AIL meets Celia Sawyer

We talk luxury, London's housing market, private planes and Four Rooms with the glamourous interior designer and businesswoman.
AIL meets Celia Sawyer picture

Self-made interior decorator, property developer and clothing designer Celia Sawyer is fast becoming a household name. On Channel 4’s Four Rooms she is one of the dealers the members of the public attempted to sell their prized possessions to. Later this year she’ll be appearing on a primetime BBC One programme called Your Home in Their Hands. Here Celia tells us about the strangest request she’s had from a client, and how she built an empire despite leaving school at the age of 15.

Where does your interest in interior design come from?
I always used to love looking at historical buildings and interiors as a child, and I also loved art. I enjoyed going to look at show homes with my mum from an early age, and was fascinated as to how they created an inviting environment.

You left school at 15, what did you do next?
I worked as a dental nurse, which is quite a change from what I do now! I also worked as a cleaner in my spare time whilst setting up my first business, which was a photography agency.

What are the most important qualities for being a successful interior designer?
To listen to your clients requirements and how they want to live. To have a creative eye, and don’t be scared to run with it, whatever your style is.

How did you get into doing the interiors for private planes?
The founder of a private plane company saw my work and asked me to come on board to offer the ‘Celia Sawyer’ look!

What is the strangest request you’ve had when decorating someone’s home?
A bar with a fur wall! I had to refuse to do it I’m afraid, and I advised them to take a different spin on it.

What is the current biggest trend in interior design?
I’m not one for following trends, but there are a great deal of glamorous finishes being used at the moment - leathers, gloss woods, crystal, mother of pearl, all the materials I love working with.

You’ve worked on the homes of some high profile people, are you able to name any?
No, not really, I work with a variety of high profile people such as pop stars, movie stars, high net worth individuals and sports personalities and they all like to keep themselves very discreet.

As a property developer, what do you think of London’s housing market?
At the moment it is pretty good, prices are going up considerably. Obviously not so good if you are buying but great if you are selling and downsizing!

Where do you recommend for buying furniture?
I create my own bespoke pieces for projects, but there are many great places to purchase furniture depending on what style you are after. I also think it’s important to look at small independent stores and small antique and junk shops. You’ll be surprised at what really unique pieces you can source to add interest to a scheme.

What makes a home luxurious?
A good mixture of textures and accessories. Faux fur throws, crystal lamps and bowls, mixed fabric cushions (and lots of them!) including satins, silks, velvets. Mixing a few metallic pieces, whether it’s a ceramic bowl or a metallic vase, these items are similar to the jewellery you wear to accessorise your outfit.

You’re working on a clothing range, what sort of things are you designing?
It will start off with a small range of glamorous garments with a hint of ‘rock’ clothing. I can’t say too much more at the moment.

What’s your favourite aspect of filming Four Rooms?
Finding and winning a good deal! Sometimes a gem will be on the show and not only have I got my eye keenly on it, but I also want to win the deal, especially if one of the other dealers wants it!

You’re going to appear on the BBC One show Your Home in Their Hands. What is it about and when will it be broadcast?
Your Home in Their Hands is a British makeover television series. Four decorators compete to win in each episode, with me as the judge. Transmission dates are not confirmed yet but we think it will be early autumn.


Check out Celia Sawyer’s work here.

Published May 16, 2014