I love interior design TV shows—but why can’t we be upfront about the costs?
We should be more transparent about the costs of renovating and decorating. Even on interior and renovation shows, the subject is avoided like sparks flying from a fireplace, wonders Editor-in-Chief Kari-Otso Nevaluoma.
Our family devours interior design and renovation TV shows. Is there a single series we wouldn’t watch at least to pass the time?
When watching these shows, we seek visual delights but also critically examine everything that appears onscreen. I’m mixing up the shows in my head, but that’s okay.
I always wonder why they don’t talk more about money on these shows. We should discuss the costs of renovating and decorating more openly. Even in interior and renovation shows, the topic is avoided like sparks flying from a fireplace. Sometimes, someone might slip and say the budget won’t allow something, and that’s it. And if the budget is mentioned, it’s never broken down. Love It or List It features residents providing a renovation budget, but it still isn’t clear to an outsider why these seemingly generous sums ultimately vanish.
It’s surprisingly difficult to know what it costs to make dreams come true.
I believe there are many preconceptions and misunderstandings about the expenses involved in renovating and decorating. First of all, it’s surprisingly difficult to know what fulfilling your dreams might actually cost. You certainly can and should address financial matters, even in an entertainment program.
Some interior design shows have had amazing hosts. In most of them, though, the host doesn’t have a meaningful scripted role. Articulate designers and renovation teams would do just fine without the celebrity add-ons. Some of the spaces are so small that it gets cramped when everyone piles in to admire the final outcome.
What about product placements? On commercial TV channels, these shows wouldn’t even exist if companies weren’t paying for exposure. Still, it’s frustrating to watch how the designers’ freedom of choice is restricted and how faithfully the camera highlights logos and company names.
We often sigh in delight over the changes on these shows. Unfortunately, right before the big reveal comes a moment that makes our household audience seethe with irritation.
We often sigh with admiration at the transformations in these shows. Unfortunately, right before the big reveal comes a moment that makes our household audience seethe with irritation. We can’t understand why the ones paying for the renovations are led by the arm, blindfolded, through streets and yards.
I nitpick, I know. Despite all that, we still watch these shows because we’re curious about how others live, what their style is, and just how astonished they’ll be when the results are revealed.
