The WORST episodes of The Great Interior Design Challenge
Every episode of The Great Interior Design Challenge ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst 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 - Scottish Castle
Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/3/2016
In the third and final round of this heat, two designers have proved their talent, but now only one can win a place in the quarter-final. The backdrop for this design showdown is an 18th-century Scottish castle, now converted into apartments. Once again they have just £1000, three days and a small team to make their transformations. Our two designers are following very different briefs in two different reception rooms. One designer has been asked for an elegant lounge and dining room, and has some brilliant ideas for creating sumptuous details on a budget - but with major concerns over their choice of mirrored wall panels, the overall look may fail. Meanwhile, the other designer wrangles to give their high-ceilinged, plain sitting room a steam punk influence. However, running out of wallpaper and struggling with intricate details could threaten the entire project. Presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers more about the history of this mysterious castle, built as a fortress-like folly where things aren't quite what they seem. It is down to the judges to decide which designer has displayed enough skill and talent to go through to the quarter-final.
#2 - Tenements
Season 2 - Episode 15 - Aired 11/27/2014
It's the semi-final, so the briefs and the judges are tougher than ever. Four previous winners are back to redesign a reception room each in Edinburgh's historic tenements, but only two can go through to the final. With higher stakes comes a higher budget, as each designer has £1,500 and three days to convince the judges that they deserve a place in the grand final. Our first designer must prove they can stamp their own identity on the room. Designer number two must show they can deliver creativity in a scheme, but plans for pimping up some flat-pack furniture fall flat with the clients. Our third semi-finalist needs to impress while working to a traditional brief. Meanwhile, our final designer is working to a mid-century brief but could be derailed while creating a giant lampshade out of wool. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff examines the history of the tenements in Edinburgh and the secrets that enticed the Victorian middle classes to live here. Meanwhile, judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood have the difficult task of deciding which two designers have what it takes to make it through to the grand final.
#3 - Coastal Cottages
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/29/2016
It is the quarter-final, and the last four designers are in the village of Beer in Devon. Each designer has taken on a sitting room each in a row of coastal cottages. The designer will also be asked to team up with their competitors to test their teamwork skills.
#4 - Thatched Village
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/8/2016
The second round of the competition begins as each contestant is given three days and £1,000 to transform a thatched roof bedroom.
#5 - Oast Houses
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/18/2014
It's the first of the three second-round episodes and three previous winners battle it out to win a place in the quarter-finals. This time, each of our amateurs takes on awkward dimensions in three bedrooms in converted oast houses in Kent. In a boy's bedroom, mum-of-three Kelly creates one of the boldest schemes yet - with vibrant colours and quirky touches - but has she got her details right? Brimming with ideas, teashop owner Kate goes all out with an ambitious red and blue scheme, but she must learn to make sure that every aspect of her design is functional. And fashion graduate Alex must find a way to incorporate his homeowner's American football memorabilia into his restful, grown-up guest room. While architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the fascinating history of these buildings, shaped by their agricultural heritage, judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood keep a watchful eye over progress in the rooms. The designers have just three days and £1,000 to demonstrate their skills and inventiveness - but with two places in the quarter-finals up for grabs, one of them will leave the competition at the end of this challenge.
#6 - Eco Homes
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/11/2014
It's the seventh of nine heats and three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round. The amateurs are redesigning large open-plan reception rooms in three 21st-century eco homes in Greater London. With just three days and £1,250, the amateur designers must deliver gorgeous rooms using materials sympathetic to the eco ethos. Australian-born Honor must put aside her love of everything white, as her homeowners prefer a darker, moodier palette. Fashion design graduate Alex gets his screen printer out to give his Manhattan loft design a geometric feel. While B&B owner Jane risks losing the confidence of her homeowners with her clashing colours. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff reveals the ingenious design behind these futuristic, energy-saving buildings. While judges Sophie and Daniel must scrutinise the designers' every decision before they can decide who deserves to go through to the next round.
#7 - Cotswolds
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/28/2014
Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff presents the series searching for untapped interior design talent, judged by interior designers Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood. In the first heat, amateur designers Scott, Fiona and Francesca take on three living rooms belonging to one family in neighbouring 17th-century cottages in the Cotswolds. Accustomed to working to precision, oil rig draughtsman Scott struggles with the uneven 300-year-old walls to deliver his modern design, while young mum Francesca must find a way to display her homeowner's treasured heirlooms, in keeping with her shabby chic scheme. College lecturer Fiona shows off her skills when she reupholsters a coffee table in her industrial themed room, but will it be enough to impress the judges? All three rooms throw up a different set of challenges for the designers, but only one can make it through to the second round.
