Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen interview

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is a renowned interior designer, presenter of BBC’s The Holiday Programme and has most recently been filming a new series for Living TV called To The Manor Bowen, which starts on 30  October. The show follows his move to a sixteenth century house in Gloucestershire and the trials and tribulations he faces as he and his family renovate and redecorate the property.

 What did you most want to be when you were growing up?
A barrister.  Although I said that to someone the other day and they misheard and thought I said banister!  Which would have been every bit as decorative but less exciting.  I changed my mind because of the extraordinary amount of work that I would have to have done to do a degree in law.

What song do you turn up and sing to when you're in the car?
At the moment I try not to sing to Lily Allen even though the children are desperate to. I get very excited about Goldfrapp and start bellowing along to them.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?
Depends how long we’ve got – if it’s more than about 50 seconds, Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen will do nicely thank you.

Describe your perfect night in
In whom?! A really lovely rambling family supper with occasional friends dropping in, dogs, children and quite a lot of gin.

If you could switch places with someone for the day, who would it be?
I’m quite happy but given half the chance I’d like to be one of my spaniels. I think they have an absolutely charmed life. They’re completely over indulged and highly tickled.

I hate it when people.....     
Interview me for Good Housekeeping Magazine.

Not a lot of people know this but I’m very good at.... riding camels.

Are you a good housekeeper? No because I have people who do that for me.

Which book do you never tire of reading?
I’d love to say something really significant like War and Peace. The truth would be Hall’s, Dictionary of Subject and Symbols in Art but I take far more pleasure from Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford.

What would you save if your house as burning down?
At the moment, nothing since as it’s being completely refurbished and is totally empty. I would probably end up saving the builders.

What 3 objects would you love to put in room 101?
Paul Merton, George Orwell and Gordon Brown’s tailor.

Who is your hero?
The Chairman of Llewelyn-Bowen Limited. Marvellous, marvellous human being, very capable – I don’t know if you’ve ever met her – she goes by the name of Mrs Llewelyn-Bowen.

How big is your carbon footprint? Imagine a clown’s shoe – but don’t blame me, blame BBC’s Holiday Programme!

I love it when people... interview me for Good Housekeeping Magazine.

What's your motto in life? I am patient, I will prevail. Or never wear brown shoes with a blue suit.

As told to Anna-Lisa De’Ath