The Five Phases of Interior Design
Talie Jane Interiors
June 29, 2026
Talie Jane Interiors®
As a designer, I have watched my fair share of HGTV shows. They provide a great source of ideas. My favorite is “Love it or List it” since I’m a designer and my husband is a realtor. We live our own Hilary vs David moments.
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As a designer, I have watched my fair share of HGTV shows. They provide a great source of ideas. My favorite is “Love it or List it” since I’m a designer and my husband is a realtor. We live our own Hilary vs David moments.
Although entertaining, I find that the shows on HGTV do a disservice to homeowners and especially interior designers. The shows do not represent the reality of what goes into a remodel/rebuild/renovation – the time it takes, the inevitable “issues” that arise nor the collaborative relationship designers have with their clients.
But, the reality is, it takes months of planning and preparation. HGTV shows don’t reveal the “behind-the-scenes” work that happens months before starting the project, with teams of people (think “Property Brothers”). And, time-lapse (love the graphic showing day turning into night) photography doesn’t accurately show the progress being made, or not being made.
HGTV shows are certainly entertaining and have value for idea-sharing, but they don’t show the whole picture when it comes to construction or design. Next time you’re watching your favorite HGTV indulgence, think about what is not being shared or told; read between the lines. There’s definitely more than meets the eye.
