Culture Scan

At the intersection of real estate, media, and pop culture.

Which Home Improvement Show Should You Be On?

Take Culture Scan’s quiz to see which popular renovation reality series matches your style.

It’s hard not to get hooked on home improvement shows. They’re chock-full of design ideas for viewers who are working on their own projects, and the dramatic makeovers and entertaining hosts can inspire anyone to start dreaming up their own floor plan—even if they’ve never lifted a hammer or a paintbrush. So, on which home improvement show would you make a good guest? Take our quiz and find out.

1. Which word best describes your ideal working environment?

a. Practical
b. Laid-back
c. Family-oriented
d. Friendly
e. Competitive

2. How would you describe your design style?

a. Traditional
b. Coastal
c. Rustic
d. Contemporary
e. Elegant

3. What kind of budget do you envision for your project?

a. No fixed budget. It will depend on the work that needs to be done.
b. $35,000
c. $50,000
d. $70,000
e. $75,000 for a renovation or $500,000 to $800,000 for a home purchase; it depends on who makes me the better offer.

4. Which quote speaks to your philosophy the most?

a. “Comfort is king. People want to be comfortable in their own homes.”
b. “It’s going to be light and bright. You’re going to love it.”
c. “The kitchen is the heart of the home.”
d. “A little bit of a risk is always good. Don’t be afraid to try something different.”
e. “If I have a decent budget, I can deliver magnificence.”

5. Choose a kitchen feature.

a. Quartz countertops
b. A peninsula
c. Blue-and-white tile backsplash
d. Two-tone cabinets
e. Stainless steel appliances

6. Select a bathroom feature.

a. A classic pedestal sink
b. Wet room
c. Teak wood shower
d. A double sink with double vanities
e. Black tile and/or cabinets

7. Pick a color or wall treatment for the master bedroom.

a. Cream with an eggshell sheen and embossed crown molding
b. White
c. Dark teal
d. Black-and-white plaid wallpaper
e. Light gray

8. If you had to choose a fun design feature (for any room), which would it be?

a. Gas insert fireplace in an existing chimney and mantel
b. Braided wall hangings
c. Mixed-metal fixtures (i.e. brass and stainless steel)
d. Statement lighting
e. Animal print upholstery

9. How do you feel about woodwork?

a. I love dark wood.
b. I love it as a feature or accent—even as artwork framed and hung on the wall.
c. I prefer hardwood floors over carpet whenever possible.
d. I love light wood.
e.  I’m not that into in woodwork.

10. Choose a look or feature for the home’s exterior.

a. A farmer’s porch (or an open porch)
b. Light blue exterior with a bright yellow door
c. Stone and stucco
d. A deck with a glass railing
e. A lattice wall for a little privacy

11. Which region in North America would you like to live in?

a. New England
b. West Coast
c. Southwest
d. Anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
e. The South (North Carolina) or the far North (Toronto)

Results: Which Show Should You Be On?

Mostly A’s: With your classic design style and love of practicality, you would be right at home on “This Old House.” The godfather of home renovation shows, known for its old-school charm and focus on skilled tradespeople, debuted in 1979 and has featured three hosts: Bob Vila (1979-89), Steve Thomas (1989-2003), and Kevin O’Connor (2003-present). You’re not alone in your love for the classics. The PBS stalwart, which is now owned by Roku, is still a hit and won its 19th Daytime Emmy Award in July. And yes, master carpenter Norm Abram is still affiliated with the series.

Mostly B’s: You have a fun, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for catching a wave over to “Christina on the Coast.” Since 2019, quintessential California girl Christina Haack (also of “Flip or Flop”) has hosted the show on HGTV, which showcases breezy, coastal makeovers that incorporate a boho beach style with Palm Springs elegance. Haack’s renovations don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Though her work on the show can reach six figures, she works with entry-level clients as well.

Mostly C’s: Your homey, country-inspired design style makes your house the place where friends and family want to gather. You’d fit right in with home improvement mavens Chip and Joanna Gaines on their new show “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.” The multihyphenate Gainses, who run real estate, design, and retail businesses, have now added media mogul to their repertoire. The show, an updated version of their popular HGTV series “Fixer Upper,” appears on their new cable network, Magnolia. And they do it all while making their family a priority.

Mostly D’s: Your style is clean and contemporary with a personal twist—so you’d be a perfect match for “Property Brothers: Forever Home.” In this HGTV show, which debuted in 2019, twin brothers Jonathan Scott (the real estate agent and interior designer) and Drew Scott (the contractor) help clients transform their existing space into the home of their dreams. If you’re familiar with the brothers from their previous show “Property Brothers,” you know that the famously friendly duo is easy to get along with—and they meet their project deadlines on time and on budget.

Mostly E’s: You love having multiple options to choose from with your projects, so you’d thrive on “Love It or List It.” Real estate agent David Visentin and interior designer Hilary Farr spar with each other and wrangle over clients on this HGTV show, which premiered in 2008. Farr woos clients with a stylish, sophisticated makeover of their current home; Visentin tries to steal them away with a listing that already fulfills their desires. Who wins in the end? The client, of course, who gets their dream home either way.

If you scored an equal number of two or three letters, you have a wide range of tastes, and your eclectic style could be a value-add for more than one show. Here’s the best part: You get to choose the show you’d like to appear on the most.

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