Salisbury interior accessories and gift shop Casa Fina played a starring role in last week’s episode of the BBC One hit show Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr.
The reality competition TV series, hosted by TV presenter and comedian Alan Carr, pits 10 aspiring interior designers against each other for a chance to win a life-changing contract transforming a luxury hotel apartment in Cornwall. Each week, a different challenge is set, designed to test their ability to meet various client briefs in different commercial and residential settings. Their efforts are judged by former Elle Decoration editor-in-chief Michelle Ogundehin, who is joined by a rotating panel of guest judges, dependent on the weekly brief.
In the latest ‘Shops Week’ episode, which aired on Wednesday (March 30) at 9pm, the six remaining designers visited the Wiltshire cathedral city to transform three very different independent stores, and retail expert Mary Portas was the guest judge.
The three businesses were Casa Fina, bridal shop Brides by Victoria, and lingerie shop Annie’s Just Jane. Alan said: ‘All were in need of a makeover to help them compete in an age of online shopping.’
The designers competed in pairs and had to pitch their plans to the shopowners. With a budget of £3,000, they had just two days to give the boutiques a completely new look.
“I’m so happy that I was involved. The brief was continuity through the shop and flexibility for display and we have that abundantly. Waiting for the show to air was a drag – we couldn’t publicise the programme but of course word got out locally after Alan Carr posted on Instagram from the Cathedral Close and stopped for selfies in the street”
Casa Fina owner Susi Mason
Casa Fina owner Susi Mason told Gifts Today: “I’m so happy that I was involved. The brief was continuity through the shop and flexibility for display and we have that abundantly. Waiting for the show to air was a drag – we couldn’t publicise the programme but of course word got out locally after Alan Carr posted on Instagram from the Cathedral Close and stopped for selfies in the street. Now that it’s been on TV, it’s certainly a relief that we can all talk about the experience. I loved watching the show. As Mary Portas said: a long-established business has had an update – hooray!â€
Susi added that since the show aired, “we’ve had lots of people popping by, both familiar faces and some new ones, to say they watched the programme and loved the makeover. Everyone says how open, light, and spacious the shop is now. Before it was rather cluttered and chaotic but it’s now a calm and relaxing experience. What a success!â€
Read more from Susi about Casa Fina’s story in the next issue of Gifts Today.
See the episode here
Would you like to be in next series? Apply here
Image credits:
Christopher Ison – Casa Fina owner Susi Mason
Noorie Parvez – Shop front
