John Cooper Triumphs in BBC’s Interior Design Masters Season Six
John Cooper, a 47-year-old design and technology teacher from Stockport, Greater Manchester, has emerged as the champion of the sixth series of BBC’s Interior Design Masters. After a challenging journey filled with time management lessons and multiple evaluations, John showcased his design prowess in the grand finale. Competing against Rita, he was tasked with transforming holiday cottages in the enchanting Portmeirion village of North Wales, famous as the filming site of the cult classic, The Prisoner.
Creative Design Approach at Portmeirion
With guidance from head judge Michelle Ogundehin, who urged contestants to design "a destination holiday cottage" reflective of their personality and the unique essence of Portmeirion, John opted for a lively aesthetic. He created a vibrant dining area in sunny yellow, a cobalt blue kitchen, and a children’s bedroom adorned with a charming terracotta ditsy print. Collaborating with semi-finalist Craig, known for his vivid color palette, John executed a remarkable transformation within a tight budget of £6,500 over three days.
Guest judge Sophie Robinson, a celebrated House Beautiful columnist, expressed her desire for "a magical" experience. She emphasized the importance of vibrant colors and endless imagination, encouraging participants to dream big.
Post-Win Opportunities and Experiences
As the winner of this competitive season, John unlocked an exciting collaboration with John Lewis for a new homeware collection, set to launch on May 30th. Speaking to House Beautiful after his monumental victory, John reflected on his experiences in the competition, particularly his time on the infamous evaluation sofa.
Mental Resilience on the Sofa
When asked about his mindset during the evaluations, John remarked, “My fear of the sofa ended quickly. I approached it like I do in my classes—listening and responding to feedback." His students supported him throughout, offering insights into his performances which highlighted his growth and determination.
The Anticipation of Unique Wallpaper
Among the competition’s highlights was John’s anticipation for a distinctive lemons-and-gargoyles wallpaper from Transylvania, sourced from the company Mind The Gap. This unique feature, which turned out to unify his design, was eagerly awaited and ultimately arrived dramatically on the final day.
Behind the Scenes Insights
John also shared that the filming process was not without its surprises. Contestants often found themselves pulled away from their tasks for interviews and were constantly miked. "You learn to hold your comments to avoid explaining them to the camera later," he noted.
Future Aspirations in Interior Design
Reflecting on what interior design means to him, John expressed a long-standing passion rooted in memories of watching Changing Rooms with his mother, realizing that design is fundamentally about storytelling and personal expression.
Looking ahead, he aims to focus on commercial projects, particularly in bar and restaurant design. The upcoming launch of his homeware collection with John Lewis excites him, and he hinted at a masculine aesthetic without revealing too much before its debut.
Conclusion
John Cooper’s triumph in BBC’s Interior Design Masters has not only highlighted his design talents but also opened up numerous opportunities for further growth. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, the design community and his students alike await the next phase of his journey. For more insights into interior design, consider exploring https://chatbihouse.com/blog/ or our specialized articles on topics like AI for Interior Design and Mood Boards: How to Visualize Your Dream Space.
