The Great Interior Design Challenge (TV Series 2014–2017) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
20 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
7/10
Great contestants bad judges
aleesha-880406 February 2019
The real star of this show is the diversity and peculiarity of British architecture plus the contestants. You see presumably amateur designers use only 3 days to transform some very interesting looking spaces. I was also blown away by the various types of houses in Britain. It's a small country but clearly with a rich history and culture.

With that said the judges are awful. Their critique is overly pretentious and non sensical. Sometimes they appear to find fault with the design for the sake of finding a fault. Listening to their comments is painful because they nitpick and make fun of the smallest of things.

Overall good show but the judges really need to work on providing constructive criticism.
9 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Entertaining
hcook-0248722 December 2018
British interior designers are so much different than American ones it seems. I like the quirky design from some of the contestants. However, the hosts are terrible at times. Their opinion changes so easily and I am not sure what parameters they judge by. Has anyone noticed how the hosts never change their clothes even though the timelines stretches across 3 days? Weird.
6 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Good show, but not a fan of the judges
tmgoodwi12 November 2019
This show is mostly enjoyable with some great designers and a fun host with interesting historical facts about British architecture. But one aspect that absolutely makes me cringe is that they introduced a judgement round for the client presentations that just comes across as mean. The contestants aren't professional designers and likely don't know the pitch rules, so the pitch judgement is often really deflating for them. Can't the judges just provide feedback without a public shaming?
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Judges are pretentious
politik-6993221 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The program itself is fun and I find it watchable..

However, the female judge, Sophie Robinson is so obviously biased from the moment the programme comes on and you can guess from the off who is go into win.

She does not critique fairly and too be honest is just snooty. I am hardly surprised that some contestants cry when they are sent home. Series 3 episode 10 saw a very creative designer go home, over 3 other designers, 2 of which, who to be honest just painted walls!

Sophie says all the snooty stuff for the cameras but when it comes to giving feedback, she leaves that to the male presenter, Daniel.

More helpful would be supportive feedback as you might hear in master chef. Which would also be useful to viewers.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Beautiful settings, Historic Homes, Enertaining Show!!
toactistolive6 April 2018
This is a wonderful design show! I love all of the design shows, but what is great about this is the competitive aspect and the designers are amateurs. They are learning with u and yet bringing things to the table that are worthy of much more experience. It is also fun Bc the settings alone are its own character! The narrator is an architecture Historian and he teaches u about these gorgeous areas, full of charm and history, that these designers are competing in! Each episode starts off with amateur designers who are competing with each other to make it to the semifinals and then the finals, and win. The designers get a brief from the client, create a presentation board for the owners to approve, and then have three days and £1000 to make it work! As they are completing the rooms, they are given random challenges, give interviews, and talk about the process. The format of the show is light, fun, and very informative! The two hosts are great! They offer wonderful insight, keep the pace going, and aren't there just to complain or add stress to the designers! It's a great watch!
7 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Spoilt by background music
lilypotter-6056830 June 2018
Great show but the background music is so loud, you cannot hear what the presenter is saying
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Ultimate Source for Entertainment Information
diwakarkumarsharma9 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"The Great Interior Design Challenge" (2014-2017) was a popular British television series that captivated audiences with its creative and competitive take on interior design. Here are some reviews and insights into the show:

Inspiring and Educational: "The Great Interior Design Challenge" was not just a competition but also an excellent platform for viewers to learn about various design techniques, styles, and the art of transforming spaces. It inspired many to experiment with their own interiors.

Diverse Contestants: The show featured a diverse group of contestants, each with their unique design aesthetics and backgrounds. This diversity added depth and interest to the competition, showcasing the versatility of interior design.

Judging Panel: The judging panel, including industry experts like Daniel Hopwood and Sophie Robinson, offered valuable critiques and feedback. Their expertise provided viewers with valuable insights into the world of professional interior design.

Creativity Under Pressure: One of the most appealing aspects of the show was watching contestants work under tight deadlines and budget constraints. It demonstrated how creativity often flourishes when faced with challenges, inspiring viewers to think outside the box.

Before-and-After Transformations: The dramatic before-and-after transformations of the spaces were a highlight of each episode. Viewers were often left in awe of the stunning makeovers and the incredible impact that thoughtful design can have on a room.

Emphasis on Sustainability: "The Great Interior Design Challenge" also touched on sustainability and the importance of eco-friendly design practices. This aspect of the show resonated with viewers who are increasingly conscious of environmental issues.