#8 - Stately Home
Season 3 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/2/2016
It is the grand final. The final two designers are expected to take on three rooms each in an apartment in a grand stately home in Sussex.
#9 - Georgian Terrace
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/9/2016
The three remaining contestants now have to transform a living room in just three days with a £1,000 budget in a Georgian Terraced house.
#10 - Modern Riverside
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/17/2016
Two designers compete for a place in the quarter-final. They have to transform awkward attic bedrooms into desirable 1960s riverside homes in Marlow.
#11 - 1960s Complex
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 11/25/2014
It's the first of the two quarter-final programmes and three previous winners battle it out for two places in the semi-final. This time they have three days and a larger budget of £1,200 to redesign quirky, open-plan rooms in an architecturally significant 1960s housing complex. All three designers must prove that they have imagination, skill and style if they're to win a coveted place in the semi-final of the Great Interior Design Challenge. One designer must work to a Persian brief - ensuring they get the right balance of theme and authenticity. Problems with some floor tiles threaten to derail our second designer, working to a bright, bold, Austin Powers-inspired brief. While our third designer must prove they can work sympathetically within the 60s architecture of the building. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff marvels at the design behind these standout buildings - locally nicknamed the Elephant Houses. Meanwhile, judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood have the daunting task of choosing which designer must leave the competition... and which two go through to the next round.
#12 - Houseboats
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 11/20/2014
It's the final episode of the second-round stage of the competition, and three more previous winners battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals. This time the pressure is on to transform three similar multi-functional reception rooms in houseboats on the River Thames, still with just £1,000 over three days. All three designers must overcome the challenges thrown up by the houseboats and their owners. For her classic, romantic scheme, conference organiser Charlotte has ambitious plans for the floor - a checkerboard design - but is it achievable in the time she's got? Photographer Luke knows he must keep his clients on board with his Hamptons beach house-themed room, while giving them a contemporary edge. And civil servant Martin risks his place in the competition, ignoring his homeowner's wishes and sticking to his guns with elements of his global-themed room. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff messes about by the river and reveals the rich history of the houseboat. While judges Sophie Robinson and Dan Hopwood have the difficult task of deciding which two designers are worthy of a place in the quarter-finals and which one must leave the competition.
#13 - 1930s Apartments
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/13/2014
It's the final heat and three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round. The amateur designers are redesigning the master bedroom of three 1930s Hollywood-inspired apartments in West London. Deputy restaurant manager Jack, the youngest designer in the competition, has the tough task of creating a room that combines his homeowners' diverse tastes - Celtic, oriental and art deco. Online home accessories retailer Hannah must keep true to the Nordic scheme her client has asked for, whilst incorporating his beloved wall-hanging into her design. Vintage fan Jo delivers an art deco scheme - but will it have the contemporary twist that her clients have asked for? Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the history of these iconic apartments, while judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood decide who has the winning room - but with such varied designs to choose from, it's a tough choice to make. But with only three days, £1000 and challenging briefs, the designers must work hard to prove they deserve a place in the second round.
#14 - Regency - Brighton
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 1/29/2014
t's the last of the eight heats as three new designers battle it out for the last place in the quarter-final and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateurs are taking on three vast living rooms in Brighton. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the history of the homes and the Regency period, as judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood decide who has the winning design. The amateurs are 30-year-old café owner Jordon from South London, 37-year-old mum Alice from Lewes in Sussex, and 44-year-old business woman Jenny from Cornwall. Jordon demonstrates his showmanship with his take on Hollywood glamour; Alice creates a fun room with zones for all the family; and Jenny goes for a rustic French country kitchen scheme. But with only 48 hours, £1,000 and one of the largest rooms yet, there's a lot to do and only one designer will be able go through to the quarter-finals. For Daniel and Sophie, with such varied designs to choose from, and everyone rising to the upcycling challenge, it's a tough choice to make.
#15 - Weatherboard Cottages
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/2/2016
In the second round of this heat, the three remaining designers are out to impress, working in Kentish weatherboard cottages. This challenge is a huge leap for the amateurs as each building is grade II listed, with individual restrictions on what can and can't be changed. They'll have £1,000, three days and the help of a small team to complete their transformation. One designer struggles with lighting fixtures and fittings in their dark, medieval room - especially as they've controversially chosen to paint the walls lime green. The second designer is putting all their efforts into beautifully crafted soft furnishings - but with the judges accusing them of playing it safe, the decision could backfire. Meanwhile, the last designer faces disaster when their client dislikes elements of their scheme, and negotiations on replacement wallpaper become tense. Will they be able to turn it around to keep their place in the competition? Presenter and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of weatherboarding homes so typical of the region. It's down to the judges to decide which two designers will go through to the next round and which one will leave the competition.
#16 - Medieval
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/30/2014
Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff presents the series searching for untapped interior design talent, judged by interior designers Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood. It's the third of nine heats and the three new designers have to update a crooked bedroom in three grand medieval homes in Lavenham, Suffolk. Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the houses, and Sophie and Daniel decide who will go through to the next round. Each designer has three days, £1000 and the help of a small team. Furniture restorer Scott faithfully follows his homeowner's East meets West brief, but will he show enough originality to impress the judges? Mum of two Leila hopes her luxurious yellow scheme will bring light to her room, even though her homeowner isn't keen on the colour. And will tea shop owner Kate's British colonial theme suit the 300-year-old room? With original wooden beams, uneven floors and discerning homeowners, the three designers have their work cut out.
#17 - School Conversion
Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 11/26/2014
It's the second of the two quarter-finals and three previous winners battle it out for two places in the semi-final. This time the pressure is on as our amateurs take on three double-height reception rooms in an imposing Edwardian school conversion. The competition is fierce as the designers have £1,200 and just three days to complete their rooms - knowing that one of them will leave the competition at the end. Our first designer is out to deliver an edgy scheme, answering a whimsical and decadent brief with a flock of ornamental birds. The second designer must work to a refined brief, while still showcasing their natural creative flair. While our third designer is out to prove they are learning the rules of design, but a lack of knowledge in spatial planning could prove problematic when working with the awkward double-height rooms. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the fascinating history of this grand school building, while judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood decide which two designers will go through to the semi-final and which one will leave the competition.
#18 - Welwyn Garden City
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/6/2014
It's the sixth 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 our amateurs are updating three identical living rooms in the handsome town of Welwyn Garden City. But with only three days, £1000 and the help of a builder, the pressure's on to deliver rooms that keep the homeowners happy and impress the judges. Costume designer Christine from Belfast has a natural approach in her room - using turmeric and onion skins to dye her fabrics - but it's a time consuming task. Photographer Luke has a job convincing his clients to go with his vibrant retro scheme, while Rich from Somerset must work hard to deliver his art-deco scheme to his art-deco purist client. Architectural Historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of Welwyn Garden City and its fine neo-Georgian architecture. While judges Sophie and Daniel must decide whose design is worthy of these iconic homes and a place in the next round.
#19 - Beach Huts
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/29/2014
Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff presents the series searching for untapped interior design talent, judged by interior designers Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood. It's the second of nine heats, as three new designers battle it out for a place in the second round. This time three designers take on three 1920s beach huts on Canford Cliffs beach and just three days and £750 to transform the two and a half square metres huts. In his nautical design, actor Michael must make sure he creates enough storage for the four families who share his hut. For school teacher Anne it's a tricky task keeping her hut owner on board with her bold colour choice. Meanwhile, antiques restorer Sandy struggles to make a decision in her multicoloured, nature-inspired scheme. Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the nation's love affair with the beach hut, while it's down to judges Sophie and Daniel to decide who has the winning design and will go through to the next round.
#20 - Streatham Art Deco Flats
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 1/12/2017
In the last of the quarter-final heats, two designers go head to head for that coveted place in the semi-finals. This time, the amateur designers have two rooms to transform in rather glamorous 1930s art deco flats and they are each handed a living room and a guest bedroom. The designers both have £2,000 and 48 hours across three days in which to complete their challenge. They see their workforce doubled to two decorators and two builders and they find out how hard it is to have one room finished and judged on day two. This is particularly challenging for one of the designers for whom a possible asbestos outbreak means work is halted in one of the rooms. Will they complete their rooms on time, and how will they adapt their design plans to comply with the art deco brief they have been handed? Will a black skirting board be a step too far for the clients and 'mock croc' be too feminine for the 'Gentleman's Club' they had asked for? Meanwhile, the other designer might be going too far off brief with a butterfly-inspired effect which dominates heavily throughout the living room. Both designers are given a creative challenge to cleverly incorporate into their overall schemes and architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff takes us back in time and shows us that 1930s Streatham, meaning 'Hamlet on the Street', was one of London's most forward futuristic glamorous neighbourhoods.
