The Great Interior Design Challenge
A competitive programme that searches for Britain’s most talented amateur interior designer.
Genre: Documentary
Cast:Sophie Robinson , Kelly Hoppen , Tom Dyckhoff , Daniel Hopwood , Sasha Bikoff
S1.E1 ∙ Edwardian - Muswell Hill
A trio of amateur designers have to redesign houses based on their own tastes and a brief from the owner. Professional judges choose one of the three as the "winner," who goes on to the next round of challenges.
S1.E2 ∙ Victorian/Salford
Three more contestants take up the challenge as they transform knocked-through sitting rooms in neighbouring homes in a Salford terrace.
S1.E3 ∙ Art Deco/Beckenham
Contestants transform the sun rooms of art deco homes in Beckenham. Amy goes all-out with a Miami Beach theme.
S1.E4 ∙ Converted Industrial - Rotherhithe
Three contestants redesign the sitting rooms of neighbouring homes in a converted mill in Rotherhithe, south-east London.
S1.E5 ∙ Span - Ashtead
Three more contestants try to win a place in the quarter-finals as they redesign the kitchens of three homes in a cutting-edge 1960s estate in Ashtead, Surrey.
S1.E6 ∙ Almshouses/Southwark
Three more contestants try to win a place in the quarter-finals as they redesign the sitting rooms of Georgian almshouses in Southwark, central London.
S1.E7 ∙ 1930s - Surbiton
Three contestants take up the challenge as they transform sitting rooms in semi-detached 1930s properties in Surbiton, south-west London.
S1.E8 ∙ Regency - Brighton
Three contestants take up the challenge as they redesign the living rooms of three Regency homes in Brighton, with a quarter-final place at stake.
S1.E9 ∙ Thatched Cottages - Dorset
Four of the quarter-finalists have 48 hours to transform thatched cottages in Dorset, with the help of a builder and a budget of £1,000.
S1.E10 ∙ Brutalist Tower Block - Bethnal Green
The remaining four quarter-finalists must transform bedrooms in a 1950s tower block in east London.
S1.E11 ∙ Victorian - Birmingham: Semi-Final
The semi-finalists are each given the task of transforming a front room in a Victorian Arts and Crafts house.
S1.E12 ∙ Georgian - Liverpool: Final
The two finalists are each given four rooms of a Georgian house in Liverpool to transform in 72 hours on a budget of £4,400.
S2.E1 ∙ Cotswolds
The Great Interior Design Challenge is back with a brand new series, this time with 16 episodes and 27 talented amateur designers battling it out for the title. Presenter and Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff oversees proceedings while judges - President of the British Institute of Interior Design, Daniel Hopwood and interior stylist and magazine journalist Sophie Robinson - must decide who has got what it takes to be the next big thing in design. The series travels across the country and though the ages, from medieval homes and Victorian Terraces to 1920s beach huts and contemporary eco blocks. Each time three would-be Interior Designers take on similar rooms in three neighbouring properties. They'll get three days, £1000 and the help of a small team to interpret homeowners' briefs and bring their designs to life. In the first heat amateur designers Scott, Fiona and Francesca take on three living rooms belonging one family in neighbouring 17th century cottages in the Cotswolds. Accustomed to working to precision, oilrig draughtsman Scott struggles with the uneven 300 year walls to deliver his modern design. While young mum Francesca must find a way to display her homeowner's treasured heirlooms, in keeping with her shabby chic scheme. College Lecturer Fiona shows off her skills when she reupholsters a coffee table in her industrial themed room but will it be enough to impress the judges? All three rooms throw up a different set of challenges for the designers, but only one can make it through to the second round.
S2.E2 ∙ Beach Huts
It's the second of nine heats, as three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round, and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time our amateurs are taking on three 1920s beach huts, in the picturesque setting of Canford Cliffs beach. The designers need to be inventive and innovative as they have just three days and £750 to transform the two and a half square metres huts. In his nautical design, actor Michael must make sure he creates enough storage for the four families who share his hut. For school teacher Anne it's a tricky task keeping her hut owner on board with her bold colour choice. Meanwhile, antiques restorer Sandy struggles to make a decision in her multi-coloured, nature inspired scheme. Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the nation's love affair with the beach hut, while it's down to Judges Sophie and Daniel to decide who has the winning design and will go through to the next round.
