Show of hands, do you watch HGTV, the Style Network, etc.? I’m dying to know what shows you dig but also those you do not so please share in the comments section because I’ll be waiting! It’s fun to dish about television shows that deal with design, decorating and home organization, don’t you think? Some can be so tacky and bizarre while others are quite entertaining, informative even. Here are some that I occasionally enjoy, not religiously, but if I’m channel surfing and one happens to be on I’ll check it out for sure.
1) I’m such a fan of Los Angeles-based designer Kahi Lee and would love to meet this lady someday, she is darling and her energy is super contagious. Her work really inspires me and I only watch Design on a Dime (HGTV) if I notice she is hosting that particular episode (the show has multiple hosts). I just watched A Home Office That Doubles as a Laundry Room and Media Room and loved the space, it looks so much better on television than the photos up on the website. The room is so fresh and alive just like Kahi!
2) I recently started watching Color Splash with David Bromstad on HGTV. I’m only on my third episode but so far so good. I love his enthusiasm, sense of humor, positivity, and that he genuinely listens to his clients. I also like how he does a painting (or several) for his clients leaving behind something personal in addition to the newly designed space. I also like that he’s a fan of West Elm because I’ve found some good stuff there in the past myself. David really grows on you, the more you see him the more you want to keep watching.
3) I’ve been a long time fan of HGTV’s House Hunters and House Hunters International, though the International one is my favorite because I am curious to see what one can buy in countries outside of the U.S. and I’m inspired by families who either live in two countries or leave their homeland in search of a new life.
4) I just started watching The Property Shop with feisty Realtor and mother Tatiana Londono in Montreal because I like her will-do attitude and how aggressive but sweet she is with her clients. She is super charming but she doesn’t take heat from buyers or sellers. I also love her hair.
5) HGTV’s Property Virgins is another good show, especially if you are looking for a first time home to buy. I find lots of information worth remembering, from what to look for in a home to how to ‘see’ the potential in a property. Host Sandra Rinomato is a great lady, very on point and professional — she knows her stuff.
6) I just started watching Dear Genevieve, I’ve only viewed one complete episode but I think I’ll return for more. Genevieve Gordor is the New York City designer from TLC’s Trading Spaces. Gen is someone I imagine as an editor of a mag like Domino or perhaps a lady who I’d love to shop with at a vintage clothing store or charity shop. She once had a very boho style (on Trading Spaces) but it seems her look has evolved and she loves a more refined, sophisticated style. I like her approach to design and how big she thinks along with her hair and wardrobe.
7) Dress My Nest on the Style Network with Interior Designer Thom Filicia who we know best from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Thom is funny and very compassionate and caring with his clients, and I like some of his rooms too.
8) Designed to Sell with Clive Pearse (only when he hosts, another show with multiple hosts on HGTV) is one I tune into to learn more about how staging. But I have to admit, I don’t really learn much from the show, I watch it more for Clive because c’mon he’s pretty cute…
For shows I dislike well Clean House Before & After comes to minds. While it may be a great show with an excellent mission, it makes me feel sad to see so many people living under mountains of clutter and sometimes that alone makes me avoid tuning in. Does this make sense? I guess I don’t always know how realistic these homes are either, I mean do people REALLY live like that or do they pretend so they can get on the show? Hmmm…
Your turn, what are you watching?
(images from hgtv.com)
I am a huge fan of “Love it or List It”. The premise (for those who haven’t seen it) is a couple comes forward with the struggles or issues with their current house (ie not enough bedrooms, awkward floorplan) and a budget for a total reno. The designer, Hillary is pitted against real estate agent David who attempts to find the couple a new home that suits all of their needs.
Then at the end they see their reno’d home and decide if thy want to love it or list it.
Hillary is obnoxious, but I love the show.
I like Design on a Dime, all the hosts because I am often inspired by the color choices even if I don’t like the design. I also like re purposing stuff and theirs is a good show to get ideas from, some of the materials they use are not necessarily the quality I would use but they are working on a specific budget, however the ideas are priceless and I can use other materials to create the same thing.
