Celebrity interior designer and star of hit BBC show transforms Leeds college department

A BBC interior design star has helped transform a college in Leeds.

Star of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, Siobhan Murphy, has used her distinctive vision to transform the Future Pathways department at Leeds City College.

Future Pathways helps 16-24 year olds with special educational needs access courses and employment.

The Yorkshire born interior designer featured in the second series of the BBC One show in 2021, where her creative flair and maximalist designs took her all the way to the final.

“Working with a college and working with young people is always going to be challenging in its own respect,” she said.

“It’s very different because rather than just one or two clients you could have 50, so it's about pleasing everybody and giving everybody a sense that it's theirs and it's there to be enjoyed and used.

“Projects like this show just how much our surroundings can affect how we feel. Giving students a space that feels joyful, considered and made for them can make such a difference to their experience at college.”

Formerly an NHS worker for 16 years, since her TV debut Murphy has gone on to publish a best-selling book and work on a variety of projects, from B&Bs to country homes.

Before kicking off the project in July, Murphy visited the college to speak to the students about their ideas for the space and deliver a masterclass in interior design.

As part of the project, Murphy converted what was formerly a staff kitchen into a café area for students to use to learn key skills in hospitality and customer service.

The initiative was delivered in partnership with the Wickes Community Programme - a product donation scheme founded by the DIY retailer that provides paint and building supplies to support local improvement projects.

Oliver Johnstone, Head of the Future Pathways Department at Leeds City College, said: “The makeover in Future Pathways has made an incredible difference to our daily environment.

“We’ve shifted from a stark, clinical white space to a bright, vibrant learning setting that our students and staff can truly be proud of.

“Beyond just aesthetics, this redesign has fundamentally changed how the space feels - creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages engagement and gives everyone who walks through the door a real sense of ownership and belonging. It is a space that truly reflects the energy and potential of our students.”

The college's café has been completely transformed from a tired space into somewhere that’s cosy and usable.

It is hoped that it will become somewhere students with additional needs can meet friends, have lunch, take some time out and feel comfortable on campus.

The new design incorporates warm colours and custom-made seating areas to create an inviting space for students.