Master of Interior Design Paul Andrews: ‘Banjo is a clear winner’

Things are getting hotter now with the semi-finals coming MA Interior Design I saw only three contestants left in the race to win the ultra-chic crown; Australian-born Banjo Bell from the Isle of Mull, London-based print designer and illustrator, Amy Davies, and Paul Andrews, a visual dealer, are also from London.

Unfortunately, someone had to say goodbye and go home. Chair jury Michelle Ogunden and guest judge, interior designer and retailer Abigail Ahern, admitted they liked something about all three schemes, transforming a contemporary lake vacation in the Cotswolds.

But after much deliberation, Michelle and Abigail decided that next week’s grand finale would be between Banjo, whose judges impressed her bright acid yellow kitchen to meet her ‘family little vacation home’, and Amy, who has found new confidence in her hands-on skills to create a funky getaway. Black and pink for a group of friends on the weekend, with an outdoor cocktail bar.

Which means that the floppy-haired Paul, whom viewers came to love for his glowing self-confidence, had to bow very gracefully – of course – but with a few tears.

Beautiful home in the UK Learn about the always-positive ‘creative genius’ about his time on the show and find out – among other things – how he learned to tie that proper gliding knot into his light fixture.

Hi Paul, how did you feel watching the show last night?

I came to my family’s home, in the village of Beitling Barva, Leicestershire, to watch the semi-final match with my sister Judith. There were only two of us, but we had been to the bar beforehand so everyone was very excited. Since my mom and dad passed away 10 to 15 years ago, Judith has become the closest member of my family. All my uncles and aunts live in the Northwest, as I am originally from Fleetwood.

remarkably, [filming] It was completely done in the last year, and you know that all the experiences you did last year have been somehow surpassed by everything that has happened since then. What this episode reminded me of is that we were all just fine.

We enjoyed learning more about you…

I felt like in this episode, viewers saw a lot of me. It included a great tribute to Mum and Dad, and I really enjoyed that. She grew up in Fleetwood, a fishing town in Lancashire. My dad was a fisherman and my mom was a really good seamstress. I think that’s where the use of my hands came from – from both. I was pleased. I felt the software did justice to the design I made. It was a beautiful ending.

And that coracle? I was very impressive in installing ropes to hang them from the ceiling…

Ah yes, my father was a fisherman, I was watching. He can do all kinds of different things with the rope, all the proper sailing knots and everything. I picked it up from him. When I live in central London, I don’t get a chance to do this very often. It was great for me because it brought back childhood memories with my father. I was amazed that I could remember how to do it. Everything felt emotional. There was a real connection with my family and upbringing, and the fact that it was a lakeside getaway and I found a boat.

Did you cross that the banjo also had a boat?

It was surprising that Banjo found a boat. We both have the same idea. I think mine was more complicated, so what about marine pulleys and lift. I traveled to Plymouth for the reels. I drove hundreds of miles that week to buy all the parts I wanted. I wanted it to be authentic.

We had a conversation about our boats when we were doing research, and in fact I looked at making a second option, the antler chandelier. But I couldn’t get enough horns to do it right.

Are you Is that true Creative genius?

Creative genius? There is a paradox when I say things like that. I also think I’m a comedic genius. I don’t take myself seriously at all. If you’re creative, it’s about how you feel, when you actually make something. It is a nice.

Sofas – Was It The Turning Point?

No, I did everything within budget [of £2,500] So it was impossible to replace it. There is no way I could get two new huge sofas within that budget – they would have been two and a half sofas each. It was impossible, so I chose to keep them. And they were Chesterfield’s elegant form. What I wanted were two linen sofas, which is why I made the covers. I’m not saying I got punished for them, but I would say why would I get rid of the great furniture and spend to change it?

Where did your parts come from?

Facebook Marketplace has basically become my best friend. The nautical stem I used for the coffee table, all the metal fasteners, the nautical pulleys, are all from Facebook Marketplace. If you go to a store to get all these things, it will be very expensive. And the great thing about it is that you meet amazing people along the way. The problem is the time it takes. In the week you have to prepare, you can only get two or three days on the road, so that can mean getting up at 6 am and not coming back until 11 pm.

So who do you want to win?

In my view, the banjo has always been my biggest competitor. He’s so creative, he’s a clear winner, but at the end of the day, you just don’t know. It’s like Strictly come dance – You are only as good as your last dance. And Amy, well, in the semi-finals she did absolutely everything in her power to do that build, build rails, flip rooms, it was really impressive. So who knows?

What is your advice to anyone considering applying for the show next time?

It’s a good idea to start playing around with the Pinterest boards, figuring out what you like and dislike, what textures and materials are, how you want the room to feel, and outlining how you want it to feel when you want to recreate it.

It is important to understand how a room and environment can change your mood. Some love bold, edgy colors and everything crazy. Or if you want to go in and feel really calm, or if you want something really moody, and darker, you’ll need to create that. My advice is to first look at the color wheel. You will find a lot of different combinations.

The other thing is to understand how the rooms flow. If you have a small home, you may want to create consistency through your color palette. Or alternatively, create a different look in each room, so you go “Wow!” When you open every door to the room.

But shouldn’t an interior designer have to work in a specific time period? Did you find it difficult?

For me it has always been about the customer. Because I’ve worked in retail fashion, and for many different companies, I’ve learned how to capture the essence of that brand. For The White Company, it will be all about neutrals. For anthropology, it has a lot to do with texture. As a designer, if you were to work with two different clients, each look would be completely different. You should always listen to what the customer wants.

sowThe next hat for you?

Well, I’m going back to London tomorrow. I’m in the middle of transitioning from the visual marketing side of my business to full-time interior design. I’m not going to get rid of all that experience and the good thing is that I don’t have to.

Bath amenities include hair dryer and complimentary toiletries?

I work in a Grade II listed cottage here in Leicestershire. I met the property man who will be handling the construction, electrical, etc. This project came about because of the show. It’s a complete renovation and as listed as Grade II, we don’t touch any of the original features. I will focus on the living room, bedroom and wet room. I met Rachel, the lady who actually owns it – it’s a slightly eccentric modern country style.

This is a quite small property with low ceilings on the lower floor. But upstairs, the beams go to the ceiling. So I chose the hydrangea wallpaper design, it is very delicate. I’ll pick up wallpaper in between all packages as well. The color scheme is soft blues, soft putty colors, so everything will flow. Downstairs, I chose another very beautiful wallpaper. I have to order it from America, but it’s all English flora and fauna.

• Watch the last episode of MA Interior Design Wednesdays at 9 pm on BBC One. Follow Paul on Instagram @paul.alfred.andrews.

Follow Beautiful house on instagram.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and is imported into this page to help users provide their email address. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io