Frankie Ratford, who lives in Brighton, said it was amazing to take part in the seventh series of the hit BBC show.
The 42-year-old is one of ten contestants vying for the title of grand interior design master.
The contestants of this year’s Interior Design Masters (Image: BBC/DSP/Chris Lobina)
A graphic designer by trade, Frankie had a design platform that helped graduates gain jobs in the in the industry, which she has been a part of for over 20 years.
She said her “bold and colourful” design style is inspired by her extensive travelling, which has seen her visit 100 countries.
She embarked on a six year road trip and worked with other designers.
“I would say my eye is well trained visually,” said Frankie.
“I’ve also been renovating my own properties for the last seven years.”
Frankie said she found the prospect of being on television challenging but was encouraged to apply by Banjo Beale, who won the show’s third series, while she worked with him in Australia.
“I applied, I didn’t think anything of it,” she said.
“I went to hike the Camino de Santiago.
“I was halfway in and I got the phone call to say I was going on the show and so I flew back and we started filming a week later.”
She said she couldn’t believe it.
Frankie describes her design style as “colourful, graphic and playful”.
Frankie Ratford (Image: Frankie Ratford)
“And maybe a bit nostalgic,” she said.
“And incorporating travel.
“I’m nomadic, so the plan is to live in Brighton every summer and then travel the rest.
“I was born in Kent and then I lived in the New Forest and then I’ve been travelling for the last 20 years, but I’m here every summer.”
Frankie said she is inspired by Brighton.
“I love how lively Brighton is,” she said.
“There’s a lot happening here.
“I love the short commute to London, but the fact it’s on the beach.
“I love that you can jump on a plane to anywhere in Europe.
“I just think the visual side of Brighton is bold, colourful and fun, which aligns with my style.”
She described her time on the show, which is hosted by comedian Alan Carr.
“Being on TV was quite challenging and a little bit outside my comfort zone, but I wanted to push myself,” she said.
Mood boards from previous projects (Image: Frankie Ratford)
“Alan was wonderful.
“He was an absolute dream to work with.
“And the rest of the crew were so kind and welcoming and they really make you feel comfortable.
“So it doesn’t feel that scary.
“When we wrapped the filming, I went up to Scotland to work behind the scenes on Banjo’s show, the Grand Island Hotel.
“It was a very good experience to be a part of.
“It’s been phenomenal.”
Following on from the show, Frankie wants to do a giveaway for a local business that would see her refresh its interior. The business would cover the cost of equipment and materials while Frankie would do the work.
“I would love to work with someone in Brighton that would benefit from that,” she said.
She’s also using her marketing, design, photography and social media skills to help small businesses.
The first episode of Interior Design Masters will air on BBC One tonight (April 21) at 8pm.