7 Disastrous Fitting Rooms That Taught Us How to Design Interiors

Changing Rooms is back on our screens for the first time in 17 years – and this year’s attendees may want to look away now.

Because while the original ’90s series was meant to give homeowners the interiors of their dreams, it provided plenty of lessons on how to make them happen. not decorate.

The original cast members were often left speechless when their new rooms were revealed – and not in a good way. Creator Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen warned 2021 viewers to expect more of the same, saying: “You’ll see some of the most original designs I’ve ever done.” Wow.

Ahead of this new reboot, we take a look at some of the original series’ most infamous mistakes — and the unforgettable lessons they taught us.

1. Hanging shelves and teapots don’t mix

It was the biggest and most memorable dressing room disaster in history. Designer Linda Barker placed a contestant’s favourite £6,000 teapot collection on a rickety shelf and smashed it all. Moral of the story: hang your shelves properly, folks.

2. Bedrooms can be too sexy

We joke, because these MDF Greek goddesses don’t really appeal to us. The owner of this room, however, said: “I can’t sleep here, I’ll have too many erotic dreams!” Giant naked women, it seems, do not make for a restful bedroom.

3. All white is not acceptable

Minimalism is one thing, but painting an entire room white with all-white furniture is a step too far. The big reveal led one disgruntled homeowner to tell producers, “Take this mic away!” Tip: Add pops of color, wood, or Nothing to break the look of Bruce Almighty.

4. Don’t divide the room

The couple who got this living room hated almost every element of it. The loud pink and string lights had the husband joking about moving, while the wife tried to find the silver lining, saying the hatch at least added “a comic element.” We don’t know how funny it is, but it certainly makes the room feel smaller.

5. Comfort is essential

Social media didn’t exist when Changing Rooms first aired (perhaps for the best), but this room is regularly shared online because people can’t get enough of its uncomfortable feel. Key lesson: never compromise comfort for style, although we’re not sure this box-based makeover has achieved that.

6. A DIY table could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back

We love recycling, but it’s essential to choose your materials carefully. The owner of this home said the contents of the straw-filled table would go straight back into the horse’s stable. Oops!

7. Red and black are an acquired taste

Finally, the famous red room, with its dark furniture and black and white flooring, is last but not least. The reaction of the owner of the house was so dramatic that fans of Changing Rooms still remember her sobbing almost 20 years later. We’re not saying that red can never work, but it’s certainly a difficult color to pull off.

The brand new changing rooms start on Wednesday at 9pm on Channel 4.

This article was originally published on HuffPost UK and has been updated.