NATALIE Bassingthwaighte credits her Nan for her passion in interior design and architecture.
The interest even led the actor, singer and children’s clothing label designer to study an interior design course online while pregnant with her daughter.
“I never ended up following through with it, so it was bizarre when they approached me to host Changing Rooms because I’m always changing rooms in my own house,” Melbourne-based Bassingthwaighte said.
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READ NOW“Filming the show was mind blowing and inspired me to get even more creative in my own space.
“I was very much a monochromatic girl based on my kids clothing brand Chi Khi, but I’ve come out the other side thinking I should be a bit braver with colour.”
Ten has revamped the renovation program where two couples swap homes and have to renovate three rooms in five days with a budget of $20,000 and the assistance of one of four designers.
“It’s fast paced, exciting and can be quite moving as well,” she said.
“I think they’re amazing for doing it because I’m too much of a control freak. Although in saying that, now that I’ve seen what the designers can do, I would let any of the four of them come into my house and work their magic.”
Bassingthwaighte said her hosting duties meant she had spent a lot of time with the contestants and designers, “so if you don’t like me then you probably won’t like the show because I’m all over it”.
Her commitment meant she was heavily invested during the final reveal.
“I would feel so nervous and the first time someone didn’t like a room was very confronting,” she said.
“But then when they love it, it’s quite moving because they’re so grateful.
“There is definitely joy, laughter and tears and I got picked up one time because they got so excited. It sounds so corny but I think it really does change their lives.”
Changing Rooms starts 7.30pm, February 13 on Ten.