The BEST episodes of The Great Interior Design Challenge
Every episode of The Great Interior Design Challenge ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Great Interior Design Challenge!
The search for Britain's best amateur interior designers. Working in a variety of architectural styles, the contestants have 48 hours to impress both the judges and the homeowners.
#1 - Farm Houses
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/24/2016
The last round of the heats follows the two remaining designers as they are challenged to redesign a farm house kitchen.
#2 - Peak District
Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/15/2016
The first of the three knock-out rounds, in which designers are challenged to transform a cottage in Tissington.
#3 - Thatched, Ashby St Ledgers
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 1/18/2017
In the penultimate show of the series, the two designers have to transform two rooms in pretty thatched cottages in Ashby St Ledgers. Both designers are tasked with transforming a living room and a dining room. Judging them are regulars Kelly Hoppen and Daniel Hopwood and guest judge Michelle Ogundehin, editor in chief of Elle Decoration. Both designers unwittingly use the same colour but will this help or hinder their chances with the judges? One designer is seriously out to impress, but will the use of a very detailed and overpowering matching blue print for wallpaper and curtains impress the homeowners or put them off? Will Michelle Ogundehin agree with Daniel and Kelly or put a cat amongst the pigeons? Meanwhile, Tom Dyckhoff discovers the beauty and origins of olde world picturesque country cottage living and the characteristics of thatched dwelling.
#4 - Bourneville
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired 2/23/2016
The second round of the final heat see's the three remaining designers take on a reception room in a historic model village.
#5 - Half Houses
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/16/2016
The three remaining designers redesign a kitchen space in a Victorian half house in Walthamstow.
#6 - Worsley Mock Tudor Houses
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/10/2017
It is the quarter-final and the two designers who have made it to this stage now must take on two rooms each. In this heat, our two designers both take on a living room and a sitting room but the stakes are high as Kelly and Daniel must decide who goes through to the semi-final stage. Their budgets have increased as they have £2,000 each for their two rooms, and their team has doubled - they have two builders and two decorators to manage. They have 48 hours across three days but in their toughest challenge yet, one room must be finished and judged on day two. In this episode, our designers are in Worsley near Salford, Manchester, trying to transform rooms in Mock Tudor imposing houses, but will their designs be inkeeping with the properties as well as impress the homeowners? One designer has problems with their waterworks and might not be able to deliver what they have promised, and a delivery mix up means grave lighting issues. For the other designer, a timing issue might hinder their whole design integrity. Both designers draw on their practical and creative resources when they are given some metal tins to enhance but can they rise to the challenge? Meanwhile, architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers hidden tunnels beneath the waterways and looks at what life was like when these houses were originally built.
#7 - Cheltenham Regency
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/3/2017
In the first round of the first heat, the group of amateurs taking on the design challenge are hairdresser Oliver, dog walker Katie and photographer Daniela. They must each transform a bedroom in Regency properties in the grand Pittville estate of Cheltenham. Katie, who has a love of all things vintage, has a nervous time trying to please the client with her use of a controversial peach colour scheme which divides the judges. Oliver is being creative trying to bring the outside in when he makes over a tired and unused dreary basement guest room, but he is taking a risk with his design so will he be able to satisfy their dislike of chintz, especially since his clients aren't too sure about his methods, particularly as he plans to incorporate children's toy hula hoops into the lighting? Daniela meanwhile has to design for a younger client but can she satisfy a 12-year-old schoolgirl who is after a sophisticated look for her bedroom? Will Daniela be able to rise to the challenge or has she bitten off more than she can chew? All three try to come up with quirky and innovative designs when they are given a creative challenge - they are each given a surprise item which they have to cleverly incorporate into their scheme within three hours. They each have a thousand pounds, 48 hours and a small team to help deliver their schemes. Who has and who hasn't satisfied the judges? One of them will be going home.
#8 - Edwardian - Muswell Hill
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/20/2014
The search for Britain's best amateur interior designers begins with the first of eight heats. Would-be interior designers Sarah, Helen and James take on three large bedrooms in Edwardian homes in the leafy north London district of Muswell Hill. They have 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder to interpret and make real the homeowners' briefs. Vintage homeware designer Sarah has given herself a lot to do including upholstering a chair, something she has never done before. Asset manager James has to get the homeowners on-board with his bright colours and artist Helen is hoping to discover an Edwardian gem behind some built-in cupboards. As well as impressing the homeowners, they must also satisfy judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood. Only one designer can make it through to the quarter final.
