Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen stands as a towering figure in the world of interior design and television. With his bold personality, eye-catching style, and unapologetic love for maximalism, he captures hearts across the globe. As of March 12, 2025, this British design icon continues to dazzle audiences with fresh projects and timeless charisma. From his early days on Changing Rooms to his latest ventures, Laurence shapes homes and inspires creativity like no other.
This article dives deep into Laurence’s life, his career milestones, and what he brings to the table in 2025. Expect a journey through his colorful world, packed with the latest updates and insights. Whether you admire his flair or simply want to know more, this 2000-word exploration delivers everything you need.
Who Is Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen?
Laurence Roderick Llewelyn-Bowen enters the scene on March 11, 1965, in Kensington, London. His upbringing blends tragedy and creativity, shaping the man we know today. His father, a skilled orthopedic surgeon, dies of leukemia when Laurence turns nine, leaving a lasting mark. Meanwhile, his mother, a teacher, nurtures his artistic side, encouraging a love for bold expression.
Growing up, Laurence attends Alleyn’s School in Dulwich, where teachers spot his talent early. He customizes his school uniform, turning trousers tight and ties narrow, showing off his flair. After school, he studies at Camberwell School of Arts, honing his skills as a fine artist. This foundation fuels his future as a designer who never shies away from standing out.
Now, at 60, Laurence lives in a 17th-century Cotswolds manor with his wife, Jackie, and an extended family. His daughters, Cecile and Hermione, their husbands, and four grandchildren share the space. This multigenerational setup reflects his belief in togetherness, a theme that echoes in his life and work.
The Rise to Fame: Changing Rooms and Beyond
Laurence burst onto television screens in 1996 with Changing Rooms on the BBC. The show transforms ordinary homes with daring makeovers, and Laurence shines as its flamboyant star. Armed with leather trousers and a sharp wit, he banishes beige and brings color to British living rooms. Viewers adore his “more-is-more” approach, making him a household name.
The original Changing Rooms runs for 17 seasons, ending in 2004, but Laurence’s journey doesn’t stop there. He returns in 2021 with a Channel 4 reboot, proving his style still resonates. In 2025, he remains a TV staple, blending nostalgia with fresh ideas. His ability to evolve keeps fans hooked, cementing his status as a design legend.
Beyond Changing Rooms, Laurence explores other projects. He hosts To the Manor Bowen, Taste, and Holiday 2006, showcasing his versatility. Each show highlights his knack for storytelling through design, blending history and personality into every space he touches.
Laurence’s Design Philosophy: Maximalism Rules
Laurence champions maximalism, a style that screams boldness and rejects minimalism’s restraint. He believes homes should reflect their owners, not blend into a bland backdrop. “Beige is boring,” he often declares, urging people to embrace color, patterns, and quirks. This philosophy drives his work, from TV transformations to personal projects.
In his Cotswolds home, Laurence practices what he preaches. Vibrant wallpapers, plush furnishings, and exotic artwork fill the space. He designs with joy in mind, creating rooms that spark conversation and delight. His latest collections, launched in 2025, push this ethos further, offering fans a chance to bring his vision into their lives.
Transitioning to his professional designs, Laurence collaborates with brands like Brewers for wallpapers and paints. His patterns draw from nature and history, like the William Morris-inspired prints he loves. In 2025, he unveils his first-ever kitchen collection at the Ideal Home Show, blending function with flamboyance.
2025: A Year of Big Moves
As of March 12, 2025, Laurence celebrates 25 years in the spotlight with exciting new ventures. He joins ITV’s Lorraine to announce “The Home of Your Future,” a highlight of the Ideal Home Show 2025. This project showcases stunning interiors, bespoke designs, and that groundbreaking kitchen line. Fans eagerly await his live appearances at the event, set to inspire a new wave of home enthusiasts.
Additionally, Laurence stars in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, airing in 2025. This reality competition throws him into the wild, testing his grit alongside his charm. It’s a departure from design, but his larger-than-life presence fits perfectly. Meanwhile, Outrageous Homes returns for a second season on Channel 4, spotlighting eccentric homeowners who dare to differ.
These projects mark a “Llewelyn-Bowen Naissance,” as he calls it. At 60, Laurence refuses to slow down, blending his classic style with modern twists. His energy and passion keep him relevant, proving age only sharpens his creative edge.
Living Large: The Cotswolds Family Life
Laurence’s Cotswolds manor serves as more than a home—it’s a family hub. He shares it with Jackie, his wife of over 35 years, their daughters, sons-in-law, and four grandchildren: Albion, Demelza, Romily, and Eleanora. This setup bucks modern trends, embracing a multigenerational lifestyle he swears by. “A hundred and fifty years ago, no one left home,” he says, and it works for them.
