Amanda Holden Unveils Vibrant Interior Design Philosophy
Television personality and actress Amanda Holden has opened up about the distinctive decorative style of her Surrey home, revealing that the city of Los Angeles served as a major inspiration. The 55-year-old Britain's Got Talent judge described her residence as a bold statement piece, transforming from a dull box into a captivating conversation starter.
Los Angeles Inspiration and Bold Aesthetic Choices
Holden explained that her contemporary home features expansive rooms with high ceilings and oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. "We wanted it to feel very sort of Los Angeles," she shared. "We love America and I've put loads of palm trees in the garden; just so I can pretend to be on holiday, even in the s***tiest of British weather."
Speaking about her decorative preferences, Holden acknowledged the conventional wisdom of playing it safe with neutral tones like whites, blacks, and magnolias. "But that's not my taste," she asserted. "I understand people think it's neutral and lasts longer, it's sort of safe; but I don't think they realise green can be a neutral, grey can be a neutral, navy blue can be a neutral."
The mother of two emphasized that seemingly bold color choices can work effectively in home decor. "You know, all these colour choices which people might think are bold... you can make them work in your home," said Holden, who shares children with husband Chris Hughes. "So I've always gone for a pop of colour, or bold print."
Room-by-Room Design Approach and Family Compromises
Interestingly, Holden's bedroom represents a departure from her usual vibrant style. She described it as "very sort of greys and whites," noting that it occupies much of the first floor and serves as the "heartbeat of the house." In this space, she opted for neutral and soft tones, creating a calming retreat.
"In that room I've gone very neutral and soft. But everywhere else is a cacophony of colour and print," she revealed. "And my husband has now got used to it. I mean, he's had absolutely no say in any of it."
However, Holden did incorporate some compromises for her husband. Their garden pool house features a yellow theme that complements his vintage Pac-Man machine from the 1980s. "And I've allowed him to keep that; but I've done the whole room in order for it to be in keeping... So it's not just a bright yellow Pac-Man in a pool house. It is about compromise."
Personal Style Details and Floral Preferences
Holden expressed strong opinions about floral arrangements, stating: "I absolutely hate carnations and chrysanthemums... They should be banned! We have lots of lilies and orchids around the house. I also adore peonies."
Describing her evolving personal style, Holden mentioned her love for stripes, exemplified by a stripy ceiling in her office adorned with a substantial pink chandelier. "Which sounds garish, but in reality, it looks like a sort of a boudoir," she explained. This multifunctional space serves as her preparation area for Britain's Got Talent appearances and even hosts leg waxing sessions, while also providing a homework station for her daughters.
The family's home bar receives particular attention, described as "pristine and showy" with a combination of block colors and strategic lighting. "We've got lots of chandeliers and panelling, I'm a big fan of panelling, and it's deep greens and teals in there," Holden detailed.
New DFS Collection Launch and Design Philosophy
Holden's passion for interior design has culminated in a new furnishings collection with DFS. "It's so beautifully crafted, and the time and effort that's gone into the fabric and everything, I'm really proud of it," she said of the collaboration.
The collection features three distinct themes: Luvvie, Olivier, and Showstopper. Luvvie channels Art Deco glamour with a contemporary townhouse aesthetic, Olivier offers plush, luxurious seating named after Laurence Olivier, and Showstopper presents rich jewel tones, dramatic silhouettes, and vibrant prints complete with accessories like scatter cushions and a fluffy pink footstool.
"I absolutely love a velvet sofa and bouclé anything with a bit of texture," Holden shared. "Everybody wants a sexy sofa."
The Showstopper range holds special significance for Holden, who admitted: "Very selfishly, I always design things around what would fit in my own home, to my own taste; because I'm very lucky to get a lot of lovely, positive feedback." She envisions the teal Showstopper sofa in her bar, the Luvvie sofa in her bedroom, and the Olivier sofa as perfect for family television viewing.
"So each sofa, I think, suits different personalities, different needs for different people, and different setups in families," she concluded. The DFS x Amanda Holden Collection is currently available online.
