Flamboyant, decadent, opulent – these are just some of the few words that can be used to describe the design philosophies of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, British interior designer and head judge of the reality TV show, The Apartment.

In town last month to celebrate his 50th birthday, Llewelyn-Bowen kicked off the festivities by painting a mural at the House of Dandy, where he played a hand in the interior decor of its recent facelift as well.

We sat down with the man himself to talk about decadent design, and some things homeowners can do to spice up their living spaces, which includes using a most unorthodox colour – black – on walls.