best. I know you will.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49I'll do my best, my absolute best.
0:57:52 > 0:57:54Thatched cottages like these are the epitome
0:57:54 > 0:57:56of olde worlde chocolate box charm.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59The kind of place where millions of us dream about living in.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02They might be cute, but that doesn't mean they're stuck in the past
0:58:02 > 0:58:04as our two designers have proved here
0:58:04 > 0:58:06at the heart of the English countryside.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14Next time in the grand final...
0:58:14 > 0:58:16It's a castle! Oh, my God!
0:58:16 > 0:58:18What a transformation.
0:58:18 > 0:58:19Yes!
0:58:19 > 0:58:21..Daniella and Oliver go head-to-head...
0:58:21 > 0:58:22No, no...!
0:58:22 > 0:58:24..in the ultimate battle to win.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26Oh, wow! It's everything I thought it was going to be.
0:58:26 > 0:58:29And the winner is...