1997-2007 HGTV Show Decorating Cents Goes Viral on TikTok

The HGTV show Decorating Cents, which aired from 1997 to 2007 and featured interior designers redecorating rooms on a $500 budget, has recently gone viral on TikTok due to its flamboyant and often questionable design choices. Comedian Rob Anderson's humorous and sarcastic commentary on the show's segments, including dangerous smashed plates glued to tables and the controversial use of sacred Indian prayers as wall decor, has sparked widespread social media buzz and criticism. Host Joan Steffend has responded to the viral resurgence with good humor, emphasizing the show’s original mission to encourage bold creativity despite its hits and misses. She expressed hope that the mockery of past designs will not discourage people from being creative today and highlighted the importance of not succumbing to trends or shame in personal style. The show’s return to public attention, fueled by streaming availability and viral social media clips, has prompted mixed reactions, with some viewers shocked by the designs and others appreciating the nostalgia and creative spirit of the era. Overall, Decorating Cents is now viewed both as a source of entertainment and a reminder of how interior design trends and budgets have evolved over time.