Rita Millat wowed viewers as a standout finalist on the latest series of Interior Design Masters, earning recognition for her bold, imaginative style. Known for infusing fun and functionality into every space, Rita’s designs stood out for their creativity, texture, and unexpected material choices. With a background in visual merchandising, she brings a sharp eye for detail and a passion for reimagining everyday objects in striking ways.
Read on as we catch up with Rita to get an insider’s look at her creative process, inspirations, and standout moments from the show.
1. What’s your background in interiors and how did you get into design?
Credit: Interior Design Masters / BBC One
I studied interior design at university in Lebanon, where I’m originally from, however, I didn’t work as a designer back then.
When I moved to the UK in 2006, I started working in fashion as a visual merchandiser in London, but design was always what I wanted to return to.
2. How would you describe your signature interior style in three words?
Credit: Mindy Coe
Rustic, textural, and transformative.
3. Which space from Interior Design Masters are you most proud of and why?
Credit: Interior Design Masters / BBC One
I really enjoyed a few of them, but my favourite would have to be week one’s bunk room transformation, as it was my signature style. I also enjoyed week five, designing the premium suite in Twickenham. I loved the pub vibe I managed to achieve in two days, and my theme of dedicating my space to women’s rugby. That week felt smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
4. And what about the toughest moment on the show? How did you handle it?
Credit: Interior Design Masters / BBC One
For me, the toughest moment was in week seven, when I was designing the comedy club for the fringe festival in Edinburgh. I know that might come as a surprise, given I ended up winning standout space! But it was the most difficult and stressful week as I decided to go very bold and completely out of my comfort zone. I handled it well as I was very professional in terms of time management with the trades, and we made sure to finish everything on time. But it proved that sometimes, when we step outside our comfort zone, it can actually work well.
5. Designing on a shoestring, what’s your secret to creating a luxe look on a budget?
Credit: Mindy Coe
Working with such small budgets and timescales taught me so much. The secret is to make sure you have at least one wow factor item. This could be the colours you use, one standout furniture piece that feels truly unique, a large piece of artwork, or the wall treatments you choose, such as cladding or panelling.
6. How do you keep your creativity fresh? Any unexpected sources of inspiration?
Credit: Mindy Coe
I try to lead a creative life, which means I find inspiration everywhere I go. I’ve trained my eyes to see beauty wherever I look at anything around me. Nature is my main inspiration, especially when it comes to textures and colours.
My top tip is to open your eyes to inspiration, and you will see it everywhere.
7. How do you strike a balance between bold aesthetics and practical living?
Credit: Mindy Coe
Personally, practical living is more important than style when it comes to designing a space. Firstly, I will think about the space layout, the functionality, and then how I can make it aesthetically pleasing. Not the other way round, as I feel that’s when people start to feel that the space isn’t working for them.
8. What’s your best advice for someone revamping a room on a weekend?
Credit: Interior Design Masters / BBC One
My advice is to ask yourself how you feel now in this room and how you would like to feel, and start from there. Don’t compare your home or business to anyone, as it’s so unique to you and your lifestyle.
9. What colour palette or trend are you loving right now?
Credit: Mindy Coe
I tend not to follow trends, but the colours I’m loving right now are every shade of green I can see. I feel it’s a colour that is both calming and sophisticated.
10. Do you have a favourite guest judge or most memorable bit of feedback?
Credit: Interior Design Masters / BBC One
It has to be the guest judge in episode one, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. I was over the moon when he said that I made a dark grey look sexy.
11. Which contestants are you still in touch with? Any future collabs on the cards?
Credit: Mindy Coe
We still all talk weekly, but the ones I call every week are Briony and John.
I would love to have a collaboration with any of the contestants, and we are discussing a few ideas between us as we speak.
12. What’s one piece from Oak Furnitureland that you’d love to style in your own home?
Evesham Ottoman | @oursmallterrace
I would love to style the Evesham ottoman bed to show people how important a luxurious bed at home is. It’s proof that you don’t need to go to a hotel to feel relaxed and special — you can build this vibe into your own home, too.
13. What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or plans in the pipeline?
Credit: Mindy Coe
I have been working on a client’s three-bedroom cottage, and it’s very exciting to be involved from the start to the finish.
My next big plan is to launch my own podcast, giving people a closer insight into my personal and professional life, so stay tuned!
14. Any advice for emerging designers dreaming of following in your footsteps?
Credit: Mindy Coe
If this is your dream, go for it, whatever your age. Don’t allow anything to stop you from chasing your dreams, it will take time, but it could all work out in the end.
Curious to see where Rita Millat’s design journey leads next? Explore her latest projects and inspirations at www.ritamillat.com, and follow along on Instagram @ritamillat for a behind-the-scenes look at her evolving creative world.
