Interior Design Masters winner Roisin Quinn wowed the judges in the final with her vibrant transformation of one of Blenheim Palace's holiday lodges. She was crowned champion and Matt Smithwood was runner-up.
In an exclusive interview with Yahoo, Winner hit back at his critics with a positive message. Quinn also opened up about his secret heartache last year as his father was diagnosed with colon cancer and was hospitalized throughout the filming of the show.
I knew there would be some people who would say, “I wish Matt had won.”
If that hadn't happened, it would have been crazy because people would have liked or disliked my designs. You may either like or dislike the design of the mat.
It's a lifelong classic that if someone compliments you, you like it. But if someone says something negative about you, you'll hold onto it for longer. This is so strange because I've received hundreds of wonderful messages from everyone saying how happy they are that I won. They love my style, they love that I brought so much joy, they love that I made them cry, and I deserve to be a winner. I've been focusing on them.
After the final, I was a little depressed at first and thought, “Oh my god, I wish I hadn't taken that away from Matt.'' But when Matt and the other designers came into my space, they said, “I know I won, I deserved to win.'' It meant the world to me to have that coming from them.
This is what it looks like on TV. The colors are all saturated and more intense, and the matte look is more virile. TV doesn't convey the colors in real life.
Karen, one of the decorators who has been on the show for many years, burst into tears when she came into my back bedroom. She said, “Being in this room makes me feel special,'' and then I started crying. “I've been working in this industry for 20 years and I've never shed a tear in a room,” she said, so that was surprising. Those are the moments I need to hold on to because for me they are victories and the reason I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an interior designer. I want to make people feel special and happy.
On the day I filmed the final, when there were no cameras around, guest judge Jonathan Adler came up to me before leaving the palace. he said to me: “I walked into your room and literally said to myself, 'I got this kid.'” He knew right away that I had won, which is pretty cool. I have admired Jonathan for years.
Matt and Roisin faced off in the Interior Design Masters finals. (BBC)
Matt and I were completely different designers. Our styles could not be compared. When you walk into that space and it's two maximalists, to say, “Oh, they're using that color better than other people who aren't using that color the same way.'' can only make you feel bad when you enter that space. We were rooting for each other in the finals. I would have been happy if Matt had won.
Winning is a very overwhelming feeling. Everyone found out last September, but I hadn't really processed it because it was a big secret for so long. It was really hard to keep it a secret. Looking back on it now, I was really impressed. I'm sad now that it's over, but I'm looking forward to the future. If you don't feel sad about it, it means you didn't have a good time doing it. I was so excited to finally see my designed Blenheim Palace Lodge. I took a moment to myself and cried out a little emotionally. I was like, “Wow, I did it.” We created that lovely little space. I am so happy that people can now book and enjoy the lodge.
The chief judge for Interior Design Masters is Michelle Ogundehin, and the guest judge is Jonathan Adler. (BBC)
Unfortunately, while filming the show, my father was hospitalized. Early last year his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. I felt very selfish to get my Master of Interior Design, but I didn't want my dad to feel like he was holding me back, because he has always pushed me to follow my dreams. He never was.
No one knew about it except the production staff, but they were very supportive. All of my father's surgeries did not go as planned. Right after the finals, I called him that night, and a few days later, when he got out of the hospital, I was able to meet him. He is now feeling much better and on the road to recovery. We're lucky to have him.
I knew it was a now or never moment in my life. This is what I thought. “I'm turning 30 this year. I have to quit my job. If I had that cozy blanket under me, I'd never be able to do that.” I was so scared to quit my job. , I wouldn't have been able to do as well as I did in the Interior Design Masters if I hadn't quit. Because I had something to rely on. I had put off changing my career for so long that I needed to drown before I could grow. That's how I work.
Roisin captivated his home audience through his interior design masters. (BBC)
What is the secret to victory? It's about being true to yourself, listening to your intuition, and believing in yourself. Especially when it comes to interior design, because you can always doubt yourself. You have to throw it all out of your head because you won't get anything out of it. Remember that interior design is subjective.
Originally, I was very scared to get feedback from Michelle Ogundehin. Because I wanted to please her and I wanted her to like my work. Deep down, she knew that if she wanted to learn and grow as an interior designer, she needed her to critique her. She needed her advice and guidance. She is very talented in the way she judges spaces and analyzes everything. Then I think, “Oh my god, I didn't think of it that way.'' I needed someone to teach me and teach me. I received really accurate advice regarding interior design. If I hadn't taken in the feedback and learned from it, I wouldn't have made it to the finals. Michelle was wonderful. We all couldn't have asked for a better leader.
Now, I've launched my first homeware product with La Redoute Home, and that's just the beginning. My big dream is to work in commercial space, designing boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, and lodges. I also want to get the wallpaper and fabrics myself.
I would love to see you on TV again. Alan Carr said to me, “Have you ever thought about giving a presentation?” who knows? never say never.
Interior Design Masters winner Roisin Quinn shares her story with Lily Waddell.
Catch up on the latest from Interior Design Masters on BBC iPlayer.