#9 - Timber-Framed Houses
Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/10/2016
In the final round of heat two, two bedrooms have to be transformed in a timber-framed home, in order for one of the two remaining contestants to win a place in the next round of the competition.
#10 - Medieval Terrace
Season 3 - Episode 14 - Aired 3/1/2016
It is the semi-final, the three designers have to redesign a sitting room each in a medieval terrace in the grand cathedral city of Wells. Also each designer must impress in a suprise challenge to test how far they have each come.
#11 - Georgian - Liverpool: Final
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/5/2014
It is the final of the Great Interior Design Challenge, and after starting with 24 amateur interior designers, it is down to the last two. This time the stakes are raised as each amateur interior designer is given a grand Georgian house where they must redesign the hallway, front room, guest room and a child's bedroom. It is a huge undertaking. The money has gone up to £4,400 and they now have 72 hours, the help of two builders and a decorator. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff reveals the history of these beautiful Liverpool homes. Daniel Hopwood and Sophie Robinson must judge who deserves to win - but it is a tough decision as there are very different designs on offer.
#12 - 1930s - Surbiton
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 1/28/2014
It's the penultimate of the eight heats as three more designers fight it out for one of the last places in the quarter-finals. This time the programme has travelled to Berrylands in the heart of London's suburbia. The owners of these classic semi-detached 1930s homes are hoping the three amateur designers will bring new life and vigour to their front sitting rooms. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the homes and the circumstances that led to their build. Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood will be looking to see who as the potential to go through to the next round. Pub landlady, 43-year-old Paula from Herefordshire, is more used to doing up the interiors in the pubs she and her husband have lived in over the years. Creating an interior for someone else proves a real test of her confidence as she has to make the decisions on colour, fabric and built-in storage for the homeowner, and hope she is getting it right. 40-year-old textile designer Helen from Devon finds she has to confer with her owner nearly every step of the way before finally being allowed to create her South African-themed scheme. The third contestant is 44-year-old painter and decorator Johnny, he's used to doing the work on other people's design ideas and now he's got to create and pitch his own; but keen to prove he is more than just a decorator his complicated shelving scheme might be over ambitious. But only one can go through to the quarter-finals and this time Sophie and Daniel are finding it particularly hard to choose.
#13 - Thatched Cottages - Dorset
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/30/2014
It's the first quarter-final and four of the winners from the previous eight heats are now ready to paint, sew and build their way to a gain the first two places in the semi-final of the The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateurs are taking on four thatch cottages in Milton Abbas, Dorset. Having won a heat already, confidence is running high for all the amateurs, but they have to prove they have versatility and new ideas. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explains the fascinating history of this Georgian 'model village', built in 1779. Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood judge which two of the four amateurs are good enough to go through to the semi-final, and they won't be so lenient this time if contestants are running late or the rooms are unfinished. The amateurs each have 48 hours, £1,000 and the help of a builder, but only two of the designers will be able go through to the semi-final.
#14 - Port Sunlight
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/12/2014
It's the penultimate heat and three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round. The amateur designers are working in pretty workers' cottages on a Dutch-influenced crescent in the model village Port Sunlight. They have £1,000, three days and the help of a builder to transform a master bedroom each. Mehul from London draws on his heritage and love of all things industrial to answer his brief for a restful scheme. Mum-of-one Kelly's best-laid plans are in danger of going awry when her homeowners' new bed doesn't fit in with her plans. Hairdresser Louise from Northumberland wants to use her favourite paint effects to answer her brief, even though her homeowner isn't sure. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the model village of Port Sunlight, where each block was designed by a different architect. Judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the design potential to go through to the next round.
#15 - Span - Ashtead
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 1/24/2014
It is the fifth of the eight heats as three new designers battle it out for a place in the quarter-final. This time the amateurs are taking on the toughest of makeovers - three kitchens. They will be painting, tiling and creating their own designs in three 1960s homes in an estate in Ashstead, Surrey. With only 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder, the amateur designers need to manage their budgets and homeowner expectations if they are to get their schemes finished on time. 24-year-old young mum Kimberly from Bicester in Oxfordshire has the added pressure of having to fit appliances recently purchased by her homeowners into her scheme for a bright 60s kitchen. 54-year-old housewife Anna from Chigwell has concerns over tiling her shaker kitchen, while 39-year-old Julia from Nottingham needs a steady hand to transform a dark shiny kitchen from black to white. There is a lot to do and only one designer will be able go through to the quarter-finals. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of these unique Span Developments homes and the architect behind the utopian vision of his estate, as judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the winning design.
