Alan Carr Spills the Beans on Interior Design Masters Series 5

Interior Design Masters, hosted by the one and only Alan Carr, is back for its highly anticipated fifth series. With a lineup of brilliant designers, exciting locations, and eye-popping interior design, this show promises to be a springboard for its contestants.

The series features a mix of quirky and serious designers, all just starting out in their careers. Each week, they are given the freedom to redesign a range of commercial spaces across the UK, from B&Bs to Wembley dressing rooms. Michelle Ogundehin, design expert and former editor of Elle Decoration, returns as the judge, joined by leading figures from the world of interior design.

Alan Carr recently sat down and chatted about the upcoming series and shared his thoughts on interior design. When asked what viewers can expect from this series and why they should watch it, Alan enthusiastically responded, “Brilliant designers, exciting locations and eye-popping interior design. The show is such a springboard – that’s what I love about it. This show can change your life.”

Alan also spoke about his reunion with Michelle, expressing his love for her and the fun they have on set. “People think we are chalk and cheese but we have such a giggle on the show. Plus, you learn so much about interior design from her. Every day is a school day with Michelle.”

Moving on to the designers, Alan emphasised the importance of getting the right mix of personalities and design styles. “This year does not disappoint: we have quirky designers, serious designers but the one thing they have in common is that they are designers who are just starting out,” he said. He also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the show, mentioning that the designers constantly surprise him, whether in a good or bad way.

As for common design faux pas, Alan pointed out that many designers tend to forget about the client’s preferences and focus too much on their own ideas. He shared, “The most common faux pas is when the designers forget the client and just do what they want to do… Obviously, it makes great telly when these designers do it their way but we do end up with some unhappy clients.”

Despite his poker face, Alan admitted that he sometimes can’t help but give his opinion or get involved while the designers are working on their projects. “I have to bite my tongue so badly… But in my defence, if I LOVE a design I will gush accordingly,” he confessed.

When asked about his personal interest in interior design, Alan shared that he wasn’t initially interested in it, but as the series progressed, he began to appreciate the power of color and space. He also humorously mentioned the renovation work he did on his own house in Italy, which gave him a taste of what the designers go through.

Alan firmly believes that good interior design can have a positive effect on how people feel. He stated, “We all have a favourite pub or cafe that we love to go to, and you probably love it so much because of the design and you don’t realise it… Even if you don’t like interior design you actually do – you just don’t know it!”

As for how this series will inspire the British public with their own interior design ideas, Alan emphasised accessibility and the absence of excuses. He said, “It’s all accessible, it’s all within reach, it’s all on a budget, there are no excuses. The only thing holding you back is your imagination.”

Alan also shared a word of advice for viewers wanting to design or redesign their homes. He encouraged them to be confident and take risks. “Be confident. Go for it,” he said. “If I can inspire people to go to a car boot sale on a Sunday morning, it can inspire you.”

With its mix of brilliant designers, exciting challenges, and Alan Carr’s infectious enthusiasm, Interior Design Masters promises to be a must-watch show for anyone interested in interior design. So mark your calendars! Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr Series 5 premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday, March 12 at 8pm.