Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Slams Stacey Solomon’s BBC Show ‘Sort Your Life Out’
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 59, famous for his flamboyant personality and distinctive design style, has caused a stir with some sharp words aimed at fellow TV star Stacey Solomon, 35. Known for his laid-back demeanor and eccentric humor, Laurence is usually the one creating space for bold, quirky design choices—yet last week, he opened up in a rare moment of frustration.
In a recent interview, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen made it clear that he was not a fan of Stacey Solomon’s popular BBC show Sort Your Life Out, where she helps people declutter and reorganize their homes.
Laurence’s Opinion on Decluttering Shows
“I’m very against this idea of life laundry or ‘sorting your stuff out,” Laurence said, expressing how the show’s focus on decluttering doesn’t align with his design philosophy. According to him, decluttering “makes my toes curl,” as it implies a “right” way to live, something he firmly disagrees with.
Stacey Solomon ‘Sort your life out’ (@sortyourlifeout Instagram)
“There’s no right answer. There’s no such thing as good taste or bad taste. It’s all about personal taste,” Laurence explained. He emphasized that everyone’s home should reflect their individuality, free from societal judgments or trends, which is why he finds Sort Your Life Out problematic.
The Importance of Personal Expression in Home Design
For Laurence, a home should be “the museum of you” — a space to express who you are and what you’ve collected over the years, whether it’s quirky decor or sentimental items. He argued that the focus should be on curating your space in a way that feels authentic, rather than conforming to a particular aesthetic or hiding things away for the sake of “tidiness.”
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (@llewelynbowen Instagram)
“Your home should be a reflection of you,” he added. “It’s unbelievably important to who you are, giving you the opportunity to recharge and express yourself without judgment.”
Why Laurence Doesn’t Believe in ‘Aesthetic Judgment’
Laurence was especially critical of the judgments made on Sort Your Life Out, where certain items or colors are labeled “garish” or “wrong.” He believes this type of aesthetic judgment misses the point of home design altogether.
Rather than focusing on clearing out the clutter, Laurence advocates for “facilitators” in the design world—those who encourage people to figure out what works for them, rather than telling them what’s right or wrong.
“I don’t think we need ‘designosaurs’ telling us what to do,” Laurence quipped, referring to design experts who impose rigid rules.
Laurence’s Upcoming Projects: A Celebration of Eccentric Design
Laurence’s new show, Outrageous Homes, which is set to return for a second series on Channel 4 this year, will continue to showcase bizarre, eccentric, and unique interiors—quite the opposite of the tidy, minimalist approach promoted by Sort Your Life Out.
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“We’re celebrating the daft, the quirky, and the eclectic,” Laurence said. He likened the homeowners featured on his show to “avatars” of individuality, proudly displaying their personal style in their homes.
He also shared details of his upcoming appearance at the Ideal Home Show, where he will unveil his Home of Your Future concept. The display, which will take place at Olympia Events in London on March 21, will focus on making the most of smaller living spaces—something Laurence believes is crucial for today’s increasingly cramped urban environments.
“We’re living in smaller spaces, and it’s important to create an environment that suits our needs, especially as we age,” Laurence explained, noting that older generations might resist the trend of bland, “beige” interiors.
A Final Word on ‘Real Interiors’
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s critique of Sort Your Life Out didn’t stop there. In his typical fashion, he humorously challenged Stacey Solomon to let him show her what “real interiors” look like, even suggesting, “Why don’t you lock me in Stacey Solomon’s Pickle Cottage, and I’ll show her what real interiors look like?”
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is a British interior designer, TV personality, and design consultant, best known for his flamboyant style and role as a presenter on various home makeover shows. He gained widespread recognition for his role on the BBC’s Changing Rooms (1996–2004), a show where he transformed people’s homes, often with bold, dramatic, and eclectic design choices that became his trademark.
BBC Changing Rooms cast
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was appointed as the design curator for Rangeford Villages, a luxury retirement home company. In this role, Llewelyn-Bowen is responsible for overseeing the interior design of their developments, ensuring that the spaces are both stylish and suitable for the needs of older residents.
His involvement with Rangeford Villages aligns with his passion for making spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable. His design philosophy, which emphasizes personalization and creating vibrant, beautiful environments, is a natural fit for high-end retirement living. The collaboration focuses on creating homes that provide a luxurious, vibrant, and fulfilling living experience for older adults, with an emphasis on both comfort and style.
This partnership further showcases Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s influence in interior design, expanding his reach beyond traditional homes and into the growing market of luxury retirement living.