I’ve been enthusiastically exploring the best TV design programmes for many, many years. Television has long been a source of inspiration and guidance for homeowners and design enthusiasts alike. The UK is home to numerous TV programmes focused on the design, building, and renovation of properties. These shows not only provide practical advice but also showcase incredible transformations. So, join me by exploring the best TV design programmes first in the UK, then in the US, they all capture the imagination and creativity of viewers.
Building the Dream with Charlie Luxton
Architectural designer Charlie Luxton proves that building your dream home doesn’t have to be out of reach. In “Building the Dream,” Luxton works with potential homeowners to turn a plot of land into their dream home without breaking the bank. He helps them optimise their designs and introduces them to others who have successfully built their dream homes on a budget.
Why I Like It:
Charlie’s practical approach and wealth of experience in design and build make this show a must-watch. He provides valuable tips and suggestions, although homeowners sometimes choose to follow their own paths, adding an element of unpredictability and entertainment to the show.
George Clarke’s Diverse Design Ventures
George Clarke is a well-known figure in the UK design scene, featuring in multiple programmes that explore various aspects of building and renovation.
Remarkable Renovations
In this show, Clarke meets people transforming unused and unloved buildings into unique family homes, celebrating the history of the structures.
Amazing Spaces
Clarke delves into the world of small builds, where tiny spaces are converted into extraordinary places to live, work, and play. This programme is inspiring, joyful, and full of achievable invention. From treehouses to floating homes, no idea is too ambitious.
Old House New Home
This programme sees Clarke helping homeowners modernise their period properties while retaining their historic charm.
Ugly House to Lovely House
George Clarke teams up with leading architects to turn some of Britain’s most unloved homes into stunning residences.
Why I Like It:
George Clarke is an accomplished Architect, and his enthusiasm is infectious. His versatility and imagination shine through as he tackles a wide range of projects, often adding his personal touch to enhance the overall result.
Grand Designs with Kevin McCloud
A British television institution since 1999, “Grand Designs” follows ambitious architectural projects from conception to completion. Designer Kevin McCloud guides viewers through the trials and triumphs of these elaborate builds. Although often these builds go wildly over budget, Kevin has shown us around some genuinely stunning designs.
Why I Like It:
This programme has become synonymous with portraying some innovative house designs which cover a multitude of awkward and constrained sites all over the country. Kevin, with his design background, portrays both designer and critic throughout the programme – often noting that the project schedule has considerably overrun both in terms of timing and cost. Indeed, there are frequently children running about the site who were not born at the commencement of breaking ground!
It should not be underestimated how long some projects can take to achieve Full Planning consent. In addition to this, overcoming some site constraints can be hugely time consuming and expensive.
Love It or List It with Phil Spencer & Kirstie Allsopp
Kirstie has a background in Interior Design and Home Renovation and Phil studied as a surveyor and became a Home Finder in 1996. In ”Love It or List It” Phil and Kirstie help homeowners decide whether to stay in their current home or move to a new one. The homeowners consider the following questions:
Do you and your partner have a love/hate relationship with your house?
Do you love it, but the lack of space drives them up the wall?
Do you love the location but your partner’s desperate for an upgrade?
Or have you both simply run out of options and ideas or just can’t agree?
Phil searches for tempting new homes, while Kirstie and her design team work on transforming the existing property.
Why I Like It:
The show offers practical solutions for homeowners facing dilemmas about space and functionality. The dynamic between Phil and Kirstie adds an entertaining element as they battle it out to win over the homeowners.
Your Home Made Perfect With Angela Scanlan
Using cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and innovative Architects, “Your Home Made Perfect” transforms problematic homes into dream residences. Each week, two top creative architects go head to head to present their solution to the resident’s renovation needs. Presenter Angela Scanlon guides viewers through the process.
Why I Like It:
While some designs may be impractical, the innovative use of technology provides a unique viewing experience. However, it is important to remember that VR technology is expensive and not available to all, yet! Despite this, the ingenious solutions and the visual representation of potential designs are fascinating, even if not always feasible within the homeowner’s budget constraints.
MY FAVOURITES FROM THE USA
American design shows also offer a wealth of inspiration, showcasing different styles, building methods, and products. Many new builds are of Timber Frame construction, which is much easier to strip back and renovate. However, recently I have noticed an increase in a more solid construction, which is interesting.
These days, the issue is choosing which program to binge-watch first and figuring out how to do so, given the numerous streaming platforms and channels these shows call home! I like to keep up with design ideas coming from the USA mainly because there are a lot of products that are developed over there which eventually find their way to us in the UK. Likewise, building methods and processes are quite different to ours, this therefore makes interesting viewing. Here are some of my favourites because of the personalities of the presenters and the skills they showcase:
Home Town
Ben and Erin Napier share a love of simple Southern living. They revitalise historic homes in Laurel, Mississippi, blending modern updates with preserved character. Found on HGTV they renovate turn-of-the-century homes for first-time buyers, young families, and adults wishing to live closer to grandchildren. Erin’s keen sense of style with a background in graphic design guide the renovations. Additionally, Ben’s building and woodworking skills preserve and celebrate the home’s history. By using found materials and old textiles, they keep the character intact but create modern and affordable updates.
