Brixton and Blackheath creatives compete on BBC Design Masters
By Ella Hopkins
The last thing a sensitive up-and-coming designer needs is some burly bloke blundering in and making rude comments about your work.
The BBC’s Interior Design Masters is hosted by Alan Carr – so one out of two isn’t bad.
The comedian is known for his slender grasp of tact. He once said: “My face is so fat I’ve had to gaffer tape four mirrors together just to get decent reflection.”
And “When the wind blows salad off your plate, it’s God’s way of saying ‘Have a burger’.”
Of this series he said: “I’ve been employed because I have no filter. It’s not a complete bitch fest.
“If the hallway is painted baby poo brown, I’m going to say it, or the dado rail is wonky, I will bring it up.”
So don’t expect any, er complimentary colours.
Brixton-based film set designer Mona Wishkahi, 38, and Lewisham-raised upholsterer Micaela Sharp, 33, have their suits of armour ready, as well as their paintbrushes.
The two are competing to win a contract with one of the UK’s top boutique hotels alongside eight other designers.
Mona has worked as an art director and production designer in film and television. She runs her own business, monmondesign.
She said: “I applied during lockdown when I had time on my hands, and it was the perfect time for a new challenge.”
Mona first moved to London in 2013, where she lived in Oval before deciding to settle Brixton three years ago.
“I’ve lived literally everywhere in London and it never felt like home until I moved to Brixton,” she said.
“I’m such a Brixton girl and love everything about the area – the beautiful colours, the market, the people, the multicultural vibe, the noise, the smell.
“Brixton is just my very happy hood. It makes me so proud of being part of the community. I always feel so happy come back home.”
Her Tape Art installation is still in Market Row.
Blackheath-based Micaela is proud of growing up in south-east London where she runs her upholstery business, Micaela Sharp Design.
She said: “I applied to the show to prove to myself that I am more than an upholsterer and I am capable of designing a commercial space from start to finish.
“Often it’s the upholstered pieces in our homes that have the most memories so I love to think of all the furniture I’ve made and the role it’s playing in people’s homes – the movie sofa, nursing chair or reading nook.
“After working for several office based companies I really wanted to find a more physical career that would allow me to be more creative. I did an upholstery course and fell in love with it.
“South London is a much friendlier, relaxed and community-centred outlook on city living which really suits me and my husband.
“I feel so lucky to have Blackheath nearby and Greenwich Park.”
Episode one sees designers set the challenge of transforming million-pound show homes in Oxford in just two days.
Throughout the series, their re-design skills will be tested on shops, luxury holiday villas, offices and even beach huts.
The show airs on BBC Two on February 2 at 8pm.
You can find the contestants designs at www.micaelasharpdesign.com and https://www.monmondesign.com/
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