A teacher from Wilmslow High School has been crowned the winner of BBC's Interior Design Masters, hosted by Alan Carr.
John Cooper who teaches Design and Technology teacher was one of ten novice designers looking for their big break in the world of commercial interior design. Over eight weeks they competed to win a life-changing collaboration contract with John Lewis to produce their own line of homewares.
John, 46, lives in Stockport with his wife Aggie and two children.
As winner of this year's Interior Design Masters TV competition John won the opportunity to design his own homeware collection in collaboration with John Lewis' in-house design team. The exclusive collection features over 20 items including bedding, cushions, towels, lamps, wall art and a tote bag.
I recently caught up with John following the finale where he triumphed with his Mediterranean-inspired holiday cottage in Portmeirion, Wales.
Which was your favourite challenge?
Challenge 7 in Edinburgh was a real standout for me. I had the opportunity to create a bar and performance space, and I just had so much fun with it. The venue was incredible, and it really gave me the freedom to be bold and creative. It felt like the perfect moment to bring all my ideas to life.
How did it feel winning?
Winning Interior Design Masters was completely surreal. I was overjoyed, of course—but also genuinely surprised. More than anything, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in what Rita and I had both achieved. Having my wife there beside me and being surrounded by my series 6 family of designers, the incredible crew, and all the trades—in the magical setting of Portmeirion—made it an unforgettable experience.
What was it like keeping the news of your win a secret?
That was one of the toughest parts! We wrapped filming in September, and I went straight back to teaching as if nothing had happened. When the series started airing, I obviously knew how it ended—but I had to keep quiet, even when my students were pleading with me to tell them who'd won. It was a real test of willpower!
Tell us about your homeware collection with John Lewis—what's in the range?
The collaboration with John Lewis has been an incredible experience and such an exciting prize. We used my monochrome office from Challenge 2 as a starting point and developed a bold, textural, and graphic collection that really stands out. It's a range that brings something fresh and distinctive to John Lewis and showcases elements of my own style.
When did the process start, and how did it work?
The design process kicked off just three days after I won Interior Design Masters. I travelled to the John Lewis head office in London to meet the design team, and we got to work immediately. It was a fast-paced, highly collaborative process—we explored materials, investigated manufacturing techniques, and refined concepts together. I'd develop ideas, they'd give feedback, and we'd iterate until everything was just right. We had to move quickly to hit the production deadlines in time for the collection to launch alongside the show's final episode.
How long did it take to get the products in store?
The collection launched online straight after the final episode aired on the 29th of May and customers were able to shop in stores the following day. It was such an achievement to go from concept to launch in such a short time. Seeing the full range designed, produced, and merchandised so quickly was truly rewarding.
What are your future plans?
I'm launching my own interior design studio in Summer 2025. It'll offer both online and in-person services, with a range of design packages. I'll also keep working on renovating my own home, which is a constant passion project. Beyond that, I'm exploring new product design opportunities, and I'd love to continue working in television too. It's a really exciting time.
Do you plan to keep teaching?
This academic year will be my last in the classroom. I've been teaching for 19 years, and it's been an incredibly fulfilling part of my life. One of the most touching things since the show aired has been the messages from former students and the families of current ones. Their support has meant the world. It feels like the perfect time to close this chapter on a high.
Mark Vincent, Deputy Headteacher at Wilmslow High School said "Students and staff at Wilmslow High are absolutely thrilled by Mr Cooper's incredible victory on Interior Design Masters. Watching his journey, with its creative highs and challenging setbacks, has been inspiring for our whole school community. He has modelled such impressive resilience, professionalism and determination throughout, and we are all so proud of what he has achieved. The buzz around the school has been amazing."
Photos: John with his homeware collection and his Portmeirion holiday cottage.