Entertaining Competition: Beyond its educational value, the show was highly entertaining. The competitive element, as contestants raced against the clock, kept viewers engaged and eager to see the final results.

Design Diversity: The show explored a wide range of design styles, from classic to contemporary, and from minimalistic to maximalist. This diversity allowed viewers to discover design aesthetics that resonated with their own tastes.

Cultural and Historical Insights: The show often incorporated elements of local history and culture into the design challenges. This added depth and context to the transformations and showcased the importance of cultural sensitivity in design.

Legacy and Influence: "The Great Interior Design Challenge" left a lasting legacy by inspiring a new generation of interior designers. It encouraged people to pursue their passion for design and offered a glimpse into the potential career opportunities in the field.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Entertaining with Inconsistent and Frustrating Hosts
Garoux7 December 2018
First off, I really do enjoy this show. There are a lot of talented and creative designers, and of course some...uh...questionable ones too. Seeing the processes in which they create these spaces from start to finish is intriguing, and inspirational at times.

My issue, however, is with the hosts Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood. One minute they're praising a designer for bullying their client and having a wacky brief, then they're lecturing about the importance of pleasing said clients and working with their concerns. The best looking spaces end up being criticized as being "too safe," when the clients specifically stated they wanted something traditional. Numerous times, they'll give a designer conflicting feedback that they're obviously annoyed by. It just feels like they have no real guidelines in how they judge things, other than personal opinion. Also, they come across as being hilariously pretentious. As another reviewer stated: they'd be perfect templates for Portlandia characters.

If you like interior design shows this is still very entertaining, if you can get past the hosts.
15 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Season 3 review
sjnowlin7 January 2019
Season 2 designers brought, for the most part, a higher standard of product and ability. Season 3 has been disappointing to say the least. The workmanship and materials have been disappointing. I would not want the inferior workmanship or materials in my home.
9 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Rubbish judging...read on, I'll explain my position
eem-8027526 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I started watching this show on Netflix recently and was really enjoying it; HOWEVER, I have lost all confidence in the judges' ability to objectively judge based on SKILL, and END PRODUCT!!!!! Season 3 episode 3 is a great example...ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? That FRANKENSTEIN, hodge-podge collection of GARISH rubbish that Frankie (sp?) Produced with its shoddy glue gun, last-minute clock part junk wins?? Even in episode 1 Frankie clads the doors of a wardrobe in burlap and it looks HORRENDOUS!!!!! Apparently one must either be a gay man, or likeable (to the judges) to win because I cannot be convinced that design prowess plays the largest part. Tom, Daniel, and Sophie...none of you "move on" in my respect for objective and fair judging.
6 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Don't like to see such blatant sexism
bethanygoluboff24 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Season 1 , episode 3, was maddening. Holly nailed what the clients wanted. She delivered a gorgeous room about which the clients were over the moon. Frankie, while beautifully done in episode 2, was not successful in delivering what the client wanted in episode 3. The judges admitted that he failed completely with the lighting. And the style he delivered was not even steam punk. His client was moderately happy with the room. Even the side, creative project the designers made was misjudged, in my opinion. That chair Frankie made was downright ugly. Both of these designers are extremely talented. However, it was clear all the way through Season 1, that the judges favored Frankie. They exaggerated his successes and seemed to discount his failures. Why? Male privilege is the only thing I could think of. Even my husband was upset about this. He also thought Holly was the clear winner for episode 3. We stopped watching the show after this episode, because when there is obvious nepotism, it takes all the fun out of watching.
8 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Questionable judging and the second-rate praised
trimmerb123419 May 2020
I've watched the Great Pottery Throwdown as well as the Sewing Bee. One of the pottery judges is often overwhelmed by emotion by some pieces - and I always see why and sometimes share the emotion. In Sewing Bee, the judges are cooler but clearly very competent both on design and manufacture. Nobody goes to the next round or is dropped without if being clearly explained and fairly obviously right. On Design Challenge, the judging criteria is inconsistent - a designer who delights the client is dropped yet a designer who gets strong criticism goes through to the next round on the specious grounds of the judge's confidence that the designer will learn from their mistakes and do better better next time. With just two judges there is no-one to arbitrate. Here we have the ferociously forceful former The Appprentice Dragon-Lady Kelly Hoppen MBE teamed with rather limp and eager to fit in, Daniel Hopwood. At last they have brought in a third judge - someone who clearly has an independent mind and complete willingness to fully explain her view. The designer who disappoints her clients has just done it again. Without the new third judge, I think she would have won the series. When a waiter asks a group at a table if they have enjoyed their meals, there is much nodding of heads and "Very nice" comments. As soon as the waiter is out of ear-shot, the group erupts with criticism. "Very Nice" is the polite default, not wishing to offend or spoil the occasion. But voiced criticism means real wont-come-here-again disappointment.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Bulls$!t show
cmack-829154 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I would just like to know who Mr. Triangle, Martin, was blowing???? His designs started out incredibly bad, and by the end, he was doing fine work (who was helping him in the final, and semi-final episodes????). That being said, he should never have gotten to the finals - he should never have won the first challenge he was in - the repetitive triangles in his first design were, quite frankly, not interesting, boring, unimaginative, lacking in creativity, etc., etc., etc.. He won the final challenge despite leaving things unfinished, including no handles on an armoire, which the judges even stated was missing shelving which would have been appropriate in a room lacking in sufficient storage. They made excuses for him all through the competitions, which were not awarded to any of the other design competitors. It appears that this reality show was set up to have a winner before the competitions even started. How sad :-(.

