Never has the phrase ‘household name’ felt more apt than when describing Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Known for his maximalist approach and larger-than-life personality, the self-proclaimed “homestyle consultant” rose to fame as a presenter of BBC Two’s show Changing Rooms in 2003. Since then, he’s become a television mainstay and the face of outlandish home design in Britain.
This year, the 59-year-old has directed his creative powers to a new purpose: rebranding retirement, by partnering up with Rangeford Villages, a luxury retirement living provider, as their new Design Curator.
We caught up with LLB to discuss his new partnership and the power of embracing vibrant design in later life.
1. You’ve said, “As you get older you must not stop being brave, you must not compromise, and you must not think, I’m old now, so I’d better turn down the volume.” What do you mean by this and why do you think people ‘turn down the volume’ as they get older?
I feel very passionate about living a long, full life, right until the end. Buy the new clothes, go on the holidays, and use that funky wallpaper, as there’s a good chance you’ll be living another 20-plus years. Don’t use the often repeated phrase ‘that’ll see me out’. We cannot write ourselves off, otherwise you’ll be written off.
Rangeford treats its customers as if they’re in the prime of their lives, celebrating their age whilst providing services and needs that are useful for those who are 60-plus. It’s about giving you the space to live more efficiently so you can spend more time being you – the hobbies, the good food, the travelling – without worrying about life admin at home. It’s what I wanted 60 to sound like when I was 20. It’s about improving the quality of life you have left.
2. Why do you want to rebrand the word ‘retirement’?
I just believe the connotations of the word lend it to the end of life – it’s all a bit bleak and drab. It needs a rebrand. Those in their 60s are healthier than ever and still want to live their lives to the full. It’s about embellishing retirement and life in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. It’s not about avoiding your age, it’s about accepting and enjoying it. Noel Coward once said, “Invite old age in with a cocktail” – perfect!
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is the newly appointed Design Curator at Rangeford Villages.
3. You’ve said, “Design is there to help, it is there to make you feel a lot better about who you are, where you are, and how you live.” In what ways can thoughtful home design improve our enjoyment of later life?
We all know an Englishman’s home is their castle. It’s vitally important that our living space reflects our life and interests – and design can certainly help with that. You can create space and freedom if you wish, you can also create cosy nooks – all with design, lighting, and furnishing choices.
For me, it’s about being bold and brave throughout life. There’s something very special about being able to design your home and space exactly as you want it to be. It’s a perfect form of self-expression.
4. You’re known for your creative, maximalist approach. Do you believe having an abundance of colour in our living space can benefit our well-being?
Absolutely – for me, it’s more, more, more, which, ironically, is the title of my book. I am a passionate designer and artist, and my patents are now in tens of thousands of other homes, not just my own. Colour can transform a space, the atmosphere, and the living experience.
But more importantly, despite being allergic to beige and grey, I am a big believer in self-expression. I recently presented a series called Outrageous Homes – and I absolutely loved it. It was absolutely crackers going into homes that have been transformed with unique designs or uses – such as a giant fish tank. Ultimately, I find magic in the extraordinary.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is the newly appointed Design Curator at Rangeford Villages.
5. What are some simple ways older adults can inject colour and character into their living spaces?
Wallpaper went out of fashion very quickly but it is now very much ‘in’ and can add some much-missing personality and warmth to a room. Feature walls and colour drenching are very on trend, but that’s because they work and are quite simple to achieve.
People underestimate good lighting, so invest in that. But remember, you can transform a room with furnishings – decorative cushions and curtains can absolutely transform a space very easily.
6. How important is it for us to embrace accessible, age-inclusive design when curating our homes in later life? Do you have any advice for balancing aesthetics and functionality?
It absolutely can be done and Rangeford is the best example of this. They absolutely understand the need for having less space to manage and less ‘house admin’, which so many of us have in our 60s, with large houses full of a lot of stuff from decades of life, with a big lawn we quite frankly don’t want to mow. Their on-site services and facilities make life easier – easier to free up time to experience joy. Design-wise, they don’t miss a trick – even down to details, such as plenty of storage. Genius!
7. Has your approach to design changed with age? If so, how?
Not really. I’ve always very much known my design style and who I am – which is a blessing, really. As above, it’s more, more, more.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is the newly appointed Design Curator at Rangeford Villages.
8. Do you have an example of a past design project that’s changed the life of an older adult?
To be honest, I have to reference Rangeford again as my recent project for them at Siddington Park (which is literally at the end of my garden) has received such positive feedback. Designing spaces for their new residences is a joy, and they’ve absolutely let us take control and curate the space. We’re currently doing the same for their Surrey residence, Homeward Grove. I genuinely believe these spaces will improve the residents’ lives, and there is no better personal or professional project than this.
9. If someone doesn’t know what they enjoy when it comes to interior design, do you have any advice to help them find their style?
Don’t overthink. We all like what we like and that’s great. Also, give it a go. If it doesn’t look great or right, then you can change it.
10. What drew you to partner with Rangeford Villages?
Well, they were very literally building the site in my Cotswolds village and I was very nosey and went to have a look – as you do! The next minute, what was a nosey venture down the village turned into the most fantastic relationship. We love it so much; the entire L-B family are going there for Christmas Day lunch. It really is the perfect partnership – what they’re doing is just brilliant and the team are totally fantastic.
11. What do you hope to achieve with this partnership?
Hopefully, a very long, happy partnership where I can impact their beautiful residences as Design Curator for years to come!
Final thoughts…
We hope you enjoyed our chat with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. For more interior design ideas, head over to our home and garden section. Here, you’ll find everything from kitchen and bathroom inspiration to ways to revamp your living space for less.
Do you have any interior design tips to share? Or have you transformed your indoor space recently? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.