Andover tattooist featuring in Channel 4 Outrageous Homes

Nic Smith, who lives in Bishops Way, has made a splash in the world of interior design with her appearance on Channel 4’s latest show, Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewellyn Bowen.

Nic, who moved to Andover three years ago having previously lived in Surrey, Devon, Hong Kong and London, has been perfecting her craft since 2010, specialising in ornamental styles, Indian mehndi designs, mandalas, dotwork, and geometry.

She told the Advertiser: "It was a great experience, the crew were absolutely lovely."

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Nic Smith chatting with Llewellyn Bowen (Image: Nic Smith)

She explained that she got to show off her home, giving viewers a tour while explaining her design decisions to the presenter.

She said: "It was more of a house tour, focussing on certain areas and chatting to Laurence about my design decisions and choices.

"There’s a lot of pattern in the house, a lot of William Morris designs - but not as they most frequently appear - these are larger scale patterns and brighter colour palettes."

Talking about her outrageous home, Nic admitted that while it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, her favourite thing about it is "the uplifting feeling the overall effect has".

She continued: "I am fully aware that bright colours and bold patterns are not for everyone, however, personally, looking at grey and beige interiors makes my eyes sad.

"I spent lockdown when I couldn’t be tattooing, studying for a diploma in interior design, it’s something that I’ve always loved."

Nic Smith shows off her 'bright at bold' home (Image: Nic Smith)

Nic's tattoos are known for their unique balance and longevity, achieved through the striking contrast of bold lines and intricate detailing.

She exclusively works with black ink and grey dot shading to create her timeless designs.

Primarily based in her private garden studio in Andover, Nic also makes regular guest appearances, spending one week each month at Wolf Ink Studios in Exeter and occasionally at The Family Business in London.

With a BA Hons in fine art, Nic established Songbird Tattoo in December 2011 in Honiton, Devon, before relocating the shop to Exeter’s High Street in November 2014. In 2022, she opened her private studio in Andover, continuing to pursue her passion for patterns and artistic expression.

Nic’s artistic journey and her love for patterns and colour have led her to her latest venture on Outrageous Homes.

Her background in tattooing, combined with her fine art degree and a lifelong passion for styling her own homes, make her a perfect fit for the show.

Outrageous Homes can be seen on Channel 4’s catch up service, with Nic appearing in episode 4.

For more information about Nic's tattoo studio, go to nicsmithtattooist.com.