Top interior TV shows to binge this summer

Top interior TV shows to binge this summer

Although restrictions have eased in recent months, over the last two years we have all been spending significantly more time at home than ever before. So, if your desire to refresh your interiors has been growing and growing during that time, you’re far from alone. In fact, online searches for interior design and home renovation tips have been surging with more of us turning to the likes of Pinterest and Instagram to save images of beautiful homes and spaces that appeal to our personal tastes.

The summer season is now upon us and if you are finding that you have enough time and energy to breathe new life into your home, it is always a good idea to gather together as many tips, tricks and nuggets of inspiration as possible before getting started. There are so many different resources that you can use, ranging from magazines to blogs, but it would be remiss to overlook the variety of interior design TV shows available to watch on platforms such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. We've done some of the hard work for you and have put together a few of our favourite interior TV shows that will provide you with all the inspiration and motivation you need to make changes both big and small. So, all you need to do is sit back on the sofa and start watching.

  1. Grand Designs

There are 22 series and more than 200 individual episodes of this enduringly popular architectural TV show to work your way through, each of which sees presenter Kevin McCloud following the journeys of both individuals and families as they work towards building their dream homes.

grande designs bingeSource: nkdtv.com, IMDb, The New Yorker

From modest eco-friendly dwellings to elaborate builds, the homes showcased on Grand Designs span an array of styles and use a variety of different materials which means that there is plenty of inspiration to be found within each 60 minute episode.

Where to watch: Channel 4

Number of seasons/episodes: 22 series, 200+ episodes

  1. The Great Interior Design Challenge

Originally broadcast between 2014 and 2019, each series of the Great Interior Design Challenge was aimed at uncovering the best amateur interior designers in the UK. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff presents the series, with judges including Daniel Hopwood who is the president of the British Institute of Interior Design, designer, stylist and journalist Sophie Robinson, the editor-in-chief of Elle Magazine’s UK interior decoration publication Michelle Ogundehin, and renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

During each episode, every one of the amateur interior designers is tasked with making over a room in their client’s home. Importantly, the space must reflect their client’s tastes and suit their lifestyle. They are also tasked with a smaller challenge, which often involves up-cycling an item to suit the room they are creating.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Number of seasons/episodes: Four series, 43 episodes.

netflix home shows
Source: IMDb, BBC iPlayer
  1. Interior Design Masters

Each series of Interior Design Masters features 10 interior designers battling it out in a variety of challenges to win a commercial design contract. The first series which was originally broadcast in 2019 was presented by Fearne Cotton, with Alan Carr taking the reins for series two and three. Once again, the editor-in-chief of Elle Decoration UK serves as the main judge and is joined by a rotating panel of supporting judges including Mary Portas, Jade Jagger, and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

This popular interior design show has already been commissioned for a fourth series to air in 2023, so avid viewers can expect to find even more interior inspiration gracing their TV screens in the very near future.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Number of seasons/episodes: three series, 24 episodes

  1. George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces

This BAFTA-nominated TV show first aired in 2012, making it one of the longest-running interior design shows. During each 60 minute episode, presenter and architect George Clarke meets people who have created functional spaces from something unexpected or unconventional. There is a particular focus on small spaces, which is refreshing, and it has even prompted its own spin-off in the form of Shed of the Year.

Where to watch: Channel 4

Number of seasons/episodes: 10 Series

home show bingeSource: SussexLive ,IMDb, Pinterest

  1. Amazing Interiors

We’re hopping across the pond for this recommendation and this American interior design show specifically focuses on showcasing homes that are on the more unusual side. As there is only one series and 12 20-minute episodes to watch, this is a very bingeable show that is certain to inspire you to embrace a touch of the bizarre.