#21 - Victorian London
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/4/2014
It's the fourth of nine heats as three designers battle it out for a place in the second round and the chance to win The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time our amateur designers take on the open plan living and dining rooms of three Victorian terraced houses in the heart of London's east end. They have £1,000 and three days to give the open plan reception rooms a whole new look. Artist Lucy must bring some order to her homeowners' large eclectic collection of furniture and ornaments without losing the heart and soul of their home. Egon must design a mid-century themed room with three zones - cocktail bar, dining and lounge areas. While Charlotte has to persuade her client that her dark wall colour is the way to go for his modern masculine brief. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff discovers the history of the houses and the east end, while judges Sophie and Daniel watch every design detail come together, before they must decide who is good enough to win a place in the next round.
#22 - Broadstairs Converted Castle Apartments
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/19/2017
It is the grand final. The two top designers have to complete three rooms each in converted apartments in an 18th-century mock castle in Broadstairs. The designers are tackling a kitchen for the first time ever and our designers soon find out that working in older properties is certainly not without its challenges. Judging this epic battle are Daniel Hopwood and Kelly Hoppen, helped and joined by former judge and interior stylist Sophie Robinson. Only one designer can walk away as winner of The Great Interior Design Challenge. Meanwhile, architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the castle and explains the significance of such a beautiful building in British history.
#23 - Aberaeron Georgian Houses
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 1/11/2017
In the second quarter-final, two designers battle it out for a place in the semi-final. They both have £2,000 to be spent on two rooms and 48 hours across three days in which to complete their challenge. They see their workforce doubled to two decorators and two builders and they really will find out how hard it is to have one room finished and judged on day two. This time, the designers are in the pretty coastal town of Aberaeron in west Wales, a former fishing port. Both designers are tasked with transforming both a bedroom and a study come guest room, whilst incorporating the creative challenge - some rope - into their overall scheme. One designer draws on the surrounding Welsh influences to create their schemes, but will the client like it, especially as there will be a big retro-inspired theme throughout? The other designer finds that a nautical-themed design plan might not be the best option, especially when judges Kelly and Daniel have to step in. Both designers find that having two rooms to complete is extremely physically as well as personally challenging! Meanwhile, architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff explores the coastal village and uncovers its far-reaching architectural influences and finds out why each Georgian house is painted a different colour.
#24 - Edwardian Wimbledon
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/19/2014
It's the second round of the competition and three previous winners must up their game if they are to win a place in the quarter-finals. They have just three days and £1,000 to transform the reception rooms of three Edwardian houses in Wimbledon, London. After showcasing his raw talent in the first round, deputy restaurant manager Jack aims to show the judges his refined side with his classic Edwardian scheme. Actor Michael has created an unusual treasure hunt in his room for his homeowners' son, but will it have the edginess that the judges are looking for? And college lecturer Fiona must demonstrate her creativity, striking a balance between feminine and masculine in her gentlemen's club-themed room. Architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff delves into the history of the handsome Edwardian houses, in what would once have been a peaceful village outside London. And judges Sophie and Daniel must decide which two designers have done enough to win a place in the quarter-finals and which one will be leaving the competition.
#25 - Brutalist Tower Block - Bethnal Green
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/31/2014
It's the second quarter-final and four more winners from the previous eight heats are now ready to paint, sew and build their way to win the last two places in the semi-final of the The Great Interior Design Challenge. This time the amateurs are being challenged to redesign four compact bedrooms in a 1950s brutalist tower block in Bethnal Green, East London. The spaces are smaller, but it makes the challenge tougher. Designed by the architect Denis Lasdon who also designed the South Bank, architectural historian Tom Dyckhoff looks at the history of the block and how it was rescued from demolition to become one of the more desirable places to live in East London. While Judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood cast their eyes over the various designs to see who is most deserving to go through to the semi-final.