MASTER of the home makeover

Flamboyant design doyen Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s stamp is emblazoned on countless high-end homes and enterprises, including Richmond Theatre and many a Surrey abode. Angela Sara West chats exclusively with one of Britain’s best-loved interior designers about success, sustainability, and how to create a beautiful home this spring/summer season

- Angela Sara West

Spring has sprung and sees many of us revamping our homes. Looking to make a style statement? With more British homes containing an LLB product than any other designer brand, look no further than Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for inspiration.

TV programmes including BBC’s Changing Rooms and DIY SOS have brought this much-loved personality’s eminently elegant looks to Surrey, a county which he “adores”. Responsible for Richmond Theatre foyer’s remarkable roundel and ceiling frieze (his first-ever commission), the then little-known designer passionately painted the theatre’s witty, symbolic history on the entrance vestibule’s ceiling during a major multi-million-pound late 1980s makeover under famous British set-and costume designer Carl Toms, who was renowned for styling the investiture of Lord Snowdon and the Prince of Wales.

Adorned by a glistening chandelier, Laurence’s surrounding celestial painting honouring the theatre’s designer, famous architect Frank Matcham, steals the show. His delightful depiction of Richmond welcoming the theatre is accompanied by a detailed display of Father Time’s banishment from it, boasting nymphs and cherubs assisting Pallas Athene in his expulsion. Demonstrating divine intervention on a colossal scale, the exquisitely painted stage curtain also comes courtesy of Laurence’s very own palette. This debut assignment also heralds his first wallpaper designs.