Ben Smith On Interiors Design Masters, Filming Highlights & His Love For The Royal Family

Britain’s biggest interior design show is back on our screens for a seventh series – and this year, the talent is certainly tough. Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr has been known to unearth some of the best designers in the UK, many of whom go on to start their own studios, garner big followings online and secure commercial contracts with major retailers. The series 7 cohort is, naturally, destined to follow this trend – and part of the class of 2026 is Ben Smith, an outdoor furniture designer from the West Midlands. 

Ben, who’s now probably best known for his ‘upcycled vintage’ design style – and love of the British royal family – spent last summer filming episodes of Interior Design Masters alongside nine other contestants (as well as the Chatty Man himself, Alan Carr). And with episodes now airing each week, the budding interior designer is ready to tell us about his experience on the show – as well as the best piece of advice he received from series judge, Michelle Ogundehin. 

Ben Smith On Interior Design Masters Series 7

Interior Design Masters series 7 contestant, Ben Smith

Hi Ben, can you kick us off by telling us a bit about yourself and your relationship with interior design?

Hi! I’m Ben, I’m 28 years old and an outdoor furniture designer. I’m currently living at home with my mum and dad, and would say that my love of interior design probably stemmed from my mum – she always designed the houses we lived in, and she gave me all the building blocks to fall in love with interior design!

You’re one of the contestants on Interior Design Masters right now – what was the experience like?

My time on the show was just amazing. Competition programmes can be quite full-on, but I’d say I’m a more chilled and relaxed person by nature – so thankfully I didn’t get too stressed! But being a contestant on this show was such a wonderful experience, and I will never forget it. 

What made you want to enter the show?

It was actually my sister’s idea. She pushed me to go for it; she’s always been very supportive of my career in interior design.

Ben’s design for Castle Week (episode 2)

What was your favourite project to work on during the show?

We had some really cool briefs each week, but my favourite project to work on was definitely Castle Week (episode 2). It just had my name written all over it! While I didn’t get Standout Space, I think I made a good impression on Michelle and Linda.

What was it like spending time with Alan Carr and Michelle Ogundehin?

Alan is exactly like what you see on TV – so lovely and so funny. He’s always happy to chat to everyone on set too; he’s a really lovely man. 

There is this preconception that Michelle is a tough judge, but in reality she’s incredibly kind. She’s tough because she wants to guide you to be the best version of yourself. I really can’t thank her enough for all her help!

And how was your relationship with the other contestants?

Everyone on the show was amazing and so much fun to be around, but I do have a soft spot for Sophie. From day one we clicked, and even after the show we have become such amazing friends. Without her I don’t think my journey on the show would’ve been as enjoyable! 

Sophie and Ben still keep in touch after Interior Design Masters

Any fun moments from filming that you can share with us?

There were loads! But a great one was in the first episode during Beach Hut Week. Alan went to throw me a beach ball to catch but ended up hitting me in the face on accident – we both had a laugh over that!

Speaking of the first week – you won this season’s first Standout Space. How did that feel?

Short answer: I was shocked! I didn’t expect to go into the first challenge and win Standout Space. I was really proud of myself at that moment – it helped me believe that I can actually do this, and be good at what I do.

Were there any challenges/difficulties during your time on the show that have helped you grow as a designer?

Week 3 was a tricky one for me. My interior designer style is probably more along the lines of vintage and upcycled, but this challenge encouraged me to adapt to much more modern styles.

Did you pick up any good pieces of interior design advice while on the show? 

I think the best advice I was given came from Michelle. She said to always stick to your own design style, don’t try and change. Stick to what you know and adapt it for what’s required. 

Ben and Alan during Beach Hut Week (before the beach ball incident)

We hear you’re also a big fan of the royal family.

Definitely. My love for the royals started at a young age. I grew up watching Queen Elizabeth II be the strong and calm leader we needed, and she ended up being a big inspiration for me. I really loved how hard she worked; she always got on with it and did it with pride! 

If you had the opportunity to design a room for a member of the royal family, who would it be?

Right now, it would be the Prince and Princess of Wales. I can’t wait to see them as king and queen. If given the chance to design for them, I’d love to create a space that feels like both a palace and a home – and, most importantly, somewhere they can relax.

And does your love for the royals also come across in your own home?

It does indeed. My bedroom is probably a great example of this. I have quite a few pieces of royal art on the walls, including portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and King Charles III.

I love those paintings, and I think they also add so much grandeur to the room – they just lift the space with a sense of royal life. (And they add a touch of history, which I also love!)

 

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A post shared by Ben Smith (@bensmithinteriors)

What’s next for you, post-Interior Design Masters?

I’m definitely going to keep pursuing my career in interior design, whether that ends up being big or small. Elsewhere, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and making time to relax when I can.

WATCH

Series 7 of Interior Design Masters is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer. bbc.co.uk