Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Awards 2017

This morning in the AM office we are revelling in the afterglow of the Awards party.

Walking over the threshold of the Royal Academy decorated by an illuminated AM logo and pausing in front of the step and repeat board, which not-so-coincidentally matched the monochrome tiled floor, were leading designers and design lovers from the global interiors scene. Amongst them were this year's judge Kit Kemp, previous winners Nicky Haslam, Michael Reeves and Rabih Hage as well as interiors icons Jane Churchill, Joanna Wood and Daniel Hopwood.

The Royal Academy was the perfect setting to the night, where the Baroque staircase and gilt door frames juxtaposed the multicoloured swirling Andrew Martin name projected onto the wall. Just as David Carter's get up breathed modern creative flair through the classical art clad rooms.

Everyone's favourite, Stephen Fry hosted the Awards and gave an exceptional speech, nominating importance to interior design in a naturally beautiful world where stereotypically the man-made is uncompromising. He also stated, 'Interior design is my life' and quoted Oscar Wilde as one of interior design's all time biggest fans.

Erin Martin of Martin Design, California was crowned the International Interior Designer of 2017 to hoots from her brilliantly eccentric team. Unsurprisingly, along with Erin's mother and daughter, they were the life and soul of the evening, acting as the personification of their characterful designs. AM's Martin Waller commented, 'Erin's designs encapsulate a joyous celebration of life. Her projects are full of her exuberant personality. She is never overawed by convention and original ideas bubble up everywhere which makes her schemes seem utterly fresh.'

When asked about her reaction to winning the Award, Erin replied, 'To be included in a list with my heroes is humbling. Winning makes me want to create.' And we cannot wait to see what she creates next.

Browse through our photo gallery below to see more of the night's adventures.