Each episode showcases three different interiors. Two are shown as smaller segments within the show, while we get to watch the construction or remodel of the third interior from start to finish. Some of the homes that can be seen across the series include “the doll house”, “the hidden cottage”, and “the backyard coaster”.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: One series, 12 episodes.

amazing interiors show
Source: IMDb, House Beautiful
  1. Escape to the Chateau

In Escape to the Chateau, we follow Dick Strawbridge, his partner Angel Adoree and their family as they purchase and painstakingly renovate a derelict 19th century chateau in the Mayenne department of north-west France. But that’s not all because they also decide to start a wedding and events business at the same time, adding even more pressure to their already busy schedules. Oh and the whole project needs to be completed by the date of their own wedding, which they naturally want to host at the chateau.

The popular show has created several related series, including Escape to the Chateau DIY in which Angel and Dick share their tips with other people who have chosen to embark on a similar journey of renovating and running a business from a French chateau.

Where to watch: Channel 4

Number of seasons/episodes: Eight series, 42 episodes

  1. Selling Sunset

This American reality TV show was created specifically for Netflix and follows the Oppenheim Group, which is a Los Angeles-based brokerage specialising in high-end properties. Each episode focuses on both the professional and personal lives of the agents working for the brokerage, many of whom have gone on to build large followings on social media.

Selling sunset

 Source: people.com

As you might expect, a lot of drama arises between the cast members but you also get glimpses of some of the most expensive and lavish properties on the West Coast of the USA. This runaway success has prompted the announcement of several spin-off shows, including Selling the O.C, and Selling Tampa.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: Five series, 45 episodes

  1. DIY SOS

First broadcast in 1999, the DIY SOS team took on the task of fixing building and renovation projects in the homes of real people that had gone horribly wrong. This original iteration of the show spanned 19 series, after which it was rebranded to DIY SOS: The Big Build.

From series 20 onwards, each hour long episode sees the DIY SOS team enlisting the support of local tradespeople, suppliers and communities to transform the lives of individuals and families around the country. The projects that are undertaken are often extremely ambitious, including building extensions or completing loft conversions to a high standard in a very short amount of time. An episode entitled “Veteran’s Village” which was broadcast in 2015 attracted viewing figures of more than 9.5 million.

Where to watch: BBC and iPlayer

Number of seasons/episodes: 32 series, 243 episodes

home shows on netflix
Source: All IMDb
  1. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

Award-winning architect Piers Taylor and property developer and actress Caroline Quentin travel the world exploring a selection of beautifully designed homes, which are often set in the most unexpected locations.

The first series looks at properties that have been constructed in challenging environments, including the Catskill Mountains, Nova Scotia, and Marlbrough Sounds, New Zealand. Conversely, each episode of the second series showcases a selection of properties in a single country, ranging from Japan to Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and India.

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer and Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: Two series, 12 episodes

  1. Dream Home Makeover

Shea and Syd McGee use their renovation and interior design skills to help families across the US refresh their homes in ways that suit their unique style. The clients set the budget, which ranges from just enough to renovate a single room to larger budgets to transform their entire property.

The show also provides a documentary-style look at the personal lives of Shea and Syd, including the decisions they choose to make when running Studio McGee whilst raising their two young children. From spa-inspired bathrooms to mid-century modern studio spaces, there is a plethora of inspiration to be found in each one of the show’s 12 30-minute episodes.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: Two series, 12 episodes

  1. Get Organized With The Home Edit

It can be so easy to instantly associate interior design with huge design projects, however storage and organisation play a huge role in the way our homes look and feel. In Get Organized with the Home Edit, viewers join professional organisers Joanna and Clea as they help a host of clients, some of whom are famous faces, to reduce the amount of clutter that is having a negative impact on their home.

This slick show is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, with Clea and Joanna taking on a range of projects including helping Reese herself to create a space that showcases a selection of costumes from some of the most notable roles she has played on the silver screen. Other projects include taming fashion icon Rachel Zoe’s wardrobe, creating a peaceful living room retreat for busy mum of three Retta, and helping an after-school program to get on top of their pantry, freezer and fridge.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: Two series, 16 episodes

netflix home
Source: The Everygirl, Hip & Healthy
  1. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo is a Japanese author, presenter and organising consultant whose book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has sold millions of copies in more than 30 countries around the world. Her ethos is based around the KonMari method, which involves grouping together possessions into categories before methodically sorting through each item and only keeping hold of those that spark joy.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo follows the organising expert as she visits the homes of families across the US who are struggling with clutter. Each episode focuses on a family with a specific need, including keeping on top of tidying with toddlers, making the transition from student life to early adulthood life, and how to find joy after experiencing loss.

