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7 TV property makeovers that were absolute disasters

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

There are few things we Brits love more than a good home-design programme. Our schedules are littered with them, from Channel 4's Grand Designs to BBC's Your Home in Their Hands.

We ogle the luxurious designs and magnificent transformations but, every so often, a crew pulls off a makeover that leaves us – and the property owners – scratching our heads. Sometimes worse...

Here we take a look back at the TV property makeovers we'll never forget – for all the wrong reasons...

1. "I am so sorry" – Changing Rooms

This was hilarious for everyone except the owner of the beloved teapot collection.

BBC Changing Rooms designer Linda Barker took the lead on a house renovation with the help of a couple's neighbours – as was the aim of the show – and decided to construct a free-floating shelf to house a vast collection of antique teapots.

Disaster soon struck, however, and heads were in hands as the shelf gave out under the weight of the teapots, bringing it all crashing down. The helping hands were distraught, even crying on camera, and Linda was left with no choice but to phone the owner and apologise.

We wonder if the neighbours stayed friends.

2. "It was a nightmare" – Your Home in Their Hands

Your Home in Their Hands proved fatal for the Baileys' home as they opened their front door to find a horticulture-themed wall.

The amateur designers had saddled the couple with fake grass as carpet, a random fish tank and yellow walls.

June burst out laughing in disbelief before breaking down in tears, while Steve could only manage "it's different" before they checked out the rest of the house. And, as they walked around, it was clear that the homeowners were less than impressed with the makeover, with June even admitting she regretted taking part in the show.

3. "You guys are going to have to fix this!" – Trading Spaces

Trading Spaces, a popular TLC programme, has been a hotbed of disappointment for homeowners over the years as they put their trust in the hands of others.

On one particular episode, a couple were shocked – and not in a great way – when they entered their new living room, and soon took aim at the giant fireplace in the middle.

"I'm going to have to leave the room now," whispered the owner before walking off in tears.

4. "I really don't like it." – Your Home in Their Hands

Another gem from Your Home in Their Hands saw the amateur designers leave a family dumbfounded.

As they walked into the first room, the couple struggled to hide their disappointment at the bland walls and bizarre choice of a stuffed squirrel for decoration. But it was the second room that really broke the homeowners' spirit. Upon seeing her bedroom, the couple's teenage daughter became tearful as she admitted she didn't like what the designers had done.

The youngster batted back her mum's enthusiasm for its "uniqueness" by repeating that it "wasn't her", before flat out confessing: "I really don't like it."

5. £1.2 million refund? – Grand Designs

In Grand Designs, you expect to see just that – grand designs.

So when one couple decided to use £1.2 million to make their place look "shabby chic", viewers of the show were naturally outraged. Particular as the property already had an unstable roof and crumbling interior.

Although they were happy with the result, viewers were not and made fun of the bizarre makeover on Twitter. Some even said the couple should get their money back.

6. "This will be gone very soon." – Trading Spaces

So unhappy at the new additions in her living room, one woman actually wiped tears from her eyes as she glared at her new pillows.

Wanting a kimono-inspired room, all the poor property owner could do was stare and manage, "Oh wow", being honest that she didn't like any of it.

Oops. Trading Spaces strikes again.

7. "I'm regretting this." – Your Home in Their Hands

This trusting couple gave the keys to their house to the amateur designers on Your Home in Their Hands, clearly having learnt nothing from previous participants.

While the lady didn't seem too upset by what she was seeing, her partner did not hold back and, even though he kept a lid on it in the first room, unleashed his frustration after walking into the second renovated room in his home.

"It's like a kids' play area. I think it looks horrendous," he blasted as the presenter shifted uncomfortably. Struggling to find positives, the woman sympathised that she "liked the wardrobe".


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