We caught up with Interior Design Masters runner up, Amy Davies, a few weeks after the end of the competition, to talk life after the show, friendship with Banjo Beale, and that infamous demolition in her final design…
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Hi Amy! Thanks so much for catching up with us! How are you?
Hi! I’m feeling really happy and just at peace, I guess. There was such a long period after filming where I was like, 'oh god, am I going to be too Scottish? Am I going to be annoying? Will everybody like me? Will they think I’m rubbish?' There’s so much that goes through your mind while you’re waiting for the show to air, but we had so much fun watching it back together.
So how did you feel watching the show back?
I’m really pleased. From my point of view, I can see how I grew throughout the process, which is quite nice. It felt like I was growing and learning at the time, but you never know, with the way the show is edited and what makes the final cut, whether your feelings will be conveyed. It all came across how I felt in the moment, and I think I really grew throughout it. Overall, that was the biggest thing for me.
Can you tell us a bit more about your final project?
When people came in to see my final design, when I’d knocked it down and was standing in rubble, most people came in and there was genuine horror on their faces. Alan was in shock! And I kind of knew there was no time to do everything, but also, I thought, it’s just what it needed as a space - it needed to be knocked out and completely gutted and a refresh. I was the final, and we’re all going home whatever, so I just decided to go for it.
How did it feel to watch the show back? Do you have any regrets?
I have absolutely no regrets! If I went in again, I don’t know if I’d do anything differently. I mean, I’d love to give myself five extra days for the projects, but apart from that I feel like I did what I wanted… and it’s not often you say that in life! A lot of the time you do things for other people, and it’s not often that you do things wholly for yourself. To just think ‘I’m going to own it’ felt quite powerful at the time, and it did again, watching the show back.
What’s next for you, career wise?
Throughout the show, I got so many messages from people asking about my wallpaper, asking if I could make a design for them. So, I’ve just launched my website, and all my designs are going on sale! That’s my main focus at the moment, launching my wallpaper, as well as some home textiles and cushions. I’m also launching some stuff for tablescapeing, like napkins and placemats, and I’ve also got stuff in the works with Banjo, which is lovely. We’ll always hope to work together in the future, so that’s exciting.
Are you still going to be designing interiors?
I am! As well as launching my products, I’ve got a couple of design projects that are starting, which is really exciting! I landed them predominantly off the back of Lodges Week on the show, I think because it was just such a successful week for me, and I felt like I had actually gotten to the point where I could do it by then. I've had another few inquiries that are moving forward, and I'm so excited. It’s going to be such a great experience!
What’s your favourite wallpaper design from the show?
That's tough! Although Michelle and Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen didn't love it, I think my Shepherd Socks design was my favourite, because it felt like it was the most bespoke - I really researched the business. I love to do things that are bespoke. Looking back, I probably would have changed the colours in it, but obviously, you only get a week to make it. I'm literally drawing overnight, scanning it, and sending it quickly to the printer. And then they have to send it direct to the location in order for me to even get it!
What would you tell people who are thinking of going on the show?
Oh, my goodness, don't hesitate. I remember working at my desk – I work crazy hours because I'm quite a workaholic, so I'll be up late - and I was watching the replays of last year’s series. I heard Alan's voice at the end, saying ‘if you'd like to apply for the series’, and I remember just stopping and looking at the TV, and I thought, ‘I’m just gonna do that! What’ve I got to lose?’ I didn't for a minute think I would be getting into the final ten, never mind the final of the whole thing. So if anyone’s thinking about it, absolutely just go for it!
How do you feel about being the runner up of this year’s series?
If someone had told me I’d make it to the final but I’ll come second, I would have taken that all day long. I would have thought ‘how magical is that!’ and that how I felt. Also, Banjo is such a worthy winner. He’s been incredible throughout and we’re so close as friends, so it was so nice to be there with him at the end, and then relive it watching the show back. It’s a special time for us two.