Life

Real Housewives star Dawn Ward on interior design and her plans for a new reality tv show

Former The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward chats to Jenny Lee about her new life in Dubai, plans for a new reality tv show and her interior design career

Dawn Ward shot to fame when she starred in The Real Housewives of Cheshire
Dawn Ward shot to fame when she starred in The Real Housewives of Cheshire Dawn Ward shot to fame when she starred in The Real Housewives of Cheshire

Step aside the Karadshians, former Real Housewives of Cheshire (RHOC) star Dawn Ward has revealed that her family, including daughter Taylor, who is married to Manchester City footballer Riyad Mahrez, are planning their own reality TV series.

Although filming has yet to start, plans for Waking Up With the Wards are already “in the pipeline”.

“I've got an amazing family who are very supportive. They are a bit crazy like me, we are good tv. So I thought - why not showcase what we do?”

Married to former England and Blackburn Rover footballer Ashley Ward for 26 years, the couple have four daughters and two granddaughters.

“Obviously, in Real Housewives with six characters, there's only so much airtime you get.  I wanted to do a family show where you see other sides of my life people haven't seen,” adds the 49-year-old.

This includes Dawn the business woman, who runs the interior design company Artisa Design Limited, who has worked on some of the most prestigious properties around the world.

“I made a very conscious decision when I first joined the show not to speak about my interior design business, as I was a bit concerned that if I was arguing with Housewives on the TV one day, and then the week sitting with a billionaire client, it wouldn't sit well.

“It was a big mistake because not many people knew my real job and I've done some incredible houses which I’m very proud of and want to speak more about.”

One of her biggest projects was the £250 million award-winning Mayfair mansion of Phones 4u founder John Caudwell, which was the subject of the Channel 4 documentary Britain’s Most Expensive Home.

Dawn spent five years on the project and was delighted when it went on to win London’s Best Design Scheme 2022 and the World’s Best Residential Swimming Pool.

The award winning swimming pool design
The award winning swimming pool design The award winning swimming pool design

Dawn didn’t come from a privileged background. Born in Salford, her father came from a large Irish family of 20 in Kilkenny.

She confesses she left school at the age of 16 with no qualifications, but always had the confidence and work ethic to succeed in life.

“I took my first job at the age of 12 in a fruit and veg stall. The first business I owned was an old people’s home. The reason? A friend had one and they made lots of money.”

Away from social media and television, having a successful career is very important to Dawn. Aware of the influence she has upon young girls who aspire to have the lifestyle and home she has, Dawn hopes it is her attitude that will inspire them.

“I'm very big on girl power. When I worked in the construction industry, people thought it was a man's world, but they are very much mistaken. Women can do anything they want.

“I’ve made mistakes in the past. If I lost everything tomorrow, it would be horrific, but I'd push myself back down and start again. My advice in life is to always go with your gut instinct, be confident, give 150%, don't be afraid of failure and never give up.  If you're confident and you believe in yourself, people will believe in you.”

Earlier this year, Dawn launched another business - The London Rug Company – with the aim of bringing a touch of luxury into homes at affordable prices.

“People often tell me that when they win the lottery they want me to style their houses, so I wanted to bring out something luxurious that everybody could afford,” says Dawn, about her rugs, available in Ireland, through HouseProud Furniture, from £120.

“A rug is a good investment. You put a new rug down and change the cushions and all of a sudden you've a completely different room.  Outdoor living is an extension to the house, so I’ve washable outdoor rugs as well.”

She is keen to educate the public on how they can make their homes look great without the need to be a millionaire.

“A lot of people buy small rugs and put them under a coffee table. In actual fact, you are supposed to put your sofa on the rug - it makes your room look a lot bigger.”

One of Dawn Ward's London Rug Company designs
One of Dawn Ward's London Rug Company designs One of Dawn Ward's London Rug Company designs

When it comes to interior trends, Dawn says that gold accents are back in fashion, but that texture is key.

“Textured wallpaper that you can actually feel, rather than a piece of wallpaper or a cushion with some kind of raised texture makes a huge difference to a home.

“With my rugs I’ve put in a lot of polyester, so they're very durable. But they also feel very silky and luxurious.”



Dawn left RHOC in 2020, after 12 seasons, making the decision to relocate to Dubai. It’s a move she describes as “incredible”.

“My two youngest go to school here. It’s a great place to live, with very little crime and everyone is so positive.

“My two older children still live in the UK and my head office is in Cheshire, so I do come back and forth,” adds Dawn, revealing they even flew over their beloved dogs and horses to Dubai.”

Whilst currently renting a five-bedroom home in Dubai, when their Walford Hall home is sold, the Wards plan to build “a really nice contemporary beach house”.

Manchester City footballer Riyad Mahrez and wife Taylor Ward
Manchester City footballer Riyad Mahrez and wife Taylor Ward Manchester City footballer Riyad Mahrez and wife Taylor Ward

“We're waiting for Riyad to retire from Manchester City so he, my daughter and granddaughter can come over and I'm hoping that my other daughter, Darby, will move too.

Built in 1867, Walford Hall is dubbed one of Cheshire’s most prestigious houses and is currently on the market for seven million pounds.

The mansion will be familiar to fans of the Real Housewives show, as many of the dramatic scenes were filmed there over the years. 

Dawn Ward pictured with former The Real Houswives of Cheshire co-stars Seema Malthora, Rachel Lugo, Esther Dee, Hanna Miraftab, Lauren Simon, Perla Navia and Tanya Bardsley
Dawn Ward pictured with former The Real Houswives of Cheshire co-stars Seema Malthora, Rachel Lugo, Esther Dee, Hanna Miraftab, Lauren Simon, Perla Navia and Tanya Bardsley Dawn Ward pictured with former The Real Houswives of Cheshire co-stars Seema Malthora, Rachel Lugo, Esther Dee, Hanna Miraftab, Lauren Simon, Perla Navia and Tanya Bardsley

Dawn crossed paths with many a ‘housewife’ during her time on the show, including ex-bestie Leanne Brown, but has remained good friends with many of her former co-stars.

“People have criticized the show for being staged, but it’s not scripted one bit. I’m still friends with most of them. I went to dinner this week with Rachel (Lugo) and Nicole (Sealey).”

And would she ever return to make a guest appearance on RHOC?

“I'm in Dubai now, but never say never.”

Dawn has already firmly embraced the Dubai lifestyle and be-friended The Real Housewives of Dubai, so will viewers see her pop up on that show?

"I've no comment at the moment," she laughs nervously.

Is Dawn Ward set to join The Real Housewives of Dubai?
Is Dawn Ward set to join The Real Housewives of Dubai? Is Dawn Ward set to join The Real Housewives of Dubai?

Working out three times a week and eating healthily “during the week”, Dawn is looking forward to her  50th birthday celebrations in July.

“Age is a number. I'm looking forward to my 50s, but I'm not a big believer in growing graciously and have the odd nip and tuck occasionally,” she laughs.

:: Dawn Ward will be visiting House Proud, Boucher Road, Belfast on Sunday April 23 at 4pm, to launch The London Rug Company designs. Londonrugcompany.com