I like Myles of Style again for the ideas not necessarily the materials used. Nothing against MDF, it is a good thing but if I were to incorporate some of the items they make I might not use MDF but a different wood, so I am not watching it for the materials list but ideas.
I have been a big fan of David Bromstad because he does listen to his clients and does something that works for them and isn’t about “I am the designer and you will like what I give you” he is about the client and giving them a room that they will like and is high style. Again color choices are very inspirational.
And finally Dear Genvieve, I loved her on Trading Spaces, she was my favorite. I feel she is the same person but she has grown but haven’t we all. She still retains that sense of fun and likability and like David’s show she wants to make something that will work for the client.
I don’t get the style network, and I don’t feel that I am missing anything. But I feel my style is a bit more geared to HGTV, which is nice, functional, has designer appeal, but they rooms feel real to me. I don’t get when people say they want to live in a hotel I want to live in a home. I am geared more to the cozy feel comfortable type of decorating.
The only design show I watch is “Top Design” on Bravo. It’s similar to “Project Runway” but for designers. I’m a commercial/retail interior designer, and most of the HGTV/TLC shows annoy me.
I also watch Design on a Dime, Dear Genvieve, Color Splash, and Dress my Nest. Those are probably my favorites, for the reasons you and “wendyloohoo” have stated. I like the decorating portion of the Real Simple Real Life show too. I like the show Freestyle on HGTV; I remember Evan on that show from one of my former favorites, While you Were Out.
I love Vern Yip and his style, but I find his show too depressing sometimes, even though he is doing positive things for great people, sometimes their backstory is too emotional for me.
Clean House can be entertaining, because some of the clients are a little quirky, but i usually just watch the beginning and the end of the show to see the transformation. I really do think that there are people that live like that! In fact, i know of a few folks that do, unfortunately.
I’ve always like A&E’s Sell This House, because they literally make do with NOTHING, no carpenters, no budget. They really show people how to work with what they already have. Same with HGTV’s Freestyle, which seems to focus more on college-aged clients, but he has a lot of great ideas about how to work with what you have without the need to buy ANYTHING new!
I think that Candice Olson from Divine Design {HGTV} is indeed DIVINE. Agree totally about the Clean House Before & After show ~ it stresses me out to see my own house messy, definitely don’t want to see someone else’s mess…
Let’s see, on HGTV my favorites are Dear Genevieve, House Hunters International, and Divine Design. While I’ve only seen it a few times, I also think that Myles of Style is pretty entertaining. Kim Myles is pretty talented and an engaging host. And of course, I can’t wait for the next seasons of Top Design and Design Star. I can’t get enough of Cynthia Rowley or Jonathan Adler.
I don’t get the Style Network so I’m missing out on Thom, which is a shame because I LOVED his spaces on Queer Eye.
As for home decor/housing shows I don’t like: Trading Spaces (so over it…wait, it’s still on, right?), Carter Can (it’s a shame someone as cute as Carter has SUCH terrible taste…why does he always paint rooms a horrible shade of yellow-orange?!), and Design on a Dime (most of the time, the stuff just ends up looking crappy).
Hi Holly,
You mentioned several of my favorites as well. I’ve been watching Design on a Dime for years and love Kristin Cunningham’s work…..her rooms are flawless and always look like they took thousands to put together. I also like Genevieve’s new show. She seems like she’d be a lot of fun to be around and genuinely cares about her clients. One show you didn’t mention was “Find Your Style”. It’s on Saturdays at 3 p.m. on HGTV. The host is Karen McAbee (think that’s how you spell it). She’s very talented and self-taught which really impresses and inspires me.
See you today on “decor 8″. I’m following your creative series and have a few projects set up for this weekend. Thanks!
I actually know of three families off-hand that live like the families on Clean House, unfortunately they wouldn’t have to do a thing to mess things up for the camera. The first I’ve witnessed personally, the second is my sister’s ex’s mother and sounds to be the worst of the three, and the third I’ve heard bits and pieces described, but she doesn’t allow anyone in so there is no evidence.