There are very few dramatic transformations here in terms of interior design, however the series contains countless organisation tips that can help us all spark more joy in our everyday lives.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: One series, eight episodes

  1. Million Dollar Decorators

Despite originally airing between 2011 and 2013, Million Dollar Decorators continues to be recommended as a must-watch interior design TV Show. Available on Amazon Prime, this American show follows a selection of designers as they take on projects for famous clientele.

It also highlights the difficulties faced by designers who are constantly trying to keep pace with such a fast-moving industry and solve project challenges as and when they arise. Look out for an array of famous faces, including Sharon Osbourne and Amber Valletta.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Number of seasons/episodes: Two series, 16 episodes

million dollar decorators
Source: Radio Times
  1. Kirsty and Phil’s Love It or List It

Iconic property duo Kirsty Allsopp and Phil Spencer, who are perhaps most famously known for helping prospective homeowners to find their ideal property in Location, Location, Location, don't work together in Love It or List It. Instead, they battle it out, each hoping to convince a set of homeowners to refurbish their property or sell it and move on to a new home.

Kirstie is always firmly on team “Love It” believing that alterations to a property can always be made to suit the needs of the homeowner. When making changes to the property, Kirstie and her team of developers must work with a budget that is equal to the cost of moving. On the other hand, Phil is on team “List It” and spends time showing the homeowners around a selection of properties in their ideal location that he believes suit them much more than their current home.

Where to watch: Channel 4 and All 4

Number of seasons/episodes: Seven series, 64 episodes.

bingeworthy home tv showsSource: Radio Times, TV Guide

  1. Tiny House Nation

This American reality TV series showcases the tiny house movement, with renovation experts Zack Griffin and John Weisbarth helping individuals and families to realise their tiny house dreams.

Each tiny house is under 500 square feet and has its own unique character. Some of the episode titles include “a 172 square foot dream castle”, “a 210 square foot Rochester studio retreat” and a 207 square foot Minnesota prairie cottage.

Where to watch: Netflix

Number of seasons/episodes: Five series, 83 episodes

  1. Rochelle Humes: Interior Designer in the Making

Singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes has a passion for interior design and this series follows her as she helps families to transform their interiors into spaces that work for their lifestyle. In each episode, Rochelle must work with everything from unrealistic expectations to tight budgets as she puts her skills to the test under the watchful eye of her mentor.

Over the course of the series, Rochelle will help 10 families including newly married couple Amie and Rob who are keen to renovate their open-plan living and kitchen space in their dated Isle of Sheppey bungalow.

Where to watch: UKTV

Number of seasons/episodes: One series, 10 episodes

Rochelle humes interior designerSource: UKTV Play

  1. Your Home Made Perfect

Presenter Angela Scanlon and talented interior architects use innovative cutting-edge virtual reality technologies to help homeowners select a bespoke design that will transform their property into a home that suits their style and works for their lifestyle. This technology-focused show brings design schemes to life, allowing each homeowner to experience how the space will both look and feel in a much more immersive way than simply looking at a design plan on a piece of paper or a tablet.

Additionally, in each episode Angela Scanlon visits a seriously impressive property located in the UK, focusing closely on the design elements that you could incorporate into your own home.

Where to watch: BBC and iPlayer

Number of seasons/episodes: Three series, 22 episodes

interior tv showSource: Belfast Telegraph, IMDb, moregeous.com

With so many interior TV shows out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. But the good news is that each of these offerings is very different from the rest and we hope that at least some of these options have piqued your interest enough to give them a watch this summer.

The world of interior design can so often feel overwhelming, but as these design shows illustrate, the creation of every space is a journey. Even small changes can make a huge impact on the way you use your space and each and every one of us deserves a home that reflects our personality and serves as a relaxing sanctuary from the busy world outside.