From the editors of some of the most read Homes and Interiors magazines to the owners of crafty and creative start-up businesses, we sit down with those in the know to get the scoop on everything from what a normal day is like to their future trend predictions.

In this week’s Behind The Brush interview, we caught up with Jay Blades. Jay is a furniture designer as well as an award winning community leader and founder of Jay & Co, a social enterprise that helps reach disadvantaged and disengaged groups in the community….

1. What is a normal day for you?

JB: Most of the time it’s the same routine! The first thing I do to wake up is do 50 push ups before breakfast. Once I am ready I head straight to my workshop – it’s my favourite place to be.

2. What do you love most about your job?

JB: I really enjoy the process of finding inspiration for my projects. Thinking of ideas and trying new things – I love how creative my job is. (I also love having my own studio so if I want to, I can dance around all day!)

3. What is the biggest challenge in your job?

JB: I’m a perfectionist so I have to feel 110% happy with everything I do, which can be quite exhausting. I’m a really hard person to please!

4. When did you first become interested in interiors?

JB: When I had to furnish my first flat with no money! I was using things I found on the roadside like bricks, milk bottle crates and washing lines. It forced me to be creative and I loved it.

5. Are you a fan of upcycling?

JB: It’s a bit controversial but I’m not really a fan of upcycling personally. However, I am a massive fan of sustainability! It’s all about the way we work with young people and the legacy we’ll be leaving them. I’m making pieces now that should last another lifetime.

6. What are your top tips on getting in the creative zone?

JB: Dancing to music! I love all types of music but I tend to listen to classical, jazz and grime music to get me in the zone.

7. Where do you get your inspiration from?

JB: I get inspiration from everything and anything. It could be something random such as a cigarette butt that has weathered from the rain and has transformed into something completely different.

8. What is your favourite room in the home and why?

JB: I don’t really have a favourite room but I do have a favourite thing, and that’s my ironing board and my iron. I will spend around 3-4 hours ironing at a time. It calms me and gives me the time to reassess everything I’ve done throughout the week.

9. Describe your dream home…

JB: My dream home is my workshop, so I am already living in it.

10. What is your biggest interior or craft trend prediction for 2016?

JB: For years interior designers have always clubbed things together in threes. I think an emerging trend is focusing on just one thing, one leg on a chair or just one, simple button for example.

For more information on Jay and Jay & Co follow him on Twitter or visit the website.