BBC NI 'House of the Year' judges share their top interior design tips
The judges of a new property series seeking to find Northern Ireland's 'House Of The Year' have shared their interior design tips.
This six part series, airing on BBC iPlayer and BBC NI, is set to showcase 15 homes competing for one of five places in the grand final where they could be named winner.
Design expert Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is leading the search and is joined by three expert judges who will decide which homes make the final shortlist.
READ MORE: See inside NI property with impressive interiors and outdoor space
READ MORE: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen leads search to find NI’s 'House Of The Year'
Laurence's fellow judges are award-winning architect Jane Larmour, James Fairley, who runs an interior design practice with his partner, and Patricia McGinnis who, alongside her sister, wins a Belfast-based interiors boutique.
Sharing his top design tips, Laurence said: "The ultimate truth is you have got to be true to yourself, particularly these days. There was a moment a few years ago where everybody felt overawed by the property market and property values and by estate agents in general.
"I think these days we have all come to realise that actually, yes the place you live is your principal investment, but it is the most important emotional investment you’ll ever make and it is the background to everything important that happens to you - births, marriages, deaths - it is all about your home.
"It should be about your personality and your ability to express who you think you are. There is no corner of your life in which you have that level of control. Your home is personal, its private, and it is your ultimate safe space so you have got to make it reflect you.
"Don’t be bullied by trends and what’s in and what’s out. Don’t keep up with the Jones!"
Also sharing her tips, architect Jane Larmour added: "For the last ten years I have taken part in an initiative which asks Architects across Northern Ireland give up their time in exchange for a small donation to charity.
"If you are thinking of making changes to your home or planning a building project, regardless of the scale, a chat with a chartered architect can provide inspiration and guidance and a chance to talk through your ideas."
Interior James Fairley says those transforming their home should "follow your heart and don’t be afraid to be bold, be that in a fabric choice, a paint colour or a room layout".
He continued: "If you’re struggling for inspiration find one thing you really love and use that to build your interior around.
"A trinket picked up from your travels, a colourway from the fabric of your favourite outfit, a pattern found on a piece of wallpaper… inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Just keep your eyes and mind open!"
And interiors store owner Patricia McGinnis said to "trust your gut".
She explained: "For example, if you love a colour, just go for it. The number of times painters have tried to talk me out of colours only to fall in love with the finished result!
"I’d also say, be sure to consider scale, don’t waste your time with fiddly little rugs or furniture that will get lost in your space. And lighting - lighting can change everything.
"Make sure to layer your lights and have a mixture of practical task lighting alongside softer options to create atmosphere.
"Also, if there is a piece that you love but maybe it’s out of reach financially, wait if you possibly can and don’t compromise on something to ‘make do’. Previous generations would have saved for big pieces, and I think there’s a real life lesson in that."
House Of The Year starts Monday September 23 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Norther Ireland. The first five episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer after episode one airs on Monday 23 September. The grand final will broadcast Monday 28 October on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland.
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