S2.E3 ∙ Medieval
It's the fourth of our nine heats as three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time our amateurs will be updating a crooked bedroom in three grand medieval homes in Lavenham, Suffolk. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the houses, and Judges Sophie and Daniel decide who will go through to the next round. Each designer has three days, £1000 and the help of a small team to achieve a 21st century take on the 600 year old rooms. Furniture restorer Scott faithfully follows his homeowners East meets West brief, but will he show enough originality to impress the judges? Mum of two Leila hopes her luxurious yellow scheme will bring some much needed light to her room, even though her homeowner isn't keen on the colour. And tea shop owner Kate goes all out with her British colonial theme - but will it suit the 300 year old room? With original wooden beams, uneven floors and discerning homeowners, the three would-be designers have their work cut out - and only one of them can go through to the next round.
S2.E4 ∙ Victorian London
It's the third of nine heats as three designers battle it out for a place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time our amateur designers will be taking on the open plan living and dining rooms of three Victorian terraced houses in the heart of London's East End. They'll have 1000 pounds and three days to give the open plan reception rooms a whole new look. Artist Lucy must bring some order to her homeowners' large eclectic collection of furniture and ornaments without losing the heart and soul of their home. Egon must design a mid-century themed room with three zones - cocktail bar, dining and lounge areas. While Charlotte has to persuade her client that her dark wall colour is the way to go for his modern masculine brief. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the houses and the East End, while judges Sophie and Daniel watch every design detail come together, before they must decide who is good enough to win a place in the next round.
S2.E5 ∙ Fishermen's Cottages
The designers must transform a bedroom each for three sisters living in a row of cottages.
S2.E6 ∙ Welwyn Garden City
Designers must update three identical living rooms in the handsome town of Welwyn Garden City.
S2.E7 ∙ Eco Homes
It's the seventh of our nine heats and three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge.This time the amateurs are redesigning large open plan reception rooms in three 21st century Eco Homes in Greater London. With just three days and £1250, the amateur designers must deliver gorgeous rooms using materials sympathetic to the eco ethos. Australian born Honor must put aside her love of everything white, as her homeowners prefer a darker, moodier palette. Fashion design graduate Alex gets his screen printer out to give his Manhattan loft design a geometric feel. While B+B owner Jane risks losing the confidence of her homeowners with her clashing colours. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff reveals the ingenious design behind these futuristic, energy-saving buildings. While judges Sophie and Daniel must scrutinise the designers' every decision before they can decide who deserves to go through to the next round.
S2.E8 ∙ Port Sunlight
It's the penultimate heat with three new designers battling it out for a place in the second round and the chance to go on to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateur designers will be working in pretty workers' cottages on a Dutch-influenced crescent in the model village, Port Sunlight. They will have £1000, three days and the help of a builder to transform a master bedroom each. Mehul from London draws on his heritage and love of all things industrial to answer his brief for a restful scheme. Mum-of-one Kelly's best-laid plans are in danger of going awry when her homeowners' new bed doesn't fit in with her plans. While hairdresser Louise from Northumberland wants to use her favourite paint effects to answer her brief, even though her homeowner isn't sure. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the model village of Port Sunlight where each block is designed by different architecture. While judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the design potential to go through to the next round.
S2.E9 ∙ 1930s Apartments
It's the last of the nine heats as three new designers battle it out for the last place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time, our three amateurs will be redesigning the master bedroom of three 1930s Hollywood-inspired apartments in West London. Deputy restaurant manager Jack, the youngest designer in the competition, has the tough task of creating a room that combines his homeowners' diverse tastes - Celtic, oriental and art deco. Online home accessories retailer, Hannah must keep true to the Nordic scheme her client has asked for, whilst incorporating his beloved wall-hanging into her design. Vintage fan Jo delivers an art deco scheme - but will it have the contemporary twist that her clients have asked for? Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the history of these iconic apartments, originally designed to attract the emerging stars of the silver screen, while judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood decide who has the winning room - but with such varied designs to choose from, it's a tough choice to make. But with only three days, a £1000 and challenging briefs, the designers must work hard to prove they deserve a place in the second round.
