"Design On A Dime" - A Professional View

            HGTV series, "Design on a Dime", brings new meaning to the saying “you get what you pay for”.  “Design on a Dime” features 3 “designers” who must makeover a room for up to $1,000.  I appreciate the price savvy premise of the show, however the quality of the designs is ritualistically poor.  It is true that you don’t need to have a million dollars to have a million dollar look, but the “designers” cast in this program are missing the boat. 

The producers basically find a bunch of very personable hosts—one who can coordinate colors (sort of), one who can sew, and another that knows how to use a saw.  The hosts end up more so as contractors than designers because it is allegedly themselves that are doing the work.  So while the budget in the room may be $1,000, the cost of labor alone with multiple specialty contractors in the real world would probably be closer to $4,000.  Those who send in requests to have their home appear on the show get an advantage by having ZERO cost for labor, but there is also a drawback.  They are obligated to like whatever design the show wants to dish out, whether it suits their needs and tastes or not.  This is what makes this show pure fiction. 

I have been appalled at some of the creative yet tacky and cheap measures taken to execute these designs.   One that sticks in my mind is the pillow made out of placemats.  Or the coffee table that is merely a plywood sheet with some legs attached.  I am saddened that every episode seems to end with a client having cobalt blue walls and orange pillows, or 70’s disco style living room that looks like it would be more appropriate for a teenager’s game room.  They say “don’t be afraid of color”.  Well I am afraid, very afraid, of THEIR use of color.  I see this show and am afraid for the client, and the disaster that will become their room. 

Now that I have dished out the criticism, I am going to share what I believe would be the solution to the problem.  First off, I would suggest to the producers that they seek out some “qualified interior designers” and some qualified general contractors.  “Trading Spaces” which is a very similar show, had a better approach to this concept.  The budget was the same, but each party was designated one “designer”.  Unfortunately, the homeowners have to engage in some of the labor. However, for building those tables, or changing electrical (more complicated tasks), they had a general contractor on staff as part of the show.  The building, sawing, and installing of certain pieces was put in more capable hands.  Still, the show is fictional in that there would be thousands of dollars being spent on labor alone, even with just the two professionals.  But at least the projects seemed to come out a little nicer. 

Early on in the series, the network (now TLC) employed some “designers” that seemed to have decent taste.  Over time though, they brought on different “designers” that didn’t have any clue about taste whatsoever.  There emerged more of the uncomfortable particle board sofas and other disastrous unrealistic attempts at furniture and décor.  Some of the shows ended up with the homeowners actually expressing their severe dislike of the results.  This is where the show went downhill.  I recognize two “designers” from Trading Spaces to have good taste:  Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder.  They both have their own shows now, and do a reasonable job with creating nice designs on a budget. 

It may be difficult for producers to determine who is qualified and who is not.  Furthermore, “good taste” is relative.  My article “What is a qualified designer?” explains this in more detail.  Since the show is fiction anyway, why not have professionals that actually do a good job?  “Design on a dime” is giving legitimate interior designers a bad name!  I notice how the narrator on the show always introduces the hosts with the title of “Designer”.  Anyone in the world can legally claim to be a “designer”.  They need no education, talent, or credentials of any sort.  All they need are misguided clients that are willing to pay.  The consumer is assuming that “designers” and “interior designers” are one in the same.  This is UNTRUE! 

I harbor some resentment against HGTV for mis-leading the public, and basically robbing me, and the thousands of legitimate interior designers out there, of potential clients.  Again though, when I see this show, my first thought is:  “Oh that poor client has no idea what they are in for”.  It is not just the interior design profession that falls victim, but also the clients.  As a professional, I feel it is my duty to help homeowners see the truth, and ultimately what will truly be best for their home.  It breaks my heart when I see costly DIYer mistakes inspired by the media.  HGTV does have SOME shows that are more realistic than others, but the consumer is still being mis-guided.  I will be posting an article shortly elaborating on such shows and the pros and cons of each.  Stay tuned, and thank you for reading!   

Design On A Dime after photo.