#16 - Victorian - Birmingham: Semi-Final
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 2/4/2014
It is the semi-final and the four winning interior designers from the quarter-finals fight it out for the two places in the final and the chance to win the Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateurs take on four enormous front rooms in beautiful Arts and Crafts Victorian houses in Moseley, Birmingham. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff uncovers the history of the homes and the Arts and Crafts movement, as judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood decide which two interior designers will be going through to the grand final. The contestants still only have 48 hours, but the money has gone up to £1,500, so the expectations are higher.
#17 - Bristol Modernist
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 1/17/2017
It is the semi-final and two designers go head to head for a place in the grand finale. The pressure is mounting and the stakes are high! In an added twist, one of the designers returning has been given a second chance, having previously been eliminated in the earlier rounds. This designer is now back fighting for their chance to make it into the final! The challenge our two designers have to conquer is transforming two rooms in modern town houses in Bristol. One designer takes on a master bedroom and a guest room/craft room and the other amateur is tasked with redesigning a living room and a bedroom/craft room.
#18 - Art Deco - Beckenham
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/22/2014
It is the third of the eight heats as three more designers battle it out for a place in the quarter-final. This time the amateurs are taking on very unusual and rather beautiful homes in Beckenham, Kent. Built in the 1930s, these homes are classic art deco design - blocky, bright white with a touch of Hollywood glamour. The amateurs are asked to redesign sun rooms at the very top of the houses. Surrounded by glass, they create a unique challenge for the designers. Executive assistant Louise hopes her 1930s cocktail bar will do the trick, while student Charmaine wants to win with her office design. Artist Amy is going all out with her Miami beach theme but with the homeowners being happy with the design being a crucial part of the criterion for winning, will she be able to convince them that gold and purple are the colours to go for? With only 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder there is a lot to do and only one designer will be able go through to the quarter finals. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckoff discovers the history of the homes and the influences of art deco, as Judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the winning design.
#19 - Converted Industrial - Rotherhithe
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/23/2014
In the fourth heat, the amateurs are in south east London on the River Thames, taking on sitting rooms in neighbouring homes in a beautiful converted mill. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the mill and the local area, as judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the winning design. 55-year-old housewife Dee, from Whitstable in Kent, is hoping her French farmhouse style will win the day, but finds resistance from her client. 40-year-old vintage enthusiast Emma from Manchester is also working hard to persuade her client on aspects of her boat house theme. 30 year old shop worker Luke from Oxford is keeping his client happy by turning his creative skills on making cat furniture for his African themed room. With upcycling challenges and tricky clients the designers have got to convince everyone that they have what it takes to be an interior designer. With only 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder there is a lot to do and only one designer will be able go through to the quarter finals.
#20 - Fishermen's Cottages
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/5/2014
It's the fifth of nine heats and three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the programme has travelled to the scenic fishing village of Brixham, Devon, where the three amateur designers have the task of transforming a bedroom each for three sisters who live in a row of terraced fishermen's cottages. With only three days, £1,000 and the help of a builder, they must deliver rooms befitting the picturesque setting. Civil service manager Martin must be clever with his design because his room acts as both a guest bedroom and artist's studio. Ex-marketing manager Becky hopes her daring scheme will give her bedroom the touch of glamour her client has asked for, but will it be too much? While librarian Lacey hopes her Cote D'Azur-themed room wins her a place in the next round - even with her lack of hands-on experience. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the cottages and fishing village, while judges Sophie and Daniel must decide which designer has done enough to win a place in the next round.
