Interior Design

Pearls of Wisdom From Our Favorite Interior Design TV Shows

Interior Design tips that will elevate your design game

(4 min read) So I don’t know about you, but as a big fan of reality TV (oh, cut it with the silent judgment, you watch it too) and a sophisticated interior design enthusiast I enjoy watching interior design TV shows on Netflix, HGTV and other TV networks. Chances are you’ve probably watched some of the shows I will mention here, but most of them operate on a similar notion of a complete and amazing makeover of otherwise either completely ordinary or completely “meh” interiors.

Beautifully designed living room in pastel colors.
Living room in pastel colors.

One of my all-time favorites has to be the American “Fixer Upper”, which made me fall in love with the whole concept of not throwing away but renovating instead. The fact that both Joanna and Chip are two of the nicest, hardworking people give the show extra points. Aside from this TV gem, there are few more I feel obligated to mention. British show “The Great Interior Design Challenge” is a must-see if you like your interior decoration with a bit of a posh British accent. Some might say that this TV show is a little snobby, but 2019 is all about that boujee lifestyle (just ask Migos), so the show is on point. My next must-see-award goes to “Nate & Jeremiah by design”. This is the most entertaining of all, I think. It is very well balanced so you end up both learning and laughing a lot. There is also the “Million Dollar Decorators”, which is one of those addictive TV shows that makes you want everything on it, so you end up living vicariously through it.

Living room with plenty of reflective surfaces and design flare.
Spacious living room with plenty of reflective surfaces.

In this article, I wanted to talk to you about some of the best advice I heard on some of these and some other interior design shows. So stick around, because I am certain a few if not all of these tips will come handy during your next indoor renovations.


1. Light Colors And Mirrors Will Make Any Room Look Bigger

If your living room is small and it tends to appear cramped, then you are probably out of your mind trying to make it look more clean-cut and spacious. Well, your troubles are over ladies and gents! TV shows say that once you paint your room in white or beige, and place an oversized mirror on one of the walls, the room will be so visually maximized, that it will look like a completely different space.

A beautiful room with big mirror to make it look more spacious.
Mirrors make any room look more spacious.
The combination of reflective surfaces and light colors make this living room stand out.
Combination of reflective surfaces and light colors.


2. Slip Covers Are Actually Magical

This is one of my favorite advice. I use it in my living room, and I tend to switch it up as the seasons change. Needless to say, it works like a charm. Slipcovers have kind of a bad rap for no reason, but I remember seeing them on one of the shows, as a recommendation on how to be stylish on a low budget. They are easily removed, washable and every once in a while, you give the space a completely new look. What more would you ask for?

Kilim-like covers on the couch is a great design tip
Kilim-like covers.
Beautiful handmade covers.
Lovely handmade covers.


3. Shiplap Will Solve All of Your Troubles

Well, that subtitle isn’t entirely true. I mean, if your dog is sick, you have to take it to the vet – shiplap won’t do it for you. However, this rustic building material will take care of virtually any other interior design style issues your space might be “suffering” from. It basically looks like wide wooden boards fit together forming a flat surface. It sounds rather simple but it works miracles on walls and ceilings. With shiplap, you don’t need looking for any other wall decoration ideas.

Two variations of shiplap in one room, on wall and ceiling.
Two variations of shiplap in one room, on wall and ceiling.
White shiplap for a great designed bathroom
White shiplap.


4. The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Kitchen is to Give it a Proper Mosaic Backsplash

There is no kitchen solution as efficient as a mosaic backsplash. It will solve so many problems, including cleaning, durability and decorative effect. My personal favs are ceramic and marble tile mosaic backsplashes, because they can be practically whatever you want them to be, and they are easy to clean and long-lasting. Some people will rather go for glass kitchen mosaic backsplash, and they are cool too, although kind of too elegant for my unrefined taste. I don’t know about you, but I like to relax and pig-out in my kitchen, not drink champagne and listen to Beethoven.

Colorful kitchen mosaic backsplash.
Colorful mosaic backsplash.
Discreet kitchen mosaic backsplash made of marble tiles.
Discreet kitchen mosaic backsplash.
Marble kitchen mosaic backsplash by Mosaics Lab.
Marble kitchen mosaic backsplash by Mosaics Lab.


5. Forget About Perfection

If you aim for perfection, you can stop right now. Even if you manage to achieve some kind of interior design perfection, you most likely won’t feel comfortable in it. People don’t actually want perfect, they want safe and cozy. This last advice is actually the most important one. Your space doesn’t have to be damn perfect to be amazing. All it has to be is – you.

Vibrant colors and a maximal designed space.
Vibrant colors and maximalism.

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M. Belosh

M. Belosh

Passionate art enthusiast; avid reader (you can find me on Goodreads under the same name); movie connoisseur; intolerable before my morning coffee.

80 Comments

  1. Emily Fata
    July 17, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    I love incorporating brightly coloured walls and large mirrors to enhance the space of a room! These are all such great tips to improving ones home. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  2. Stephanie
    July 17, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    We cut cable a long time ago, and the only channel I really miss is HGTV. I loved watching those shows and have always loved the style of both Fixer Upper and Property Brothers. I still want a shiplap wall somewhere in my house!

  3. Jessica
    July 17, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    We indulge in a bit of reality t.v. sometimes. It’s interesting to see the different decorating styles people have. The first image is exactly how I would like to have my house, but I refuse to do that until the kids move out!

  4. kumamonjeng
    July 17, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    I love the light color and adding in a huge mirror, totally agree it makes space looks bigger. I love to have a feeling of wide space in my home.

  5. Paula Stewart
    July 17, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    We live in a small space and have several mirrors placed strategically in our place. I learned early that I can make it feel spacious by doing so.

  6. Cynthia Nicoletti
    July 17, 2019 at 8:09 pm

    So amazing to watch these shows on TV. I love how they turn a room into an amazing place.

  7. Kristen
    July 17, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    I am a sucker for shiplap. I love the image you shared with the large mirror behind the couch. I am adding that image for inspo on my Pinterest board.

  8. Jessica May
    July 17, 2019 at 10:50 pm

    These are such great tips. I’m definitely going to have to take you up on that mosaic backsplash, gorgeous!!

  9. Angela Tolsma
    July 18, 2019 at 12:48 am

    I think home shows are the only reality shows I watch, though not very often. I love a well done kitchen!

  10. Christa
    July 18, 2019 at 12:50 am

    I love Nate & Jeremiah! Their style is a relaxed sophistication that I really love.

  11. kevin Akidi
    July 18, 2019 at 3:04 am

    I love home makeover shows as well, there is a lot you can learn from them. These tips are amazing and easy to follow.

  12. Kuntala Bhattacharya
    July 18, 2019 at 4:35 am

    I love the designs. In fact I like decorating my home. But my kid is so hyperactive that I have not been able to plan properly for it. Thanks for the post

  13. Fran Jorgensen
    July 18, 2019 at 4:48 am

    I love all of these incredible tips! I have a small place and the idea about the colours and the mirrors is just genius! Thanks for this great post!

  14. Theresa
    July 18, 2019 at 5:02 am

    I looove watching interior shows! Now I have a bunch more to see, thank you 🙂
    xx, Theresa

  15. Maggie
    July 18, 2019 at 6:22 am

    These designs are all soooo stunning! The second one looks soo cozy and relaxing!

  16. Vannie
    July 18, 2019 at 8:04 am

    I agree with your tips. I love shiplap and love using white stuffs since my house is small. I will have to look into the slipcovers.

  17. Agfa
    July 18, 2019 at 8:44 am

    My god, the interior design for t.v. are so exceptional..that’s a must have . thanks for sharing.

  18. Lina Melo
    July 18, 2019 at 9:26 am

    I love watching interior decor tv shows! I love how light colors and mirrors make any room look bigger!

  19. Stacie
    July 18, 2019 at 1:42 pm

    When I discovered the power of mirrors , my entire decorating life changed. They really do make a space feel so much bitter.

  20. Amber Myers
    July 18, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    So nice! I always love a bright house. I wish my home could be neater, but with kids and a husband, it’s tricky.

  21. Anita Mckaney
    July 18, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    I totally need s living room makeover BAD!! I could use slipcovers for sure. A backsplash in my kitchen would be pretty cool too.

  22. Tara Pittman
    July 18, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    I love remodeling the house. These photos give me plenty of great ideas.

  23. Tiffany
    July 18, 2019 at 5:18 pm

    I hate to admit it but I am a little obsessed with interior design TV shows. I love the pieces you have pulled together here from some of the best on air right now.

  24. Flourish
    July 18, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    These design are very beautiful, they must be very expensive. Thanks for sharing.

