Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen candidly discusses his experience with Changing Rooms and his new ventures in television.
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Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the charismatic designer and television personality, has opened up about the backlash he faced during the revival of the beloved DIY show, Changing Rooms. Originally gracing our screens from 1996 to 2004, the show made a comeback on Channel 4 in 2021 but was sadly canceled after just two series.
Llewelyn-Bowen, a familiar face in the design scene, candidly described his return to the show as a “career disaster.” What happened to turn a nostalgic favorite into a source of criticism?
Career Reflections and Changing Rooms
At 60, Llewelyn-Bowen is no stranger to the limelight.
He first joined Changing Rooms as a designer before stepping into the role of main presenter in 2003, following Carol Smillie’s exit. The show was a defining moment in his career, but its revival came with unexpected hurdles. In a recent interview, he shared how the backlash affected him: “Changing Rooms! It marked the end of my career as a high-end interior designer.” Can you imagine going from a celebrated designer to facing sudden public scrutiny?
He reflected on how quickly public opinion shifted, saying, “I went from being ‘Lacroix’ to ‘William Morris’ overnight.” Despite losing around ten clients during this tumultuous time, he found a silver lining: “But suddenly, I had eight million people watching my programmes.” What a twist, right?
The new series strayed from the original format, and Llewelyn-Bowen pointed out how social media changed the game for viewers.
“When it ended in 2004, there was no social media. When it returned, suddenly there was this torrent of commentary. And I loved it,” he remarked. But not all feedback was sunshine and rainbows. Criticism came thick and fast, including pointed comments about his appearance. His response? A blend of humor and defiance: “Someone said I was fat, ugly, and too old for leather trousers. And I replied, ‘I agree but I’m still wearing it, deal with it!’” Now that’s what we call resilience!
New Ventures: Outrageous Homes
After the mixed reviews of Changing Rooms, Llewelyn-Bowen has turned his attention to a fresh project with Channel 4 called Outrageous Homes. This exciting new series dives into unique properties across the UK, highlighting daring and unconventional interior designs. It’s not just about the aesthetics; the show tells the stories behind these bold choices, showcasing how homeowners have brought their wild visions to life. The first series premiered in June 2024, with a follow-up already in the works. Isn’t it fascinating how design can tell a story?
His passion for design shines through as he connects with homeowners and narrates their creative journeys, bringing their extraordinary spaces to life. It’s a refreshing shift that allows him to showcase the vibrant world of home styling!
Personal Insights and Family Dynamics
On a more personal note, Llewelyn-Bowen has shared insights about his family life and estate in the Cotswolds. He’s begun the process of passing down parts of his property to relatives, a decision he finds quite straightforward. With an estimated wealth of £8 million, he believes in sharing resources with the next generation: “It’s sharing resources with the next generation – we call it commonwealth – to me it is a very ordinary thing to do.” How inspiring is that?
As he moves forward in his career, Llewelyn-Bowen continues to navigate the complexities of public perception while embracing new opportunities. His journey is a testament to resilience and creativity, proving that even in the face of adversity, there’s always a chance to reinvent and thrive in the design world.
