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THE PUBLIC AWARD WINNERS Manchester-based design company Ashley Interiors took the first Concept for Living Public Award. Their prize £500 was donated to Rainbow Family Trust charity.We spoke to Matthew McCartan from Ashley Interiors about the event, his thoughts on design and his words of wisdomTHE ROOM SETA classically-designed dining room which combines traditional and modern design, inspired by Cheshire and its architecture. THOUGHTS ON DESIGN IN THE AGE IN WHICH WE LIVEWe live in a modern era, but if you can mix modern and traditional styles to create a classical feeling with a modern slant whilst tastefully done, it is the best look that you can opt for and it won't date in five minutes. DID YOU ENJOY THE EXHIBITION?Yes. At first I thought it was going to be a nightmare with the weather, the way it was, but by Sunday when we were taking everything down we realised just how much we had enjoyed it. WERE YOU SURPRISED TO WIN THE AWARD OR QUIETLY CONFIDENT?Pleasantly surprised. This is the first time that we have shown any of our work publicly. We do work for clients who say they love it, but you never know for certain if everyone is going to like it. DESCRIBE IN DETAIL YOUR ROOM SET.Our inspiration when considering our design for the show was to demonstrate to our audience the public, that diversity of concepts, both in terms of periods, colour and lighting are achievable. In terms of period, we achieved this by classical marble pillars supporting a contemporary box-shaped, two-tier ceiling. With respect to the dining room set we endeavoured to integrate a circular regency paw-footed table, with French oval chairs, modern square plates and heart-shaped fish bowl as a centre piece. For colour, our approach was to demonstrate that cream/gold and black even though being from opposite ends of the spectrum can marry together, which was apparent throughout the room. The two forms of lighting being an eighteen bulb crystal chandelier and modern low energy downlighting, were used to combine two very distinct styles, with adaptability of use. WHY DID YOU OPT FOR SUCH A ROOM?We were really playing to the public view. There are lots of people from Cheshire with imposing grand homes, who want a classical feeling within their homes. DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED LOOK AND ANY PROBLEMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE OVERCOME (BESIDES RAIN AND FLOODING)!The biggest problem was the size of the room, and trying to squeeze a 1.5 metre table into a 3 metre space. We tried to mix modern and traditional design. The room is modern with a classical feeling. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE OR AREA WITHIN THE ROOM?The table and chairs, and the way the table is laid out. IF PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM YOUR ROOM BUT NOT REPLICATE IT, HOW DO YOU FEEL THEY COULD IMPLEMENT CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE SCHEME?They could replicate the table; the place settings are effective and easy to do. We bought the plates in Ireland, but you can get a similar look from many high street shops these days. The fish bowl as a centre piece is striking but easily done. ANY THOUGHTS ON DESIGN TODAY?In the design age in which we live, we would hope that in this piece we have demonstrated our conviction that a theatrical approach, integrating various periods of design, is equally attractive as a singular design approach. ANY FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM?If you like something, go with it. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks!This is the first time that we have shown any of our work publicly. We do work for clients who say they love it, but you never know foe certain if everyone is going to like it untill now