Ep 11. Victorian - Birmingham: Semi-Final

In season 1 episode 11 of Great Interior Design Challenge, the four remaining designers head to Birmingham to tackle the Victorian style. The semi-final challenge is to renovate the living and dining rooms of a Victorian terraced house, incorporating both traditional elements and modern touches.

The designers meet their clients, who have a love for traditional Victorian design but also want the space to be modern and practical for their family. The designers must create a cohesive look between the two rooms, taking into account the flow between the spaces.

Designer Daniel begins by embracing the bold Victorian color palette, choosing burgundy and green tones for the walls and accents. He also incorporates traditional patterns like damask and floral prints to add texture and interest. Designer Micaela takes a more subtle approach, using shades of gray and black to create a sophisticated, modern look. She also introduces elements like a unique light fixture and a geometric patterned rug to add interest to the space.

Designer Sophie takes a more eclectic approach, blending traditional Victorian elements with bohemian style. She uses a mix of vintage and modern furniture pieces, layering patterned textiles and adding unique touches like a macrame wall hanging. Designer Tom takes inspiration from the Gothic style of the Victorian era, creating a dramatic space with black walls and bold patterned wallpaper. He adds contemporary touches with chrome accents and a statement light fixture.

As the designers work on their rooms, they face a number of challenges. Sophie struggles to balance the eclectic mix of styles she has chosen and worries that the space is too cluttered. Tom faces difficulty with the intricate wallpaper he has chosen, struggling to get it properly aligned. Micaela worries that her design is too safe and could be more adventurous.

After a grueling day of work, the designers present their rooms to the judges. While each designer has created a unique and interesting space, the judges ultimately choose two designers to move on to the final challenge.

The judges praise Daniel for his bold use of color and pattern, as well as his attention to detail. They also appreciate Tom's dramatic use of wallpaper and his commitment to the Gothic theme. In the end, Daniel and Tom are chosen to move on to the final challenge, leaving Micaela and Sophie to bid farewell.

Overall, this episode of Great Interior Design Challenge showcases the designers' ability to blend traditional and modern styles, while also highlighting the unique challenges of working with a Victorian style.