mydeco catches up with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

Image credit: Plank PR

At the B&Q press day, not only did we browse the new collections and scoff a tasty array of muffins: we also caught a second with the man who made home improvement trendier than a skinny decaf soya latte –  Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen himself.

When asked what the next hot trend is for 2010, Laurence feels that this year is more about an attitude than a trend.

“The makeover and ‘improve, don’t move’ motto are seeing a big revival. We’re all poor and fat, we all have winter blues, and with a pot of matt emulsion you can basically change your life for £16. And the best thing is, it’s so easy. You start after lunch on a Saturday, and you’re done by the time Dancing on Ice starts”. (Bonus).

“Improving the home provides a quick fix adrenaline rush. The future’s bright, the future’s orange, turquoise, teal…” It seems, with a bit of organisation and DIY prowess, the future can be whatever colour you want it to be.

And what should we be investing in for the home this year? Antiques.

“The antiques market is really slow at the moment and the great thing is that a one-off antique is never compromised in value, and no one else will have it. Don’t be nervous of mingling styles and incorporating a quirky, unusual antique into a contemporary scheme.”

Finally, what does the decorating doyen think of wallpapered ceilings? For the moment, Laurence says, he is a dispassionate observer. “The trend is most prevalent in hotels and restaurants at the moment, with experimental textures such as zinc, or embossed patterns. It will happen, but it might take a while. And if it all gets out of control and I think it looks pants, I will step in and stop it before it’s too late.”

Paper yours with caution…

Laurence’s new book, Decorating with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, is available in shops from March 5th.