The family splits the space smartly. Cecile and her crew live in converted garages, while Hermione’s clan occupies a nearby spot. Everyone collaborates in the LLB interiors business, with Hermione leading a “Succession-style takeover.” Laurence steps back, focusing on painting and TV, while his daughters steer the ship.
Lockdown in 2020 solidifies this arrangement. “It proved how much we wanted to be together,” Laurence recalls. They dress up for dinners, watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, and enjoy a “Little House on the Prairie” vibe—albeit with more glitter. For Laurence and Jackie, daily grandkid time beats the loneliness many grandparents face.
Laurence’s Latest Projects: Outrageous Homes and More
Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen returns in 2025, thrilling fans with its quirky charm. The show visits UK homes with wild themes—think vampire lairs or aquarium-inspired spaces. Laurence dives in, celebrating owners who defy norms. “These people live life their way,” he beams, and the show reflects his love for the unconventional.
Unlike typical makeover programs, Outrageous Homes skips the “journey” trope. Instead, it revels in finished masterpieces, offering a feast of inspiration. Laurence’s straight-talking style and dandy flair shine, making every episode a visual party. Season two promises even more “weird,” as he puts it, and viewers can’t wait.
Beyond TV, Laurence explores theater design. He volunteers at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, crafting sets for The Three Musketeers. Drawing from Boy George and Adam and the Ants, he creates a spectacle that spills into the foyer. This passion project highlights his versatility, blending his diagnostic eye with theatrical pizzazz.
The Business of LLB: A Family Affair
The LLB brand thrives under family leadership. Laurence founds his interior design practice in 1989, but now his daughters take charge. Hermione, likened to Succession’s Shiv Roy, runs the show with her husband, Dan. Cecile, a novelist, chips in alongside her husband, Drew. Together, they expand the business, from wallpapers to homeware.
Laurence shifts from the “apex of the pyramid” to a supporting role. “I’m the guy in the background of Zoom calls,” he jokes, rolled out for ribbon-cuttings and TV gigs. This devolution frees him for creative pursuits, like painting peacocks or designing theater sets. Meanwhile, the family shares ownership, strengthening their bond and the brand.
Their Cotswolds base offers space for this setup. With separate quarters for privacy, everyone balances work and life. “It’s the best way,” Laurence insists, citing historical norms. The arrangement solves childcare woes and keeps grandparents connected, a model he hopes inspires others.
Laurence’s Style: Fashion Meets Function
Laurence’s wardrobe mirrors his design ethos—bold, unapologetic, and full of character. He favors suits, polka-dot scarves, and the occasional leather trousers, even at 60. “There’s something unseemly about a grandfather in leather,” he quips, “so I’m going to do it.” His look screams confidence, a trait he carries into every project.
Traveling in style matters to him. He avoids “romper suits and fanny packs,” believing smart attire earns respect. In Venice, a family favorite, he savors elegance, dining at spots like Antiche Carampane. His wife, Jackie, playfully pilfers hotel goodies, but Laurence prefers to leave with memories, not trinkets.
This flair extends to his work. His 2025 kitchen collection marries practicality with pizzazz, featuring bold colors and unique layouts. It’s a first for Laurence, who traditionally focuses on decor, and fans eagerly await its debut. His style, in fashion and design, remains a masterclass in standing out.
FAQs
What inspires Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s maximalist design style?
Laurence draws inspiration from his artistic roots, childhood exposure to Oriental ceramics, and a rejection of minimalism. He loves vibrant colors, historical patterns like William Morris prints, and spaces that tell a story. His Cotswolds home and TV projects reflect this, encouraging people to express themselves boldly.
How does Laurence balance living with his extended family in one house?
He splits the Cotswolds manor into separate living areas, giving Cecile’s family the garages and Hermione’s a nearby space. Everyone works in the LLB business, sharing responsibilities. Laurence credits this setup to historical norms, saying it fosters connection and solves modern childcare challenges.
What new projects does Laurence launch in 2025?
In 2025, Laurence unveiled “The Home of Your Future” at the Ideal Home Show, including his first kitchen collection. He stars in Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix and brings back Outrageous Homes on Channel 4. Plus, he designs theater sets, like The Three Musketeers, showing his creative range.
Why does Laurence refuse to watch shows like Sort Your Life Out?
Laurence dismisses shows like Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out, saying, “That’s not design; that’s folding underpants.” He prefers projects like Interior Design Masters and Outrageous Homes, which focus on bold creativity over decluttering. His focus stays on pushing design boundaries.
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