Max Whitlock gets gold in interior design at Highbanks

Whitlock designed a show apartment for Weston Homes at the housebuilder’s Highbanks development in Southend-on-Sea.

In a day of extraordinary British success in Rio, Whitlock, 23, became Olympic champion on the floor and pommel horse – Britain’s first-ever Olympic gold medals in gymnastics, adding to the individual all-round bronze Whitlock won earlier in the Games.

Last year Whitlock, who lives and trains in Basildon, Essex, worked alongside Blocc Interiors to produce a signature show apartment for Weston Homes, based around the principles of minimal and uncluttered living, featuring Olympic-themed artwork.

Bob Weston, managing director of Weston Homes, said: “Max wanted the apartment to be clean and fresh, appealing to a young audience. Weston Homes has sponsored and supported Max for several years, but we did not know he had so many talents.”

Whitlock said: “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to design a show apartment and I wanted to create a home that pays homage to a sporting legacy, incorporating designs inspired by my medals. Key colours that make me feel energized were used throughout the apartment.”

Whitlock won two bronze medals at London 2012, but after making history in Rio yesterday the Olympic champion and interior designer’s favourite colour is now pure gold.