S2.E10 ∙ Oast Houses
It's the first of the three second round episodes and three previous winners battle it out to win a place in the quarter-finals of The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time, each of our amateurs takes on awkward dimensions in three bedrooms in converted Oast houses in Kent. In a boy's bedroom, mum of three Kelly creates one of the boldest schemes yet - with vibrant colours and quirky touches... but has she got her details right? Brimming with ideas, teashop owner Kate goes all out with an ambitious red and blue scheme, but must learn to make sure that every aspect of her design is functional. While fashion graduate Alex must find a way to incorporate his homeowner's American football memorabilia into his restful, grown-up guest room. While Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the fascinating history of these buildings, shaped by their agricultural heritage; judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood keep a watchful eye over progress in the rooms. The designers have just three days and £1,000 to demonstrate their skills and inventiveness - but with two places in the quarter-finals up for grabs, one of them will leave the competition at the end of this challenge.
S2.E11 ∙ Edwardian Wimbledon
It's the second round of the competition and three previous winners must up their game if they are to win a place in the quarter-finals of The Great Interior Design Challenge. They have just three days and £1,000 to transform the reception rooms of three Edwardian houses in Wimbledon, London. After showcasing his raw talent in the first round, deputy restaurant manager Jack aims to show the judges his refined side with his classic Edwardian scheme. Actor Michael has created an unusual treasure hunt in his room for his homeowners' son, but will it have the edginess that the judges are looking for? And college lecturer Fiona must demonstrate her creativity, striking a balance between feminine and masculine in her gentlemen's club themed room. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the handsome Edwardian houses, in what would once have been a peaceful village outside London. While judges Sophie and Daniel must decide which two designers have done enough to win a place in the quarter-finals... and which one will be leaving the competition.
S2.E12 ∙ Houseboats
It's the final episode of the second round stage of the competition and three more previous winners battle it out for a place in the quarter-final and a chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the pressure is on to transform three similar multi-functional reception rooms in houseboats on the River Thames, still with just £1,000 over three days. All three designers must overcome the challenges thrown up by the houseboats and their owners if they're to win a place in the quarter-final. For her classic, romantic scheme, conference organiser Charlotte has ambitious plans for the floor - a checkerboard design... but is it achievable in the time she's got? Photographer Luke knows he must keep his clients on-board with his Hamptons beach house themed room, while giving them a contemporary edge - and civil servant Martin risks his place in the competition, ignoring his homeowner's wishes and sticking to his guns with elements of his global-themed room. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff messes about by the river and reveals the rich history of the houseboat. While judges Sophie Robinson and Dan Hopwood have the difficult task of deciding which two designers are worthy of a place in the quarter-final... and which one must leave the competition.
S2.E13 ∙ 1960s Complex
It's the first of the two quarter final programmes, and three previous winners battle it out for two places in the semi-final. This time they have 3 days and a larger budget of £1200, to redesign quirky, open plan rooms in architecturally significant 1960s housing complex. All three designers must prove they have imagination, skill and style if they're to win a coveted place in the semi-final of the Great Interior Design Challenge One designer must work to a Persian brief - ensuring they get the right balance of theme and authenticity. Problems with some floor tiles threaten to derail our second designer, working to a bright, bold, Austin Powers inspired brief. While our third designer must prove they can work sympathetically within the '60s architecture of the building. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff marvels at the design behind these standout buildings - locally nicknamed the 'Elephant Houses'. Meanwhile, judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood have the daunting task of choosing which designer must leave the competition, and which two go through to the next round.
S2.E14 ∙ School Conversion
It's the second of the two quarter finals, and three previous winners battle it out for two places in the semi-final. This time the pressure is on as our amateurs take on three double height reception rooms in an imposing Edwardian school conversion. The competition is fierce as the designers have £1200 and just 3 days to complete their rooms. At the end one of them will leave the competition. Our first designer is out to deliver an edgy scheme, answering a whimsical and decadent brief - with a flock of ornamental birds. The second designer must work to a refined brief, while still showcasing their natural creative flair. While our third designer is out to prove they are learning the rules of design, but a lack of knowledge in spatial planning could prove problematic working with these awkward double height rooms. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the fascinating history of this grand school building. While Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood will decide which two designers will go through to the semi-final, and which one will leave the competition.