Nonetheless, despite the obvious set up for the winner, it was very interesting to see the designers ideas, as well as the great mix of different home styles used in each episode. I just wish this was a true competition, without the obvious ending - yes, I knew before the semi-finals that Martin was going to win, despite not earning it!!!!!!!
2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
What a pile of tripe
hmb-5177815 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I wager if you put the stars of Portlandia in place of the "experts" and "host" and had them do exact same line readings - it would be seen as one of the great hits of parody - ever.

We made it through a couple of episodes of this piece of crud. The poor "designers" were given conflicting feedback. They were admired for doing shoddy work and browbeating their clients.

If I ever have the misfortune of seeing any of the "judges" again I know I'll laugh for half a second and find the remote.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!
2 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
The show is ridiculus
Kris-alexeeva17 January 2019
My review is based on one episode (School Conversion, Season 2) but for me that was enough. The worst designs I've seen. It feels like a joke when judges talk how everything is great. It's not immaturity, it's very bad design.
2 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
The fix is in
siinny23 May 2018
I watched four seasons and was loving it, especially the smart architecture history. But Season 4was a huge disappointment. I knew who the winner would be from the start, and I was right, damn it. Too bad, because 2 better designers lost out to the judges' pet.
1 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Season 3 review..HORRIBLE JUDGING
genique-2320120 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I mean they need to check on their taste!they have let talie go in place of quirky anne!i mean no offense to her she's creative and all but her taste isnt really what should win a interior design show like this OMG.the judges need to check their eyes clearly
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
Judge change?
sazzlebrides10 October 2019
Currently on episode 10 of season 1 and this is what I've noticed so far:

"Amazing, I feel like the designer has thought of absolutely everything. But,......has she thought of everything?!".

"This designer needs to remember the brief and ultimately has to think about what the client wants".....2 mins later: "you've stuck to the homeowners brief and what they want 110%, why haven't you been brave and pulled away from it and done what you want? that's why you didn't win"

Urgh. I think no matter what, how good, how bad, these designers will never win. I think the judges actually look for / invent reasons to not like something. Maybe they feel they have to make up something they don't like about something they actually love to make better TV and make it less obvious with regards to who their winner is to add suspense.....maybe it's just bad editing? - either way, the judges ruin the show for me. Judge change anyone??
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
I wouldn't let the winner of season 2 touch my house.
mkaufmann-7355018 July 2021
The designers were interesting to watch. Since they were all amateurs I found myself wondering if the people whose rooms were redone had some recourse to compensation if they couldn't stand the finished product.

I loved the host and his explanations of the history of the buildings.

I hated the judging. This again is an example of the worst person winning for no apparent reason. The other finalist did so much better than he did. If that had been my house I would have ripped everything he did out and started over from scratch.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Judges so/so
dkramerlevien29 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Like most of the designers and appreciate they are amateur. But the judges?!?. Initially much less snarky then all went south in Season 3. Seriously that room in round 2...so cheap looking. The client was nice but not enthusiastic. Meanwhile the competition so classy and brought the owners to tears of happiness but let's go with cheap and dark. Seriously? Although it was obvious The female judge was only going with the Male contestant no matter what. Take a lesson fro Great British Baking Show. People love it because everyone is kind and positive even when critical. Get a clue
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed