I usually write about a new trend, color or money saving design tips. But this time I wanted to write about the effects reality television has had on the design industry. At first, some shows allowed the average consumer the ability to see some of the ‘behind the scenes’ work we do. From the fabric selections, initial interviews, work room meetings to the final installation day and reveal with the client. While other shows provided great ‘how-to’ tips or unique garage sale finds.
A few shows would use an inspiration room and replicate it with a much lower price tag. The space would seem to be completed by the days end. This actual scenario happened to me with a client about ten years ago. We went over the budget and rooms to be designed and time frame. The client brought up the new show she had just seen and questioned why so much time and money to complete her task. She wasn’t aware, as I explained, that there is/was product placement, trades people who are on the shows payroll, etc. I explained my workrooms deal with many other designers, ordered fabrics and furniture pieces take time to arrive and all the work prior to the installation date. In other words, you’re not going to have a hundred people working on your house only to reveal something shiny and new after a bus moves away.
The real process takes time. The average lead-time on a custom piece of furniture can take anywhere from four to about sixteen weeks given the detail and intricacy of the design. During that time, rooms can be painted and new flooring is laid along with the installation of window treatments. While reality design shows can provide many design ideas, insight and inspiration, real life has a much longer timeline.