Reality TV, or trash TV as its known in the MBA studio, is massive across all genres including home improvement. Shows like The Block, filmed in beautiful Melbourne, smash ratings season after season. With pay tv, our access to interior trash tv is amplified. While we acknowledge the term ‘trash tv’ could be seen as derogative, some shows are so bad that to watch them feels like an illicit guilty pleasure. No judgement here!
Two shows that have caught our attention are from the United States- Masters of Flip and Fixer Upper. Both shows follow a similar premise: young-ish, stylish, impossibly good looking couple find a rundown, dilapidated nightmare, wave a magic wand, wield a couple of sledgehammers, toss a few cushions, and viola- on a limited budget, a dream home emerges, but not without a mould problem, an ill-fitting doorway or a drape DISASTER to heighten the tension.
Although here at MBA we don’t usually adhere to stereotypes, there’s no denying that the format of these two shows are unmistakably American. The end results are staged and styled with the same look, sofas are huge, light fittings are massive, and so too- strangely simultaneously- both the drama as well as the accessibility to the average Joe are supersized. The message to homeowners is very clear: on a limited budget, you too could get this look- just have a go!
In one hour, we see an 8-12 week extensive renovation unfold. In TV time, that’s five days, and the kicker is incredible projects are delivered on a limited budget. These shows aren’t (on camera) throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars at these projects. It’s unsurprising then, with the plethora of similar shows, that peoples’ perceptions about the reality of a renovation, particularly a big one, are completely skewed, and the process is completely misrepresented.
Sadly, whilst it’s increasingly not unusual for a client to believe they can achieve a structural makeover in a weekend, the dastardly truth is successful renovations take place over quite some time. So much for reality! They are well planned, thoughtful, and take into consideration how a person uses a space. Simply knocking down walls doesn’t equate to good design, any more than having a plan of attack sketched on a napkin means both the local council will be on board to approve your plans to remove all your load bearing walls and cantilevered mezzanine, or trades being available and affordable to achieve the magical transformation desired.
Whilst extreme fake drama makes for fun viewing, it’s true that even the most straight-forward and well-planned renovation project can be overwhelming. Our Renovator’s Lifeline Gift removes the overwhelm, and brings renovating dreams into fruition. Our network of contacts (trades and furnishings) brings projects to life to leave you with a renovated space that you love- minus the supersized drama.