It’s terrible but if it’s on HGTV chances are I’ll watch it. I prefer the first seasons of Designed to Sell with Lisa and Clive and have taken a lot of their advice even with no intentions to sell my house. I like Deserving Design mainly because I’ve always loved Vern Yip’s style.
My ultimate favorites are Color Splash and Divine Design. David Bromstad and Candice Olson can do no wrong in my mind (though they’re pretty different designers!) Too bad nobody comes to my neck of the woods for design shows, or I would definitely sign up for one of them to come to my home and work their magic!
I enjoy Dear Genevieve and Divine Design on HGTV but my favorite design show by far is Design Inc. It follows a bustling interior design firm in Canada owned by Sarah Richardson. I TiVo it every Sunday morning on the Fine Living Network (sister station to HGTV) and get really disappointed when they show a repeat. But sometimes I’ll watch it again
Every time I hum the tune my husband knows that I am about to hit the play button. Sarah is more of a high-end designer now but she used to show many of her flea market trips in a show called Room Service, another favorite.
Have a lovely weekend, Holly.
I’m a fan of the DIY & decorating shows like Dress My Nest, Design on a Dime (Chicago hosts), Dear Genvieve, and Color Splash. I also watch Myles of Style once in awhile. I loved Find Your Style, Design Remix, and from Junky to Funky because I like to remake/update junk (some of it mine) and mix it with higher end items in my home.
I’m not a fan of the Selling A House, Flipping a House, or Watch People Buy a House shows. Clean House is OK but sometimes I cringe when they make the home owners sell good useable furniture that they already have, like the family that they made sell a room full of vintage mid century modern furniture (eee gad!), so the hosts can makeover the same room with furniture from a sponsor.
Do you ever watch DIY Network? They have a lot of terrific shows; great content, great concepts, and they feature a lot of things that viewers can actually do. Most regular people would have a hard time emulating Doug Wilson in everyday life. I love “Man Caves,” a show that features old basements and attics being turned into awesome rooms for the husbands of the houses.
I was on the interior design team for Dear Gen. We worked really hard to develop a very sophisticated style for the rooms and source as many items from artists and independent designers which helps contribute that look. A lot of shows on HGTV get everything at IKEA. We love the big blue box bc our budgets were next to nothing, but we definitely took it to the next level in this show.
Always remember that the people you see on TV have their jobs – which is looking great on tv… but also remember that there is a whole team of people off camera getting the work done.
HGTV has really great shows and I watch them all the time. Most of your favs are mine too, but I’d have to say Design Inc & Room Service with Sarah Richardson are my absolute favorites. Divine Design is next…gotta love Carter Can & Red Hot & Green or any other show with Carter Oosterhouse. Carter is great and provides a nice piece of eye candy too!
My favorites are Curb Appeal, reruns of Mission Organization and House Hunters. HH International is fun to watch, to see how different lifestyles are in other countries, but I mostly watch the original “local” version.
I live in Canada and LOVE the following shows:
- Design Inc.
- Sarah’s House (and Sarah’s Cottage starts March 31!)
- House Hunters/House Hunters International
- Small Space Big Style
Reality shows usually scare me.. a lot. I cringe and break out into a sweat whenever I watch them. People embarrassing themselves publicly and yelling at each other is not my thing. I’d rather everyone say something nice and give each other a round of hugs – but that wouldn’t make for very good TV. So I was *really surprised* when I was drawn into Bravo’s Flipping Out (http://www.bravotv.com/flipping-out). I can assure you there is no shortage of cringe-worthy moments .. But I am hooked, and I don’t think I’m alone. This show has crazy characters, fabulous interior design, and jaw dropping home remodels. Weeks or months later I’m still quoting the show and referencing the tricks and fab homes.
Jenni (the assistant) on Jeff (the main character):
“Jeff is unique because he’s crazy,” says Jenni. “He has five psychics, a pet integrator, a staff of employees that really don’t do that much. He’s obsessive-compulsive. He’s neurotic. He’s a loose cannon, but a lot of geniuses are crazy, bottom line.”
