‘I lost 4st – & got a new £10k kitchen’

Relaxing on the L-shaped sofa in the lounge of his three-bedroom house is just what John Amabile needs after a day of filming.

"When I moved in five years ago, I gave the lounge a total overhaul," the 45 year old admits. "I love its dramatic look, which I created by laying down dark walnut flooring, installing a brick wall on one side and hanging black voile across one of the windows.

"I love sharp, clean lines and my sofa has a very masculine feel to it. It looks very hard edged, but it's actually really comfortable - perfect for chilling out on with a good book or a glass of wine!"

But this stylish room in the Glasgow house John shares with his partner isn't the only thing to enjoy a revamp.

John at 16 stone

Last summer, John embarked on a diet and in just 12 weeks lost an impressive 4st, dropping from 16st to 12st. When he achieved his goal, he rewarded himself with a brand new cooking space.

"I knew I had to exercise and eat healthily, and the thought of having a new kitchen spurred me on," says John.

"I joke that I work on 60 Minute Makeover but I did a 60lb makeover on myself! I stopped going out for big meals, cut back on alcohol and started running. The money I saved from socialising went towards the renovation."

John spent £10,000 installing a luxurious new kitchen complete with state-of-the-art appliances and Spanish porcelain tiles.

"I love looking out into the garden as I whip up a gorgeous healthy dinner," he says. "I have some pictures of me when I was fatter up in the dining room - if I ever get tempted to break my diet rules, a quick glance at those soon kills my appetite for bad food!"

Since transforming his pad - and himself - John's home is now the perfect party place. "I love throwing dinner parties and showing off my gorgeous home - and, of course, the new slimline me!" he laughs.

"I hate messy, full cupboards. I prefer frosted glass so you can't see what's inside."

JOHN'S STYLE TIPS:

• Choose the right lighting. Small table lamps create a soft ambience in a room.

• Opt for comfort over style when buying furniture. A comfy sofa should have a feather back and a foam bottom.

• To create an illusion of space, buy a glass table. The reflections in it will instantly make a room feel more open and airy.

• Mix your look with funky accessories to bring your personality into your home.

Click here find out how to recreate John's stylish look

John chills out in his dining room

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALISTAIR DEVINE, REX GROOMING: RONA AT MODEL TEAM COMPILED BY: SALLY GILLAM VISIT AMABILEDESIGN.COM FOR MORE ABOUT JOHN AND HIS WORK JOHN LOST WEIGHT ON THE ALL ABOUT W8 DIET PLAN, SEE ALLABOUTW8.CO.UK

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