The Best TV Shows To Watch For Interior Design Ideas

By Chad Langen | Published

The television landscape is teeming with shows that cater to aspiring interior designers, providing a rich mix of inspiration, innovation, and insights into the world of space transformation. These shows not only showcase the latest trends in home décor but also delve into the stories of individual preferences, historical conservation, and architectural wonders. Whether your goal is to refresh a small corner in your home or embark on a more ambitious project, the following 10 shows are sure to ignite your imagination and nurture your creativity.

10. Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper, featuring the charismatic duo Chip and Joanna Gaines, is centered around the transformation of run-down properties in Waco, Texas, into dream homes tailored to their owners’ preferences. The show combines the couple’s strengths – Chip’s renovation expertise with Joanna’s keen design eye – to turn neglected houses into bespoke spaces.

What makes Fixer Upper particularly fascinating for interior design enthusiasts is its signature blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. Through the series, viewers not only witness dramatic makeovers but also glean practical design tips, innovative layout ideas, and the importance of incorporation personal touches into spaces.

9. Stay Here

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Stay Here delves into the world of short-term rentals, where designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer transform underperforming properties into thriving vacation spots. Each episode of this reality television series addresses unique design and business challenges associated with creating memorable guest experiences.

For interior design aficionados, Stay Here serves as a masterclass in optimizing spaces for functionality and aesthetics, catering to diverse guest needs. Gorder’s and Lorimer’s emphasis on creating Instagram-worthy, immersive environments showcases how design can elevate the overall experience for visitors. From urban lofts to beachfront retreats, this series offers an abundance of innovative design concepts adaptable to any space.

8. The Great Interior Design Challenge

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The Great Interior Design Challenge pits amateur designers against each other in a series of design tasks set in Britain’s historic towns and villages. With constrained budgets and tight timelines, participants are tasked to rejuvenate rooms while respecting their settings.

This show is a treasure trove for interior design enthusiasts, as it champions creativity under limitations. The diversity of the briefs, ranging from Georgian townhouses to modern flats, offers viewers a spectrum of design inspirations. Moreover, the emphasis on DIY solutions and clever design hacks makes it relatable and applicable for those seeking to refresh their spaces without breaking the bank.

7. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

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The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes offers viewers a journey into architecturally unique residences built in the world’s most challenging environments. Hosted by actress Caroline Quentin and architect Piers Taylor, the show unveils homes that push the boundaries of design, from cliffside masterpieces to forested havens.

For interior design enthusiasts, The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes provides a deep dive into how spaces can be crafted to respond to extreme conditions, integrate nature, and prioritize sustainability. Beyond the jaw-dropping exteriors, the interiors showcase a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

6. Property Brothers

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Property Brothers stars the dynamic twin duo, Drew and Jonathan Scott, who combine real estate acumen with renovation prowess to help clients attain their dream homes within budget constraints. While Drew hunts down fixer-uppers with potential, Jonathan masterfully transforms them into bespoke living spaces.

For design enthusiasts, Property Brothers is a goldmine of inspiration, demonstrating how to merge style with function effectively. Each episode presents diverse design challenges, from open-concept makeovers to intricate space-saving solutions, making it a trove of innovative ideas. By merging vision with reality, the series showcases the transformative power of design on both homes and lives.

5. Interior Design Masters

Interior Design Masters is a competitive British series where budding interior designers vie for a coveted design contract. Hosted by Fearne Cotton, each episode presents participants with distinct design briefs, challenging them to showcase their creativity and versatility.

What sets Interior Design Masters apart for design enthusiasts is its wide array of projects, ranging from hotel rooms to retail spaces. It offers a kaleidoscope of design inspirations and demonstrates adaptability across varied briefs and client preferences. As designers iterate and critique, viewers gain invaluable insights into the nuances of the design process, making it a must-watch for both novices and aficionados.

4. Home Town

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Home Town spotlights the heart of small-town America as hosts Ben and Erin Napier breathe new life into aging homes in Laurel, Mississippi. With Ben’s craftsman skills and Erin’s design expertise, they merge historic preservation with modern flair.

What makes Home Town a gem for design enthusiasts is its genuine celebration of each home’s unique story. The Napiers emphasize using local materials and artisans, promoting sustainable practices and community ties. Their approach to design, blending old-world charm with contemporary tastes, provides viewers with invaluable lessons on creating spaces that are both timeless and reflective of personal stories and legacies.

3. Tidying Up With Marie Kondo

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Tidying Up with Marie Kondo introduces viewers to the KonMari method, a unique approach to decluttering and organizing homes. Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, guides individuals and families through the transformative process of reassessing their belongings, retaining only those that spark joy.

While Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is primarily an organizing show, its relevance to interior design lies in the philosophy that a decluttered space leads to a clear mind and a more harmonious living environment. Through the series, design enthusiasts can glean ideas on how to create spaces that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also deeply resonate with the occupants’ emotions and well-being.

2. Grand Designs

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Grand Designs, hosted by Kevin McCloud, chronicles the ambitious journey of individuals transforming unique architectural visions into reality. Each episode delves into the intricacies of creating bespoke homes, often tackling challenging terrains, innovative materials, and bold design concepts.

For interior design aficionados, Grand Designs is a masterclass in ambition meeting artistry. McCloud’s insightful commentary and the homeowners’ passion shine a light on the importance of marrying function with aesthetics.

1. Queer Eye

Queer Eye is a transformative series where the Fab Five experts, each specializing in a specific area, embark on missions to revitalize the lives of individuals through personal and environmental makeovers. Among them, Bobby Berk, the design guru, reimagines homes to mirror each participant’s evolving identity and needs.

While Queer Eye broadly addresses self-improvement, its interior design segments are particularly illuminating. Bobby’s approach emphasizes personalized spaces, demonstrating how aesthetics can harmoniously blend with function. From compact city apartments to sprawling country homes, the series showcases diverse design solutions, making it a treasure trove of inspiration for viewers keen on reinvigorating their spaces.