Estelle Bilson - 70s House Manchester on Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
Have you seen the most recent interior design offering from Channel 4, Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn - Bowen? Did you spot me on episode one?
Back in July 2022, on one of the hottest days of the year, I eagerly awaited at home for a television crew and a man who needs no introduction in the world of interiors, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. For someone who came of age in the 90s, I had watched 'Changing Rooms' religiously to see the long haired interior designer in leather trousers work his magic every week.
LLB swept in majestically that morning, and was everything you expect him to be, resplendent in a brocade jacket and flowing mane, lavishing hugs and air kisses upon me, we proceeded to film in the kitchen, and sadly the scene about avocados got cut, I assume it was too racy, even for 10pm on channel 4. We moved onto the garden, and then onto serious chats about designs and interiors, and why we have decided to decorate our home in a homage to the most daring decade in design - the 70s. I get asked this question a lot, and I mean, A LOT, and honestly I always wish I had a better answer, it is something I can't quite articulate, its the shape, the colours, the pattern I find pleasing and it is as tricky as trying to describe why you love or loathe eating marmite.
LLB was as much generous with his time as he was gregarious, and we chatted amiably off screen about all manner of subjects, he even filmed a short video for my mum, who I think not so secretly had a massive crush on him back in the day, and he also agreed to kindly supply a quote to be used for my book.
I have some amazing memories of that day, I got to sit in my bath and chat wallpaper on my bed, LLB got to roll around on the shag pile and we got to laugh at Fanny Cradock and her doughnuts (and Banana Candles). My porcelain pet Horace the Tiger from Dogwood Lifestyle even got to appear in a 'Tiger that came to Tea' situation, and if you watch until the end of our segment you'll even spot my husband holding Horace, some may say that he stole the show!
Laurence left at the end of the day and planted a fatherly kiss on top of my forehead and listening to the subsequent interviews promoting the series he spoke of our home and my passion for retro interior design with such warmth and compassion it made me emotional to watch.
It was an incredibly long day, and it is amazing to think that they filmed for over 12 hours of footage. It is in fact very stressful to have a film crew in your home, especially when it is your family home, there are a lot of people, a lot of lights and a lot of can you say that again whilst I film from a different angle. Filming a television programme at my own home was a very different experience from filming the Bidding Room in a huge location studio.
The reviews of Outrageous Homes have been magnificent, I particularly love this one from Lucy Mangan writing for The Guardian.
If you've not watched this television series then I highly recommend it, there's even an appearance from my good friend Tania aka Ms Pink from Quirk and Rescue in episode four.
I feature in episode one which can be viewed on My4 on catch up, or click the link HERE
Big Love, as always
E x