#21 - Stately Home
Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 12/2/2014
It's the final of the Great Interior Design Challenge and, after starting with 27 amateur interior designers, only two remain. Now they are each out to prove that they are the best. To win the title, each designer must complete their final challenge - however, this time it isn't just one room scheme, but three rooms each in a stately home. A 19th-century calendar house in Cumbria is the setting for this design showdown. Now converted into individual apartments, our designers take on a living room, a kitchen and a bedroom each with just £4,000 and four days to work with. Our first finalist is given the task of organising a lot of clutter - adding arts and crafts style to the living room, giving a country look to the kitchen and being given free rein in the guest room. But will they get each look right and impress the judges? Meanwhile, their rival designer has been asked for a traditional and elegant look in the living room, a shaker-style in the kitchen and a restful master bedroom. Can they prove they've developed a signature style without relying on design cliches? Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explains the unusual design behind this grand calendar house, where each architectural detail is related to numbers in the calendar - 365 panes of glass representing the days of the year, 52 chimneys representing the weeks and 12 corridors representing the months of the year. Meanwhile, judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood must decide which designer has created the best schemes and deserves to be named champion.
#22 - Converted Leisure Centre
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/1/2016
In the first round of the first heat, the group of amateurs taking on the design challenge are youth worker Jane, actress Sharon, doggie day carer Holly and ex-textiles salesman Frankie. They must transform abedroom each in a modernist former leisure centre in south London - one of presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff's favourite buildings in the UK. Jane has a nervous wait using concrete to make elements of her modern Scandi scheme, and is even more anxious to find out if her exacting client likes her scheme. Sharon is being bold with colour to answer a Bloomsbury-inspired brief, but she may have gone too far for her homeowner. Holly gives herself way too much to do - transforming a kid's bedroom with loads of craft projects, including creating a selfie booth for her young client. Meanwhile, Frankie faces disaster after deciding to upholster huge parts of his Japanese-inspired design, including the wardrobe. Can he finish it to his own high standards? They each have a thousand pounds, three days and a small team to help deliver their schemes. With few existing design features in the rooms and high expectations from their clients, the judges must decide which designer hasn't done enough to stay in the competition.
#23 - Victorian - Salford
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/21/2014
In the second of eight heats, three more designers battle it out for a place in the quarter final, this time taking on three knocked-through sitting rooms in neighbouring homes in a terrace in Salford. Architectural historian Tom Dyckoff discovers the history of the homes and the workers they were built for, as judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the winning design. 65-year-old housewife Susan is hoping her paint effects will win favour, while financial lawyer Nigel is banking on some funky wall transfers. Meanwhile, mum Lynne faces hard work persuading the homeowner that her ideas will work. With upcycling challenges and schemes to pull together the designers have got to convince everyone that they have what it takes to be an interior designer. With only 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder, there is a lot to do and only one designer will be able go through to the quarter finals.
#24 - Almshouses - Southwark
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 1/27/2014
It's the sixth of the eight heats as three new designers battle it out for a place in the quarter-final. This time the amateurs are creating interiors for three beautiful Georgian almshouses in Southwark, London. They will have 48 hours, £1000 and the help of a builder to turn three sitting rooms into modern designs fit for the inhabitants of these 250-year-old homes. 42-year-old retail manager Neil from Brighton has a relaxed approach that sees him create a bicycle-themed sitting room. Events coordinator, 36-year-old Jane from Kent, is organised and on time to get her Moroccan-themed room finished, until she's asked to deliver some storage space; and mum Lorna from Birmingham, has to deliver a Casablanca style sitting room, but is she trying to deliver too many ideas? Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the almshouses, as judges Sophie and Daniel decide who has the winning design. With upcycling challenges, late deliveries and expectations high, only one can go through to the quarter finals.
#25 - Saltaire Model Village
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/4/2017
In this round of the first heat, the group of amateurs taking on the design challenge are retired actor and director Nicholas, marketing assistant James and event stylist Anna. They must each transform a living room in three Grade II-listed former workers' cottages in the pretty town of Saltaire. Nicholas is reaching out to his spiritual side as his client wants a Zen-inspired relaxing consulting room, but he may have bitten off more than he can chew and gone too far with an elaborate Japanese-inspired scheme. Will his client like it? Anna meanwhile has to breathe new life into a lacklustre living room for her client, but will she be able to give it a modern masculine bachelor pad makeover? And will the judges think her schemes are manly enough? James also has a testing time trying to fulfil a Scandi brief for his homeowner, but can he finish it to his own high standards? And they have a three-hour window in which to complete this week's creative challenge. They each have a thousand pounds, three days and a small team to help deliver their schemes. Expectations are high from their clients and the judges, and they will decide who has done enough to stay in the competition - and who will go home.