  25. Geraline Batarra
    July 18, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    Oh Fixer Upper is one of my favorite too.. I really love it light in colors when it comes to interiors. The kilim like looks really nice.

  26. Agnes Dela Cruz
    July 18, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    Watching tv design shows makes is one of my therapy to calm my senses. I love how fabulous and intricate home designs and decors are, also expensive.

  27. Neely Moldovan
    July 18, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    These are all amazing. We love watching design shows and always find so much inspo

  28. ericka
    July 18, 2019 at 9:49 pm

    I like how you said gorget about perfection! One thing that I might want things to look like is perfect or nothing can go with the flow. I need to learn that not everything has to look perfect. Every picture is so impeccable and I would not mind re decorating my house now.

  29. Candace Hampton
    July 18, 2019 at 10:45 pm

    Beautiful designs! I’m in the process of decorating my new home, so I’m always looking for new and trendy furniture and decorations. I love the idea of bright colors. I also like to have big mirrors, it makes the spaces look even bigger.

  30. Lyosha
    July 18, 2019 at 10:46 pm

    very nice designs! I like the colorful ones even though for me I’d go for something darker, it feels more ‘me’

  31. Courtney
    July 18, 2019 at 11:17 pm

    Ooooo so many great tips!!! We are in the middle of re doing our house. Will have to apply a few of these tips

  32. Flossie McCowald
    July 18, 2019 at 11:40 pm

    Love these ideas. But now you have me drooling for being at my mama’s house – we don’t watch TV or have dish/cable/anything, so when I visit her, I binge-watch HGTV lol…

  33. Shannon Gurnee
    July 19, 2019 at 1:11 am

    These are some great designer tips! I love learning about new ways to change up the look of your home.

  34. Gervin Khan
    July 19, 2019 at 1:29 am

    These are great and helpful advices. I have plan to remodel my house and I will definitely follow these things. Thanks for sharing!

  35. Sondra Barker
    July 19, 2019 at 2:14 am

    I love all of those designs, they are so gorgeous! I like the white couches -Sondra Barker

  36. Nish
    July 19, 2019 at 4:11 am

    That mosaic backsplash looks gorgeous! I wish I had thought of it for my kitchen!

  37. Jeff
    July 19, 2019 at 5:14 am

    Some great tips here. I love having a big mirror in the room. I never knew why I really liked it but I guess now I know haha

  38. Norma
    July 19, 2019 at 6:26 am

    I love those designs you have shared to us! It was so so beautiful and elegant too. Thanks for sharing!

  39. Lavern Moore
    July 19, 2019 at 7:15 am

    These are great design tips that I would love to implement. I love fixer upper too!

  40. Krysten Quiles
    July 19, 2019 at 7:27 am

    Oh my goodness, these designs are absolutely beautiful! I’d love to have one of these in my home!

  41. Alexandra Cook
    July 19, 2019 at 7:41 am

    I love this show. It gives me so much ideas on how I can make my home interior design even more beautiful.

  42. Paulette
    July 19, 2019 at 9:29 am

    I’m the worst when it comes with interior design I have no idea how to go about it. Mind you I took a class but that was years ago. These are definitely helpful tips.

  43. Ceci Rey
    July 19, 2019 at 11:38 am

    This really inspires me to decorate more. I love the mirror idea…to make the area look larger. Thanks for sharing!

  44. Kalyan Panja
    July 19, 2019 at 11:43 am

    Love these simple but elegant designs that make the home so more lovable and livable.

  45. kimberly morris
    July 19, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    I love white rooms and oversized mirrors! Thanks for putting this post together. There are so many design shows and it’s hard to keep up with them all – let alone all the trends to follow, haha.

  46. Melissa Cushing
    July 19, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    This is a fun read for sure and yes… I love some of these reality TV shows too 🙂 I am loving all of the looks above and I do love the design shows a lot.

  47. Catherine
    July 19, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    Beautiful designs and lots of inspiration here! I feel like giving my kitchen a bit of makeover now this summer…it definitely needs a new look. Thanks for sharing!

  48. Elizabeth Keene
    July 19, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    I definitely agree on the light colors aspect – my house has rooms with dark wood pieces vs light pieces and it makes a huge difference to the eye.

  49. Kelly Walton
    July 19, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    I have recently found my passion for interior design and started being a little more influenced by magazines but don’t watch any shows around it. I think I need to explore for more ideas

  50. Allie
    July 19, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    This makes me want to be more adventurous in my interior designing. I love the mosaic idea in the kitchen! Retro!