Why I Like It:
I love watching ”Home Town” because of the engaging personalities. They strive to preserve the property’s character and incorporate the future residents’ personalities. They tackle any issues that arise with practical solutions and communicate well with their clients. Erin, an artist, includes local artwork in her designs. Likewise, Ben crafts beautiful bespoke furniture for each project.
Bargain Mansions
Magnolia Network ‘s ”Bargain Mansions” host Tamara Day transforms large, old houses into stylish, functional homes while respecting their history. Designer Tamara loves to combine glam with cosy. As a busy wife and mother of four she creates beautiful homes for today’s busy families.
Why I Like It:
I like the way Tamara sets realistic budgets and targets for completion of the work. I admit, I don’t always like her styling. However, I appreciate how she improves and modernises the property, usually without changing the footprint.
Christina on the Coast
Christina Hall and her interior stylist James create luxurious homes with high-end finishes in Southern California. As a real estate and flipping expert, Christina transforms outdated properties into functional dream homes. The pair add modern amenities like open floor plans, custom storage solutions, coveted indoor-outdoor living areas and spacious primary bedrooms featuring spa-inspired bathrooms.
Why I Like It:
This programme offers a completely different approach to styling as being on the coast it gives the property all year-round sunshine. Christina and James’s style produces high- end finishes and products giving the property a luxury dimension. They are excellent at working within the client’s budgets of many thousands of dollars.
100 Day Dream Home
Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, a husband-and-wife team, build custom homes from the ground up in just 100 days, navigating tight deadlines and client expectations. Presumably they have already worked out all the relevant permits and codes required (which are different in each state) for the USA, obviously we have a different and much more rigorous system in the UK.
Mika takes the clients on an inspiration tour, establishing the style they want for their dream home. Brian is the project manager. Within the first two weeks decisions must be made for the build to be completed within the 100-day deadline.
Why I Like It:
As the business owner of SEAGREY Property Design Ltd, I can appreciate the couple working with a firm deadline. According to Brian, not having to deal with the client during the building phase has helped to meet the 100-day deadline. Client changes can often be the factor which slows the building process down. Additionally, the weather is also a major factor for them.
In my business as an Architectural designer, it’s quite different. I work very closely with my clients during the full design process until we achieve the consent from the submission of Planning applications.
I like their designs because they use a solid construction for the ground floor (in the US this is referred to as the First Floor). I love the fact that they are not producing a building just “for a TV show”, they are building a well-designed and well-built home. To accomplish this, I presume there would be several weeks of preparation to enable the plans to be drawn and the layouts to be confirmed, although this is not shown. Permits and codes must be completed, and 3D imaging be created to be shown on TV as this fulfils viewers expectations. I think this preparation applies to most programmes to illustrate the designers’ intentions in a visual way.
Fixer Upper
Chip and Joanna Gaines transform rundown properties into stunning residences. In real estate terms, a fixer-upper is a property that will require repair, redecoration, reconstruction, or redesign. The presenters are a married couple that own a home renovation and redecoration business in Waco, Texas. During the programme ”Fixer Upper” they select three properties for their clients to choose from, the one that is selected is renovated.
Why I Like It:
This programme was the first programme from the US that I started watching. It is a very similar style to that of Home Town. I enjoy the camaraderie and banter within the team and Joanna’s interior design styling, although she is obsessed by the modern farmhouse look. However, they have tackled many different projects including a floating houseboat, a tiny “Shotgun house”, and various mid-century modern properties.
Good Bones
Mother-daughter duo Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak renovate rundown homes in Indianapolis, revitalising their local community. Mostly these houses are timber frame which they strip back to the skeleton (hence the term ”Good Bones”) before re-building with new fixtures and finishes to current codes. They then sell them to residents in their locality because Mina is also a registered realtor. The pair do most of the work with a demolition crew. However, they have brought in various members of their family and friends and trained them up and they are now included in their regular team.
Why I Like It:
This family duo tackles all sorts of projects and occasionally build a new property especially if the existing property is absolutely beyond repair. I like this programme because it has an element of helping the local community to obtain good quality renovated houses. Indeed, their efforts have been recognised by local dignitaries, like the Mayor.
Conclusion – Exploring The Best TV Design Programmes
At SEAGREY Property Design Ltd, we share a similar ethos with many of these programmes, focusing on creating functional and beautiful spaces that meet our clients’ needs. Whether it’s transforming a dysfunctional layout or upgrading an old home, we strive to deliver designs that our clients love. The feedback we receive, such as “You have made sense of all the pictures I had in my mind” and “Thank you for being so patient,” motivates us to continue delivering exceptional results.
Exploring the best TV design programmes provides a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. They showcase the incredible possibilities of building and renovating homes. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for ideas or a design enthusiast, these shows are sure to captivate and inspire you. If you would like to discuss your own home build or renovation project with us, please get in touch.