With a stunning view across the River Thames and a well-stocked drinks cabinet, Jonathan Ansell’s luxury penthouse flat in Battersea, London, would make any bachelor proud.

There’s the guitar, the big fish tank and, erm, the sparkly pink things on the television cabinet…

The former G4 member is quick to point out the sparkle is down to his girlfriend, TV presenter Debbie King, and that they have very different ideas about décor.

“I love natural textures like wood and leather,” says Jonathan, “whereas Debbie is into sparkly things.

"I was worried we’d end up with a completely pink room.”

His plush apartment is a far cry from Jonathan’s previous digs.

“I used to live in the sitting room of a two-bedroom flat,” he explains.

“Being in G4 didn’t make me a millionaire, but it gave me a big hand in scaling the property ladder.”

So when, after 18 months together, Jonathan, 25, and Debbie, 30, decided to buy a place, the living room was the one he was determined to put his stamp on – and top of his list was a huge fish tank.

“Debbie hated it until she realised what a relaxing effect it has,” he explains.

Although naturally bright, the living room also features plenty of mood-enhancing lighting. The spiral staircase is lit by coloured uplights, while candles by the fireplace create a chilled-out vibe.

“The way you light a room is very important,” he says. “If you’ve only got one overhead light, it’s impossible to create different atmospheres.”

But it’s not just interior design that has kept Jonathan busy since G4 disbanded last summer. He’s about to launch his solo career, with the release of a new album of classical movie soundtracks.

“It is scary branching out, but exciting too,” says Jonathan. “I’ve stayed on good terms with the rest of the boys from G4 and we all live near each other.”

Which explains the many bottles of champagne.

“We love having parties,” he grins. “The best way to end a night is on the balcony with a glass of wine, admiring the fantastic view.”

1. GUMBALL MACHINE “This is Debbie’s. It was part of the set of Quizmania, a game show she used to present.”

2. CANDLES “Price’s candle factory is just next door to the flat, which is handy.”

3. LAMPS “These can change colour or be set at static white. They’re from Ikea and cost £20 each.”

4. MIRROR “This makes the sitting room look bigger. It’s from Homebase. I love the way the light bounces off the bevelled edges.”

5. NEW YORK PICTURE “Big pictures are great and this one works well with the room. It’s from Ikea and I bought it because I love New York.”

6. FISH TANK “I bought this when I signed my deal with Universal last year. It cost about £1,000.”

 JONATHAN'S STYLE TIPS
* Create continuity in an eclectic room with picture frames and mirrors in one colour.
* If you find a style you like, stick with it.
* Experiment with lighting. Look for unusual stuff in shops – like spotlights on stairs.
* The high street is a great place to find designer inspiration at a fraction of the cost.

Source: News of the World