Jeff on Jeff (his favorite subject):
“I’m very fortunate, because I’ve found a business that validates and celebrates my disorders,” Jeff tells the camera.
Reporter from Salon.com on Jeff:
I know how he feels, but… I wouldn’t necessary call it a turn of good fortune to be paid for your worst flaws.
I love ‘Dress My Nest’, Thom Filicia is quite talented. I wish Nate Berkus had a show, I’d watch that too!
Hi Holly
Found you on Twitter. First time visiting your blog. Love it. Will visit frequently to keep up.
I am a big fan of Devine Design and Hidden Potential.
Candice Olson’s drawings and designs are very well planned, though I think she leans too much to the blue and brown.
I really enjoy watching the CAD transformations on Hidden Potential, as space planning and architecture are my loves.
The first season of Color Splash drove me nuts (though I always loved the finished rooms)–they had the most awkward beginning section. But the show has improved dramatically and David’s work is great; fun and fresh. I adore his paintings, and am impressed by his versatility.
I have also really enjoyed Dear Genevieve, which I think is very new? She almost always paints the rooms in very pale colors, which is interesting to see since I feel like most TV designers go for super bold colors that will pop on TV, but may not be as flexible for the homeowners. You’re right, her rooms are very Domino. Loving it!
I have started watching Income Property. I have been a fan of Debbie Travis and her group for years; I relate to her because she is always thinking modern and innovative. This show comes from her company and what i like about it the most is that it is no nonsense. Anyone watching can get practical, real advice and save themselves from making costly mistakes in home renovation. Also, the styling for the apartments is brilliant!
My two favorite are now only in reruns, I believe. Freestyle and Small Space Big Style. As you could guess, I’m in my 20s and on a budget. I think Small Space Big Style epitomizes the way our society should start to trend to the more modestly sized homes.
Canadian HGTV offers much more variety (why does the US version show the same line-up every night?) They have great shows from Canada AND the UK! Location, Location, Location is fun and anything with the team of Colin and Justin (now shooting in Canada as well as Britain) is hilarious!
I love anything with Sarah Richardson, she has an amazing eye, and Candace Olsen, and love watching Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes) rescue wronged reno victims! House and Homes is great and has a magazine and website as well.
I find the American shows deliver looks that are stodgy, dated and cheap looking – sorry!
I think Dear Genevieve is starting to grow on me too. But my favorite is still Divine Design – the designs are so polished and classy, but still relate-able. And Candace Olsen and her guys are just fun to watch.
I totally second Lindsay’s recommendation of Design Inc. and Sarah’s House. I love Sarah Richardson and her team. I haven’t been able to find the shows on TV since I moved to the US, so my mom in Canada tapes them and sends them to me. You can’t even watch them online if you have an American IP address, but you can see a bunch of images from the projects on hgtv.ca. I *really* hope American HGTV picks these shows up. I’m seriously addicted.
I love ‘Small Space Big Style’ but sadly, I haven’t seen any new episodes in *ages*. Lots of useful tips good for people with spaces both small and large. ‘Property Virgins’ is a fave too. I can never get over how gullible the new buyers are. They always think they can get the moon for a low price.
my favorites are color splash, stagers, find your style, and rate my space, the dear genavive show it pretty good too
Design, Inc. and House and Home (the Canadian House & HOme show that isn’t
currently on the schedule)are the only real design shows on HGTV, the rest
is just infotainment so I hardly go to the channel any longer, the same with the food channel. Like Barefoot Contessa and Giada.
I absolutely love Deserving Design. Vern’s kind heart and caring spirit are so uplifting. His designs are beautiful, well-done, and always very functional for the owners. He really thinks about all the details and incorporates personal touches for them.
I also enjoy Dress My Nest, Find Your Style, and Some Design on a Dimes. I haven’t tried Dear Genevieve yet, but I want to. I’ve heard good things.
i watch find you style. i love this show because the host shares decorating tips as she finishes the room. also, they use real furniture stores that i can relate to.
