Shopping: Doctor Lynn gives kiss of life to rooms

Oct 11 2010 By Emma McKinney

AMERICAN design guru Ann Maurice shot to fame thanks to her no-nonsense approach to turning property nightmares into heavenly homes in hit TV programme House Doctor.

Now the star is on a mission to transform homes across Britain and has launched a team of 25 house doctor consultants in the UK, including four based in the Midlands – Lynn Pick, Kay Ward, Rosalie Whitehead and Chantal Thomas.

Trained by Ann herself, they say their advice can not only turn the dullest of decor into miraculous makeovers, but they can also help vendors sell their houses for the best price – and all without costing the earth.

Ann says with the recession leaving fewer people moving house, now’s the ideal time to freshen up lackluster homes to give them a new lease of life.

“We are finding that more and more owners want help in redesigning or updating their home,” she says.

“Making purchases such as furniture and lighting can be expensive, particularly if decisions are made which are later regretted, so my team are on hand to help make the best buys and get the best overall look, for less.

“And for those selling houses, our team can advise on where to invest time and effort to make their property stand out.”

Lynn Pick ditched her job as a hotel manager to become a house doctor consultant after being inspired by the TV programme when she was moving house more than eight years ago.