S2.E15 ∙ Tenements
It's the semi-final, so the briefs and judges are tougher than ever. Four previous winners are back to redesign a reception room each in Edinburgh's historic tenements, but only two can go through to the final. With higher stakes comes a higher budget, as each designer has £1,500 and three days to convince the judges they deserve a place in the grand final. Our first designer must prove they can stamp their own identity on the room. Designer number two must show they can deliver creativity in a scheme, but plans for pimping up some flat pack furniture fall flat with the clients. Our third semi-finalist needs to impress working to a traditional brief. Meanwhile our final designer is working to a midcentury brief, but could be derailed while creating a giant lampshade out of wool. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff examines the history of the tenements in Edinburgh, and the secrets that enticed the Victorian middle classes to live here. While judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood have the difficult task of deciding which two designers have what it takes to make it through to the Grand Final.
S2.E16 ∙ Stately Home
The final two designers battle it out for the championship in a three-room design challenge that asks them to transform a grand stately home in Sussex.
S3.E1 ∙ Converted Leisure Centre
The amateur designers must transform a bedroom in a modernist former leisure centre in London, which happens to be one of presenter Tom Dyckhoff's favorite buildings in the UK.
S3.E2 ∙ Weatherboard Cottages
The remaining designers are out to impress, working in Kentish weatherboard cottages.
S3.E3 ∙ Scottish Castle
In the third and final round of this heat two designers have proved their talent, but now only one can win a place in the quarter final. The backdrop for this design showdown is an 18th century Scottish Castle, now converted into apartments. Once again they'll have just £1000, three days and a small team to make their transformations. Our two designers are following very different briefs in two different reception rooms. One designer has been asked for an elegant lounge and dining room, and has some brilliant ideas for creating sumptuous details on a budget... but with major concerns over their choice of mirrored wall panels, the overall look may fail. Meanwhile, the other designer wrangles to give their high ceilinged, plain sitting room a steam punk influence. However, running out of wallpaper and struggling with intricate details could threaten the entire project. Presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers more about the history of this mysterious castle, built as a fortress-like folly where things aren't quite what they seem. However it'll be down to the judges to decide which designer has displayed enough skill and talent to go through to the quarter final.
S3.E4 ∙ Thatched Village
The second heat begins. Another group of amateur designers will compete across three knock-out rounds for one place in the quarter final. They are engineering manager Rob, DIY store worker Angelica, ex-visual merchandiser Sarah and textiles lecturer Lucy. They're in the beautiful thatched village of Briantspuddle in Dorset - an unusual Edwardian experiment that presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff takes a closer look at. The designers must transform a bedroom each in just three days with £1000 and the help of a small team. Rob has a monumental battle, producing all the repurposed furniture and light fittings he's designed in the timeframe. Angelica shows off some brilliant ideas for banishing tatty woodchip walls in her room, but her sleek, hotel chic design must make an impact if she's to impress the judges. Sarah faces an uphill battle persuading her clients to trust her bold choice of floral wallpaper on all four walls of her country scheme. Meanwhile Lucy is taking a big risk bringing her modern design for a teenaged boy to this very traditional cottage. It'll be down to Sophie and Daniel to judge which three designers show the most potential, and which one hasn't done enough to stay in the competition.
S3.E5 ∙ Georgian Terrace
The three remaining designers work on a smart Georgian terrace in Bath.
S3.E6 ∙ Timber-Framed Houses
The remaining two designers transform tiny bedrooms in medieval timber-framed houses.
