Lia Gold for Interior Design Masters S6 / BBC
From: London via Kirkintilloch, Scotland
Occupation: Retail Inventory Control and Home Stager
Social media: Instagram
Why did you apply to take part in the show?
“I’ve been obsessed with the show since Series 1. For the last few years, so many friends had told me to apply, but I didn’t think in my wildest dreams I’d make the cut to join such an amazing bunch!
“However, after being given creative freedom to redesign several staff rooms at my job in retail and seeing the impact my designs had on people, I knew I wanted to keep feeling that magical spark. I handed in my notice and made it my mission to give it 100% and try to make it as a designer. I then received the call to say I had made it onto this year’s line-up, which felt like a dream come true!”
In three words, what is your design style?
“Sophisticated, Joyful, Botanical.”
What’s your favourite design trend that will stand the test of time?
“I have never been one to follow trends, even in my fashion sense; I believe strongly in a ‘your space, your rules’ ethos. Trends will eventually always date or change, and you end up not staying true to yourself. If you design with your own principles and feelings, the space will always feel personal to you, and that’s the most important thing in design.”
If you could design for any famous figure, who would you pick and why?
“Oh, can I have two? Vivienne Westwood or Iris Apfel. I loved how they dressed and how they expressed their personalities through textiles and interiors. In a world where creativity sometimes seems to get lost, or standing out from the crowd is seen as a negative, both women always did the opposite, and I think we all need that energy in our lives! They always encouraged me that being bold, colourful, and embracing being quirky is the best way to live.
“They were also two powerhouse woman at the top of their field, and I think their work was so inspirational and they had a huge impact and still do on the interior and fashion world today. I’ve always wanted to decorate a room in layered tartan and dark woods; Vivienne would have been the perfect client.”
Interior Design Masters airs Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