  51. Suzanne
    July 19, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    Beautiful rooms! I’m addicted to these shows as well. I can’t wait to own a house some day and go to town decorating.

  52. Garf
    July 19, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    I love the interior design of these rooms…so spacious…I like the natural look decorations…

  53. Rosey
    July 19, 2019 at 11:09 pm

    I like the discreet kitchen mosaic backsplash. That’s pretty nifty.

  54. Mikhaela
    July 20, 2019 at 12:19 am

    I really have an eye for interiors. These tips are really great especially the last one! I want to back again in interior design.

  55. Katie Walsh Beck
    July 20, 2019 at 12:25 am

    I love everything about this post! Shiplap?? My favorite thing ever and I agree it is awesome. And I bought a huge mirror for my living room and it makes a huge difference!

  56. Bindu Thomas
    July 20, 2019 at 3:42 am

    What beautiful interiors. I love pastels, they give such a spacious and airy feeling to any room.

  57. David Elliott
    July 20, 2019 at 3:42 am

    Mirrors definitely help to make a room look bigger. The right one gives you that illusion of extra space which helps a lot in making you feel like you have the extra room for things.

  58. Amy
    July 20, 2019 at 5:37 am

    I’m always on the lookout for show recommendations. Pearls of wisdom sounds like an interesting one especially for a home lover like me. I’ll have to add it to my list!

  59. Vaannerome
    July 20, 2019 at 8:45 am

    I’ve heard so much about this. I haven’t tried watching it but I love ow they showcase different interior designs.

  60. Samar
    July 20, 2019 at 9:44 am

    The designs look really beautiful.

    Especially the black and white one.

    Loved it..

  61. Melanie williams
    July 20, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Yes I can see why you like these kind of shows. always good to get some inspiration for sure xx

  62. Leah
    July 20, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Totally loving all the interior design tips, especially the one which helps make the room larger

  63. Steph Social
    July 20, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    I love the show fixer upper too! And wow what a difference that beautiful mosaic backsplash makes!

  64. Lavanda Michelle
    July 20, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    This is a wonderful post. Great tips and very informing, will use in the future. Thanks for sharing.

  65. Myrah Duque
    July 20, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    Gorgeous designs! Mirrors are a big help in making a room look bigger. It makes space look bigger than what it really is.

  66. ananda
    July 21, 2019 at 12:15 am

    these are great tips and ideas! i love white and bright spaces, and shiplap is always nice!

  67. Foody
    July 21, 2019 at 12:20 am

    You really give me some refresh idea as I am planning to renovate my room.

  68. Davindra
    July 21, 2019 at 12:38 am

    Those rooms are absolutely beautiful.

  69. Courtney
    July 21, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Omg so many fabulous decor ideas!!! I just love the kitchen with the tile behind the stove. So chic

  70. Corisa
    July 21, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    These are great tips. I love shiplap everything!

  71. Georgina Nderitu
    July 22, 2019 at 12:31 am

    Thank you so much for these amazing insights into the lessons we can learn from these reality tv shows. I still love Fixer Upper, it’s an awesome, addictive show.

  72. Binge on Basics
    July 22, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    Light colors, especially white makes your room look bigger. Mirrors also play an important role. I always go for white colors.

  73. Jasmine Watts
    July 22, 2019 at 4:16 pm

    I love a spacious room. Love the interiors especially the pastel color!

  74. Suzanne
    July 22, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    Wow so many great interior designs! I love the first and second one the most.

  75. Katie
    July 23, 2019 at 2:24 am

    All of these styles are so different from each other but they all look amazing. I love simple modern designs with some pops of color.

  76. Melissa Cushing
    July 24, 2019 at 7:41 am

    I am loving all of the designs in this post! I especially love the large mirror behind the sofa 😉

  77. Santosh Mainali
    July 25, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Great info, thanks for sharing this!

  78. katrina Kroeplin
    July 25, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    my daughter wants to be an interior designer, i will have to show her this. great tips!

  79. Dalene Ekirapa
    July 29, 2019 at 6:28 am

    I’ll agree that a room with lighter colors always looks spacious enough; that’s why I’m always going for lighter colors for the rooms too since the thought of space alone can make anyone appreciate their home. And whooa! A mosaic counter in the kitchen looks terrific!

  80. Jasmine Hewitt
    August 4, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    since we bought the new house, i’ve been watching all the desig shows! there are great tips in here!