I also love Design Inc and Sarah’s House. Good times. I’m really tired of all the shows on HGTV being reno or house flipping or real estate related. I’m just not at that place in life and I’m not all that interested. I miss Home to Go and the old Designer Guys.
I love watching anything with Sarah Richardson. She’s got such a great style and the shows are not like any other design show. The format is something in itself. I can’t wait for Sarah’s Cottage, I know it’s going to be fabulous. I started watching HGTV Canada last year when I was unemployed and now that I can’t spend as much time watching. I only tune in for Sarah, even if it is a rerun.
I also watch Holmes on Homes.
I’m so over the house hunting shows. Every time I turn on HGTV any more that’s all that’s on. I like Divine Design, Color Splash, Design Inc and deserving design.
you list some good shows. “clean house” is an eye-opener, but you know the homes are real. no one could fake that kind of build up and the emotional torment of getting rid of their crap. there are enough other shows of this type (here and abroad) to tear the roof of this phenomenon.
david bromstad is the best. i rarely don’t like his work and then it’s strictly a matter of the style. he is fantastic! “dress my nest” is fun but last season too much merchandise came from one (sponsored) store. anything to do with staging, buying or selling houses makes me sick. possibly because thsoe shows dominate hgtv’s daily lineup. “hidden potential” was not what i expected and frankly, it’s boring. “rate my space” can be a lot of fun. taking three inspirations and making your ideal room (as imagined by angelo) is pretty cool. “myles of style” is down and dirty fun. kim’s ability to look at an object and reimagine it’s use is great.
a lot of shows have gone by the wayside: “find your style” was the best of them and too short-lived. they really ought to bring that back. it taught people an awful lot about how to build a room themselves. “get color” had the neat gimmick of creating a color wheel from the homeowner’s chosen style. that seemed to really help them imagine and decide more clearly. there was a short-lived show called “my first place” where a young, new homeowner got help decorating one room. a great show, quickly replaced by one of the same name with a buying premise. oh, and two different shows called ‘design guys.’ one is two guys who compete and butt heads but pull off a great space. the other was three trendy canadians who work together very well.
and of course, ‘reDesign’ with kenneth brown was fantastic.
I watch Devine Design, she is at least realistic in her designs, but she never mentions the budget. I am an Interior Designer, and most of the shows really bother me more than inform me. These shows are unrealistic in their budgets…they never account for the three person “team” that are building the furniture out of MDF, or for the Paint Crew…or for the electricians who charge $65.00/85.00 per hour, or the plumber (same rates), nor do they take into consideration the costs of the designer, and their time…or the real costs of the products used, and that is unrealistic! People honestly think that things can be done on that “cheap” of a budget…and it is misleading the public. I guess in the end, you can say, You get and deserve what you pay for…and we are watching the end result on a television, what does it really look like, and what kind of quality are they doing?
Sell this House on A & E is fantastic! It is my Saturday morning ritual. Roger Hazard is a miracle worker and Tanya Memme, the host, has infectious enthusiasm. Anyone can learn from this show.
I love Small House Big Style, they have amazing designs in such small spaces, I love Rate My Space, when it shows the homes of inspiration. I also love Dress my Nest, Design Inc. I wish they had more shows showing real homes that people have designed themselves.
I love Divine Design, because despite Candice’s lame moments of trying to be funny/cute, the actual design always turns out amazing. And her sewing guy Terry is hot! I also love Myles of Style, House Hunters, Color Splash, and Deserving Design. And I love Sandra on property virgins, she is sassy!
How can you dislike Clean House? I LOVE Clean House, that Niecy cracks me up! Everyone has clutter (literally and emotionally) and it is so much fun to watch the Clean House team shape everyone up! So motivational!
Really really love your living rooms designs. I am always torn between the art, color, and texture that I love, and the need for the calm, monotone space my mind needs. Love your place.
Deirdre G
I have to agree that HGTV has some really good shows. My favorite is probably Design Inc. Room Service with Sarah Richardson is good too! I wish I could squeeze more hours into the day to watch all of them!