a.renaye's Profile

Great article! As hinted at, design-show-results aren't always realistic for actual budgets. I am a designer/stylist and have worked as a designer for HGTV and here is a little bit from behind the scenes:

1. The network pays the designer and the production company pays the labor - two major costs totally cut out of the makeover.
2. Most companies discount furniture and props in trade for subtle advertisement - i.e. air time and often materials like fabric and wallpaper are donated.
4. The rooms are designed FOR t.v. (although some designers are more considerate of this than others and do create comfortable spaces).
5. Lastly, props such as lamps, art, photographs, flowers, etc have a separate budget and filler items such as pillows and books don't always stay in the room when the cameras turn off - they are reusable/returnable props.