S3.E7 ∙ Peak District
It's the penultimate of the 8 heats as 3 more designers fight it out for one of the last places in the quarter finals. This time the programme has travelled to Berrylands in the heart of London's Suburbia. The owners of these classic semi-detached 1930's homes are hoping our 3 amateur designers will bring new life and vigour to their front sitting rooms. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the homes and the circumstances that led to their build. Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood will be looking to see who as the potential to go through to the next round. Pub landlady, 43 year old Paula from Herefordshire , is more used to doing up the interiors in the pubs she and her husband have lived in over the years. Creating an interior for someone else proves a real test of her confidence as she has to make the decisions on colour, fabric and built in storage for the homeowner, and hope she is getting it right. 40 year old Textile designer Helen from Devon finds she has to confer with her owner nearly every step of the way before finally being allowed to create her South African themed scheme. The third contestant is 44 year old painter and decorator Johnny, he's used to doing the work on other peoples design ideas and now he's got to create and pitch his own; but keen to prove he is more than just a decorator his complicated shelving scheme might be over ambitious. But only one can go through to the quarter finals and this time Sophie and Daniel are finding it particularly hard to choose.
S3.E8 ∙ Half Houses
In the second round of this heat, the three remaining designers take on one of the most demanding rooms to redesign on a tight budget - the kitchen. They're each working in a Victorian Half-House, in Walthamstow, North East London, where architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff looks at the story behind these early apartments, and the family who built them. Despite the bigger challenge of transforming a kitchen, our designers still have just £1000 and a small team across just three days. One designer faces disaster when their kitchen units fall apart - putting them behind schedule and giving them and their team a huge amount of work to do. The second designer struggles after what should have been a simple job of fitting a new floor suffers a massive hold up... they must keep focussed in order to complete their scheme in time. Meanwhile the final designer is almost overwhelmed with spatial planning issues, after being asked to incorporate a lounge area to one end of the kitchen. With such a difficult task comes a difficult decision for the judges, who must decide which two designers have the talent to go through to the next round, and which one will leave the competition.
S3.E9 ∙ Modern Riverside
In the last round of this heat, just two designers are left competing for one coveted spot in the quarter final. They must transform an awkward attic bedroom each, in two desirable 1960s riverside homes in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. They'll have to be more creative than ever in these high end properties, as they still have just £1000, three days and a small team to help them transform their rooms. Both designers are being stretched with very different schemes. One must deliver a modern bachelor-pad style room for the homeowners' twenty-something son, but while their ideas for geometric shapes and angular design goes down well, their bright yellow and putty colour scheme raises many concerns. Meanwhile, the second designer has been asked for a hippy yet chic bedroom inspired by the colours of an Indian sari. Deciding to go for a multi-coloured scheme though, and choosing to create bulky pieces of bespoke furniture, casts doubt on their ability - can they turn it around? Presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff looks back at the origins of this 20th century housing development, and how it has roots firmly in the past of this industrious town. However, it's down to the judges to decide which designer has shown the potential talent to make it to the quarter final, and which one will leave the competition.
S3.E10 ∙ Self Build
It's the second quarter final and 4 more the winners from the previous 8 heats are now ready to paint, sew and build their way to a win the last 2 places in the semi-final of the The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateurs are being challenged to re-design 4 compact bedrooms in a 1950's brutalist tower block in Bethnal Green, East London. The spaces are smaller, but it makes the challenge tougher as all 4 want to play to their best strengths. Designed by the architect Denis Lasdon who also designed The South Bank, Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff will be looking at the history of the block and how it was rescued from demolition to become one of the more desirable places to live in East London. While Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood will be casting their eyes over the various designs to see who is most deserving to go through to the Semi-final. Our quarter finalists this time are: 33 year old Sales Assistant Luke from Oxford who hopes to add the wow factor with his industrial warehouse scheme; 24 year old student and mum Kimberly from Bicester with her concrete and copper inspired bedroom for the whole family; 65 year old housewife Susan from Maidstone in Kent who hopes to go through with her cool batchelor pad design; and 42 year old Neil from Brighton, who's looking for a win with his bold monochrome room. But only 2 designers will get to go through to the coveted Semi-Final.
S3.E11 ∙ Bourneville
In the second round of this heat, the three remaining designers take on the challenge of a reception room in the historic model village of Bournville, in Birmingham. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the story behind the buildings; a Victorian reimagining of a traditional village. For the designers, the challenge of these larger rooms - with a £1000 budget, over three days - is a stretch. One shows skill with a clever technique to rejuvenate an old armchair, but proving they can bring together an eclectic, bohemian look is seemingly impossible. The second designer impresses with an outstanding window treatment, but could ruin their chances by drawing on the arts and crafts period of the property rather than sticking to the more modern brief requested. Meanwhile the last designer works hard to create glamour on the tight budget, but ideas like using an ornate frame around the television and replacing a perfectly good carpet could jeopardise their chances. With two places on offer in the next round, it's down to Sophie and Daniel to decide who displays enough talent to remain in the competition.
S3.E12 ∙ Farm Houses
In the last round of the heats, two designers must each transform a farmhouse kitchen.
S3.E13 ∙ Coastal Cottages
It's the quarter final, and the last four designers in the competition are in the village of Beer in Devon, taking on a cosy sitting room each in a row of coastal cottages. It'll be down to Sophie and Daniel - and guest judge interior and architectural designer Oliver Heath - to decide who has what it takes to go through to the final three. In their bid to become a semi-finalist, one designer shows skill with a hand painted mural, but has a disaster hanging wallpaper upside down on the opposite wall. Our second quarter finalist has a terrible start when they discover damaged, damp walls in their room, and things don't improve when the judges have grave concerns over the whole look of their New England scheme. The third designer attempts a modern look, but their design knowledge is called into question when they use wood effect wallpaper and cherubs alongside contemporary furniture. Meanwhile the last quarter finalist goes dramatically off-brief with dark navy walls and charcoal coloured furniture. Have they pushed their homeowner too far? As well as their schemes, they'll all take on a surprise challenge. They'll be asked to join forces with one of their competitors to test their teamwork skills. Each pair gets a trunk to upcycle, but working together with one of their rivals brings some strong differences of opinion. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the coastal village, once known as a haven for smugglers, and uncovers its far reaching architectural influence. For the designers they have £1000, three days and the help of a small team to deliver a knockout scheme, and prove they deserve one of three places in the semi-final.
S3.E14 ∙ Medieval Terrace
Three designers take on a sitting room each in a medieval terrace in Wells.
S3.E15 ∙ Stately Home
It's the grand final. Two of our best designers have battled their way to get here. Now just one can be crowned champion. Standing between them and the title, the challenge is to transform three rooms each in an apartment in a grand Stately Home in Sussex. Judging this epic battle, Sophie and Daniel will be joined by iconic interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who will be bringing her elite eye to all the final schemes. Nothing will escape all three judges' attention, so the battle will be fierce. In this high stakes challenge, one designer has a disastrous start, with their homeowner disliking all three schemes, and asking for a complete rethink. After all the prep that has gone into the designs, it will be an almost impossible task to turn things around. The other designer displays some clever ideas - like a silver leaf wall, and deconstructed furniture - but there are doubts from the judges that the schemes are bordering on safe, and elements of their designs are dubbed amateurish by their client, so the race for the title is far from over. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff will be exploring the estate, and explaining the wider significance Stately Homes have had on the British countryside. However, all eyes will be on the finalists, as they attempt to prove they are the best amateur designer in the country and deserve to be crowned winner of The Great Interior Design Challenge.
S4.E1 ∙ Cheltenham Regency
The competition searching for new interior-design talent returns. In the first round the three designers must each transform a bedroom in Cheltenham's Pittville estate.
S4.E2 ∙ Model Village, Saltaire
It's the first round of the first heat and the group of amateurs taking on the design challenge this week are retired actor and director Nicholas, marketing assistant James and event stylist Anna. They must each transform a living room in three Grade 11 Listed former workers' cottages in the pretty town of Saltaire. Nicholas is reaching out to his spiritual side as his client wants a Zen inspired relaxing consulting room but he may have bitten off more than he can chew and gone too far with an elaborate Japanese inspired scheme. Will his client like it? Anna meanwhile has to breathe new life into a lack-lustre living room for her client but will she be able to give it a modern masculine bachelor pad makeover? And will the judges think her schemes are manly enough? James is also going to have a testing time trying to fulfill a Scandi brief for his homeowner but can he finish it to his own high standards? And they'll have a three hour window in which to complete this week's Creative Challenge. They'll each have a thousand pounds, three days and a small team to help deliver their schemes. Expectations are high from their clients and the judges and they will decide who has done enough to stay in the competition - and who will go home.
S4.E3 ∙ Highgate Gothic Revival
It's the last of the heats and this time our group of amateur designers are transforming rooms in Holly Village, a unique collection of Grade 2 listed properties in North London. Our designers are Richard, an artist from West Yorkshire, Shaida a freelance makeup artist from Northampton and Susanne a solicitor from Loch Lomond in Scotland. They each have the task of transforming a bedroom in imposing Victorian Gothic cottages. Richard is reaching out to his "Industrial " side for his client who wants a chic hotel look but will his original art work and use of "raw" natural materials go down well with his homeowner? Can he finish his bedroom on time and to the homeowner's specification when a delivery goes wrong? Meanwhile Shaida finds that even though her brief from her client matches her own personality, it doesn't mean that her design will be plain sailing. Working to the specifications and constrictions of period properties proves quite challenging and will Shaida who has a love for all things Moorish - be able to marry gothic and romantic into her Moorish plans? And a peaceful muted zen like room is a testing brief for Paisley pattern loving Susanne. Challenged by incorporating the homeowners' bulky furniture and technology, Susanne has to draw on all her design charm to impress. And of course they'll have a three hour window in which to complete this week's Creative Challenge. They'll each have a thousand pounds, 48 hours over three days and a small team to help deliver their schemes. Expectations are high from both their clients and the judges. Who has done enough to stay in the competition - and who will go home?
S4.E4 ∙ Worsley Mock Tudor Houses
It's the quarter final and the two designers who've made it to this stage now must take on two rooms each. In this heat our two designers must both take on a living room and a sitting room but the stakes are high as Kelly and Daniel must decide who goes through to the semi- final stage. This time their budgets have increased as they'll have £2000 each for their two rooms plus their team has doubled, this time they'll have two builders and two decorators to manage. They'll have 48 hours across three days but in their toughest challenge yet, one room must be finished and judged on day two. In this episode our designers are in Worsley near Salford, Manchester trying to transform rooms in Mock Tudor imposing houses, but will their designs be in keeping with the properties as well as impress the homeowners? One designer has problems with their waterworks and might not be able to deliver what they've promised, plus a delivery mix up means grave lighting issues and for the other designer, a timing issue might hinder their whole design integrity. Both designers draw on their practical and creative resources when they are given some metal tins to enhance but CAN they do it and rise to the challenge? Meanwhile architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers hidden tunnels beneath the waterways and looks at what life was like when these houses were originally built.
S4.E5 ∙ Aberaeron Georgian Houses
In the second quarter final, our two designers will be battling it out to see which one of them will go through to the semi -final. They'll both have £2000 to be spent on two rooms and 48 hours across three days in which to complete their challenge. They'll see their workforce doubled to two decorators and two builders and they really will find out how hard it is to have one room finished and judged on day two. This time our designers will be in the pretty coastal town of Aberaeron in West Wales, a former fishing port. Both designers will be tasked with transforming both a bedroom and a study come guest room whilst incorporating the creative challenge (some rope) into their overall scheme. One designer will be drawing on the surrounding Welsh influences to create their schemes, but will the client like it especially as there will be a big retro inspired theme throughout. The other designer will find that a nautical themed design plan might not be the best option especially when the judges Kelly and Daniel have to step in. Both designers will find that having two rooms to complete is extremely physically as well as personally challenging ! Meanwhile architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the coastal village and uncovers its far reaching architectural influences and finds out why each Georgian house is painted a different colour.
S4.E6 ∙ Streatham Art Deco Flats
In the last of the quarter-final heats, our two designers are going head to head for that coveted place in the semi-finals. This time, the amateur designers have two rooms to transform in rather glamorous 1930s Art Deco flats and they will each have be handed a living room and a guest bedroom. The designers will again both have £2000 to be spent across their two rooms and 48 hours across three days in which to complete their challenge. They'll see their workforce doubled to two decorators and two builders and they really will find out how hard it is to have one room finished and judged on day two. This will be particularly challenging for one of the designers for whom a possible asbestos outbreak means work is halted in one of the rooms. The race really is on to get their rooms completed in time. Will they manage it and how will they adapt their design plans to comply with the Art Deco brief they've been handed. Will a black skirting board be a step too far for the clients and "mock croc" be too feminine for the "Gentleman's Club" they'd asked for? Meanwhile the other designer might be going too far off brief with a butterfly inspired effect which dominates heavily throughout the living room. Both designers will again be given a surprise element with the Creative Challenge to cleverly incorporate into their overall schemes and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff takes us back in time and shows us that 1930s Streatham, meaning "Hamlet on the Street" was one of London's most forward futuristic glamorous neighbourhoods.
S4.E7 ∙ Bristol Modernist
It's the semi- final, where two designers will be going head to head for a place in the grand finale, so the pressure is mounting and the stakes are high! The challenge our two designers have to conquer to get there is transforming two rooms in modern town houses in Bristol: one designer will be taking on a master bedroom and a guest room/ craft room and the other amateur will be tasked with redesigning a living room and a bedroom /craft room. Judging them are of course regulars Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood but this time they are relying on an extra pair of eyes in the form of guest judge Michelle Ogundehin, Editor in Chief of Elle Decoration. The designers will again have two rooms to transform over 48 hours across three days, a team of two builders and two decorators, a budget of £2000 to use for both rooms and again they will both have to complete one room on day two which will be judged by all three judges. Both designers are out to impress but the judges have concerns over the quality of their work, the time allotted and their communication skills to achieve their final schemes. One semi-finalist attempts a very intricate hand painted mural across all the bedroom walls, but can they deliver a precision like finish in the ever decreasing time limitations? Meanwhile a chaise longue could be one designer's downfall and a designer's plans are seriously thrown into question with their demanding client's ever changing needs. On top of this both designers must impress with a surprise challenge as each are tested again with the Creative Challenge. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff looks at his favourite buildings in the series, exploring the subject of Modernism, its European origins and this very complex type of architecture.
S4.E8 ∙ Thatched, Ashby St Ledgers
In the penultimate show of the series, the pressure is really mounting as our two designers go head to head to claim that final position. The challenge our two designers have to conquer to get there is transforming two rooms in pretty thatched cottages in Ashby St Ledgers. Both designers will be tasked with transforming a living room and a dining room. Judging them are of course regulars Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood and back to help them, acting as an extra pair of eyes is guest judge Michelle Ogundehin, Editor in Chief of Elle Decoration. The designers will again have two rooms to transform over 48 hours across three days, a team of two builders and two decorators, a budget of £2000 to use for both rooms and again they will both have to complete one room on day two. Their imaginations and design juices will be put to the test again as they will both be given a surprise item to cleverly incorporate into their overall schemes. This time both designers are unwittingly using the same colour - blue - but will this help or hinder their chances with the judges ? Will one designer be able to reassure their client that blue is the way forward and be able to fulfill the brief especially since Dan isn't sure the colour works for dining rooms? Meanwhile the other designer is seriously out to impress; but will the use of a very detailed and over -powering matching blue print for wallpaper as well as curtains impress the homeowners or put them off? It could be a design risk too far. Will Michelle Ogundehin agree with Daniel and Kelly or put a cat amongst the pigeons? Meanwhile architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the beauty and origins of olde, world picturesque country cottage living and the characteristics of thatched dwelling.
S4.E9 ∙ Broadstairs Converted Castle Apartments
It's the grand final. Two of our best designers have battled their way through sweat and tears to get here. Now just one can be crowned the champion and winner of The Great Interior Designer Challenge. However, the amateurs are going to find it harder than ever to win that coveted title, as in their biggest challenge to date, they will have to complete THREE rooms each in converted apartments in an eighteenth century mock castle in Broadstairs. The designers will have 72 hours across four days in which to complete their rooms but this time their teams will be bigger and they will have a larger budget of £4000 each. However the designers will be tackling and taking on a KITCHEN for the first time ever and our designers will soon find out that working in older properties is certainly not without its challenges. Judging this epic battle will be Daniel Hopwood and Kelly Hoppen, but this time they will be helped and joined by former judge and interior stylist, Sophie Robinson. Nothing will escape these three so the battle will be intense. Both the designers will be tested to the max, clients will be exacting, demands will be challenging and for the designers there is more than just a trophy on the line. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff will be exploring the castle and explaining the significance of such a beautiful building in British history. But all eyes will be on the two finalists as only one will be walking away as winner of The Great Interior design Challenge.
