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Designer's InteriorsThey have a thing for Statley Homes and think 70s arcade games are going to make a big comeback. One of them has a strange hot water bottle and they both love lashings of marmalade...hurrah! It's...Matthew McCartan from Ashley Interiors (The house of Ashley) HOW ARE YOU?Feeling relaxed after my holiday in the sun and raring to go in 2001. WHAT DOES A DESIGNER HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?coffee and toast and lashings of marmalade. WHAT IS ON THE AGENDA FOR TODAY?Taking one of our clients shopping to enable them more effectively to have an input into the overall design. WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL OPINION OF LAWRENCE LLEWLLYN BOWEN?We like his very flamboyant character and he is very daring for a designer in the public arena which has been the basis for his success. WHAT SET YOU ON THE ROAD TO INTERIOR DESIGN?My father influenced me greatly with his passion for the renovation of houses in which we lived and his encouragement in including me in his art from an early age. WHO OR WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES?Architecture, particularly my interest in visiting stately homes and other public buildings of interest. GIVEN AN OPEN BRIEF, WHOSE HOUSE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO DESIGN?David and Victoria Beckham as they are young, influential and despite being so much in the public eye, they are still able to demonstrate their distinctive individuality and they genuinely seem down to earth. DOES GOOD DESIGN NECESSARILY MEAN EXPENSIVE DESIGN?Yes and no. The best designs we have ever done have always been to a budget. However, there is always a cheaper alternative to everything and at the end of the day you get what you pay for.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN RESTYLING?Not taking enough time to explore the vast array of choices which avail themselves in this potentially exciting period of change. WHICH PERIOD OF HISTORY DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST INSPIRING/INFLUENTIAL?We are influenced by all periods of history in our designs as our approach is essentially integrative. WHAT'S THE BIGGEST PROBLEM YOU COME UP AGAINST IN OTHER PEOPLE'S HOMES?Nothing specific enough to make an issue of. HAVE YOU EVER MESSED-UP "BIG STYLE" AND HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?Nope. If you lisen to the client and involve them, as it is there house after all, then things should never go wrong. WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF INTERIOR DESIGN?Drawing up the designs on paper and seeing them through to fruition in the final product and the opportunity to interact with our clients through this process. WHAT'S THE NEXT BIG THING?The refurbishment and installation of 70s style arcadegames like Space Invaders in the homes.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?We listen to what is being said without becoming defensive in order to fully understand the heart of the issue. Criticism is everybody's right, but to be effective it must be based upon sound judgement. YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO HOST A NEW INTERIORS PROGRAMME, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS A CO-HOST?I wouldn't need a co-host as I would use one of my own staff.
ARE THE BRITISH TOO CONSERVATIVE?Who are we to judge peoples' tastes or desires? "A COBBLER GOES UNSHOD!" DOES THIS APPLY TO INTERIOR DESIGNERS?Yes, I have been redesigning My house for the last two years but I haven't moved into yet as I enjoy working too much. THE DOORWAY TO 10 DOWNING STREET NEEDS A MAKEOVER? HOW WILL IT LOOK WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED WITH IT ?Our philosophy is to actively involve our clients in the design process. As 10 Downing Street is the property of the nation, we would hold a referendum to incorporate peoples' ideas. ANYTHING TO CONFESS?I go to bed with a Womble hot water bottle.