Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen encourages people to embrace their age and express themselves through vibrant design choices at home.
Cardiff: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the famous interior designer, has been reflecting on aging now that he’s hit the big 6-0. He’s all about encouraging folks to be bold, be themselves, and surround themselves with what they love, whether it’s in their homes or their wardrobes.
In a chat with WalesOnline, Laurence shared his thoughts on aging gracefully. He said, “We’re not going to look young again, so why not focus on looking great with what you have? I’m okay with being Zeus in a suit instead of Apollo in a loincloth. It’s all about making your style reflect who you are.”
Most people know him from the TV show ‘Changing Rooms,’ but Laurence has been shaking up the interior design scene for over 30 years. He’s all about adding color and personality to homes, fighting against the dullness of beige and gray.
He’s got a new project that’s bursting with color and texture. Laurence believes that people in Wales should embrace their unique style. He said, “Why stick to bland? Let’s show the world our passion and creativity. The English are too focused on beige and fitting in. Let’s be the trendsetters!”
He’s noticed that when he does shows in Wales, there’s a strong desire to be different. The stunning Welsh landscape inspires people to bring more color into their homes. He’s seen it in his sales too; while beige duvet covers fly off the shelves in London, people in Cardiff are all about vibrant colors.
Laurence thinks that getting older shouldn’t mean settling for less in design. In fact, it should inspire you to be bolder. He said, “Older generations thought they had to stick with the same old sofa for life. That’s not the way to live! You should enjoy every moment and not limit yourself.”
He’s also passionate about how we fill our spaces. While it’s nice to have memories around, he warns against clutter. He calls the chaotic mix of items “cat lady clutter.” Instead, he suggests curating your treasures thoughtfully.
His collaboration with Rangeford Villages, a luxury retirement brand, is all about creating vibrant living spaces for older adults. Laurence’s daughter, Hermione, is now leading the design efforts, and he’s thrilled with how it’s turning out. It’s colorful and lively, just like he wants people to feel about aging.
Laurence emphasizes that aging should be about creating a lively atmosphere, not settling for dull spaces. He believes in “rightsizing” rather than downsizing, making sure that retirement living is as exciting as life can be after 60.
He’s excited that people are talking about this new approach to aging. It’s all about looking forward to life, not retreating into a quiet existence. He wants everyone to feel special and deserving of joy, no matter their age.
Reflecting on aging, he quoted Noel Coward, saying, “The best way to treat aging is to invite it in and pour it a cocktail.” Laurence encourages everyone to stop worrying about looking young and start focusing on looking fabulous.