Welcome back for series two! How has it been working with Alan this series?

Alan was just fabulous. He asks the questions that get to the heart and soul of why something works, or not, and what I'm expecting to see from our designers. He was really great to work with, and of course, he's very funny!

What can viewers expect to see in series two?

If you thought the last series showcased some brilliant ideas and clever designs, then this one will knock your socks off. Right from episode one the standard of work is incredibly high, and it made my job as series judge really hard! All of the designers bring their own likes, dislikes, backgrounds and preferences to the table, and it's such a privilege to see them unpick it all, and themselves, as they start to understand what being a real interior designer is all about. It's all about the people as much as the projects for me.

There are lots of new guest judges this series, who did you enjoy having by your side to help make difficult decisions?

Every single guest judge brings their own specialist perspective to the process and it was brilliant to be reunited with Sophie Robinson, Matthew Williamson, the inimitable Laurence Llwellyn-Bowen and queen of texture, Abigail Ahern. But this time I learnt all about day versus evening dining and how that impacts restaurant design from Mowgli Street Food founder Nisha Katona. I discussed the role of bricks and mortar shops in our digital era with Ross Bailey, CEO of Appear here, the market leader for pop-up shops; and how hotels can rediscover their mojo with Firmdale group founder Kit Kemp.

I also chatted all things creative and workspace, another realm that needs to be completely transformed in light of recent events, with former Soho House Creative Director, Linda Boronkay. What's so exciting is that all of these issues can be directly addressed with great interior design!

What are you looking for in terms of design talent this year?

I'm looking primarily for people that are open to learn, with a can-do attitude and a unique point of view. I can only bring out the best in someone who's prepared to accept that they don't know it all already, and no-one wants to see design by numbers.

Are there any particular qualities you tend to see in the individuals that do well?

The best designers, whether just starting out, or firmly established, recognise that they are first and foremost in service to their client. It's so easy to fall into the trap of defaulting to old favourites or personal must-haves, but if it's not appropriate for the scheme, location, purpose or brief, then you have to be big enough to change it. That said, passion also goes a long way, as does enthusiasm!

What's the difference between a good interior designer and a great interior designer?

Active listening skills! Too often designers occupy a zone of trying to convince, cajole and persuade a client to do what they like, instead of sitting back and simply asking them loads of questions. What they want to achieve? How do they want to feel in the space? What are their core objectives? Truly great designers paint a picture of renewed possibility, and then colour it in afterwards to suit a client's desires.

What interior design trends do you think we’ll see more of in 2021?

Personalisation and customisation will be big because now, more so than ever before, we need to come home and truly know that this is our very personal, and safe, little corner of the world. We'll also want to be surrounded by things we're allowed to touch as the complete antidote to the socially distanced world beyond our doors.

Now that people are spending so much more time at home, what’s one thing everyone could do that might really change the way they feel about their home?

Make it your own! Have the courage of your own design convictions. Paint the walls the colours you love. Hang that crazy wallpaper. Celebrate and showcase your cherished belongings and make it a space to be truly 'at home' with yourself. Bottom line, I don't care how you fold your socks, but I do care how you feel! And home should be your space to be fearless, completely at ease and absolutely splendid in your imperfections and obsessions.

As a judge you’re passionate about the power of good design, and the power of your environment to affect well-being, why is that?

Good design can change the way you feel, helping you to become your best self, inspire good habits, enable efficiency, and aid restorative relaxation. In this way your home environment is as important to wellbeing as the traditional twin pillars of nutrition and exercise. After all, it's a lot harder to create healthy food in a hectic kitchen, sleep well or honour thyself with exercise if what surrounds you is dark, drab or depressing!

Do you think anyone can be an interior designer? Where do you advise viewers to start if they’re not confident and can’t afford help?

I believe that anyone can make their home a magnificent place to be simply by tapping into what they intuitively like and not over-thinking it. The best homes are always those which are a mix of inspirations and references that are authentic and personal to the occupants. There are various ways to display and contain things, and loose rules about flow, and tighter ones about clutter, but all in all it's about the freedom of self-expression on what is arguably your biggest canvas for creativity. When we open ourselves up to that sort of creativity, we have the capacity to make magic!

I'd add as a caveat though, that just because you can do your own home doesn't qualify you to become a professional interior designer! In your own home you get to indulge yourself, as you should, whereas in the real world of commissioned work, you must repeatedly step aside from yourself as an individual, and that's a leap a successful/professional interior designer has to make.