3 Renovation Myths TV Taught You (And the Reality)

If your first taste of interior design came from binge-watching home renovation shows, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there: glued to the screen, watching a dusty, outdated space transform into a magazine-worthy home in a single, thrilling episode.

Remember the early days of Trading Spaces? It was pure entertainment. Even modern favorites like Windy City Rehab—while they show more of the headaches like permit issues—still offer a heavily curated version of the process. The before-and-after reveals, the dramatic demolitions, the impossibly fast turnarounds—it's captivating, aspirational, and pure TV magic.

But here’s the thing: while TV makes for fantastic entertainment, it often skips the most important part of a design project—reality.

At DOMICILIO Interiors, education is at the heart of what we do. We believe informed clients are empowered clients, and the truth is, most homeowners are surprised by what the design process actually entails. It's not just about flash; it’s about a deeply intentional process that turns a vision into a livable, long-lasting reality. We're here to pull back the curtain and show you the real story of interior design.

The Reality Behind the Reveal: 3 Myths from the Screen

In a 30-minute segment, TV magic collapses weeks, or even months, of meticulous work into a few fleeting moments. This leaves us with a few common misconceptions that can lead to frustration if you aren't prepared for the real journey.

Myth 1: The Instant Timeline

On television, a dated kitchen is demoed one day and completed a few days later, all in a single, seamless montage. In reality, a successful renovation is a marathon, not a sprint.

For a major renovation, the process can take six to twelve months, or even longer. Why? Because the time spent waiting is crucial. We’re waiting for permits, for custom cabinetry to be built, for stone slabs to be fabricated, and for furniture to be shipped across the country. A single delay—a shipping snafu or a material backorder—can create a frustrating domino effect if a project isn't expertly managed. This is why our design process starts with a realistic timeline that anticipates potential delays, rather than rushing to get started.

Myth 2: The Flat-Rate Budget

In the world of TV, a host confidently announces a project will cost "$50,000," and it magically lands on that number. The reality is that a project budget is a living document. While we work tirelessly to keep your project on track, unexpected costs are a part of every renovation. Real-world budgets must account for:

• Professional Fees: On TV, designers and project managers often work for "free." In reality, they are a vital part of your team whose fees are a crucial part of the budget.
• Contingency Funds: Every project requires a contingency fund (we typically recommend 15-20%) to cover unforeseen issues, such as discovering plumbing issues behind a wall.
• The Cost of Quality: The materials you see on television often don't have the long-term durability of the pieces we specify. Our priority is a home that stands the test of time, requiring an investment in quality.

Myth 3: The Solo Hero

Shows often feature a single, charismatic host who seems to do it all—demo, design, and even construction. In reality, a designer is not a solo hero; they are the conductor of a talented orchestra.

We act as the central point of communication, coordinating with architects, engineers, general contractors, and a roster of specialized tradespeople. The beauty of a real-world renovation is this collaborative process. We speak the language of contractors and artisans, ensuring every detail of your design vision is translated perfectly into reality.

The DOMICILIO Difference: Your Real-World Partnership

Our approach is transparent, collaborative, and rooted in a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a project to life. We don't believe in "TV magic." We believe in a meticulously planned, client-focused process that provides you with clarity and confidence every step of the way.

• We Create a Master Plan: Our work begins long before demo day. We spend weeks on the planning phase, creating a detailed design that considers every layer of your home. This master plan is your roadmap, eliminating the need for frantic, last-minute decisions.
• We Protect Your Investment: We work with you to create a comprehensive budget that includes all costs, both seen and unseen. By managing the budget proactively, we help you avoid painful surprises.
• We Are Your Advocate: As your partner, we are a constant presence throughout the project. We are on-site, communicating with the team, and ensuring that your vision and best interests are at the forefront of every decision.

Beyond the Screen

The true magic of interior design isn't found in a television editing bay. It's in the quiet confidence that comes from a well-laid plan. It's in the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life, knowing you had a trusted partner by your side.

If you're ready to move beyond the screen and into a real-world partnership, we'd love to help! Schedule a complimentary consultation with DOMICILIO Interiors, and let’s explore how to bring your vision to life—minus the camera crew, but with all the clarity and creativity you deserve.