There’s a quiet joy radiating from the BBC’sInterior Design Masters, a show that consistently delivers delightful transformations, yet somehow remains a hidden gem. It’s a strange phenomenon – a program widely adored by those in the know, yet largely overlooked by the broader television audience.
This week, Alan Carr’s return as host, alongside the discerning eye of interiors expert Michelle Ogundehin, felt strangely muted. Despite its quality, the show lacks the widespread buzz it deserves, a fact that’s particularly frustrating for devoted viewers eager to discuss the latest designs.
The truth is, our fascination with interiors isn’t a recent trend. Shows likeChanging Roomsand60 Minute Makeovercaptivated audiences for years, but social media has amplified this passion. The hashtag #interiordesign boasts over 17 billion views on TikTok, and even niche searches like #modernhome generate millions of posts on Instagram.
Yet, this online fervor doesn’t translate to television ratings. Too often, mentioningInterior Design Mastersis met with blank stares and a simple, “I’ve never heard of it.” The show consistently earns renewals and respectable viewership – averaging around 3.4 million last year – but it feels like a sleeper hit, failing to break through to mainstream conversation.
ConsiderRace Across the World, another addictive BBC offering. It consistently draws larger audiences, exceeding 5 million viewers per episode, and sparks widespread discussion, even among non-viewers. The same can be said for a cultural institution likeThe Great British Bake Off, which still commands between 4 and 8 million viewers.
The online communities reflect this disparity. WhileBake Offboasts a Reddit following of over 117,000, andRace Across the Worldnearly 20,000,Interior Design Masters’ subreddit has just over 4,000 followers. It simply doesn’t ignite the same level of passionate debate.
Since its debut in 2019, initially hosted by Fearne Cotton before Alan Carr took the helm in 2021, the show has steadily improved. Carr’s playful energy adds a unique charm, elevating the competition beyond mere aesthetics to consider functionality and innovative design.
Each season, ten aspiring designers tackle diverse spaces – from homes to restaurants – vying for a contract to design a collection with Next. The premiere of the current series saw the hopefuls transforming humble beach huts on the Dorset coast, armed with paint, plans, and even papier-mâché.
This year’s contestants are a vibrant mix of creative personalities: dancers, nomads, and even interiors influencers. Duran, a recently single designer, immediately stood out with her bold, powder blue and red beach hut transformation, complete with a striking archway.
Emmely, with her unconventional use of papier-mâché, is certainly a memorable presence, even if the results are…mixed. And then there’s Ben, a self-proclaimed royalist whose bedroom portraits of the Queen and King Charles are guaranteed to spark conversation.
WhileInterior Design Mastersmay not reach the fever pitch of shows likeThe Traitors, it’s a shame that such a well-crafted and engaging program remains relatively unknown. If our social feeds and beautifully decorated homes are any indication, we’re all captivated by interiors – it’s time this show received the attention it deserves.
Perhaps it’s time to discover – or rediscover – the quiet brilliance ofInterior Design Masters. You might just find yourself completely hooked.
