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.
#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.
Watch Now:Amazon#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.
#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.
Watch Now:Amazon#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.
Watch Now:Amazon#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.
Watch Now:Amazon#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 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#11 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#12 - 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.
#13 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#14 - 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.
#15 - 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.
#16 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon
#17 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#18 - 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.
#19 - 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.
#20 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon
#21 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#22 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon
#23 - 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.
Watch Now:Amazon#24 - 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.
#25 - 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.