Designing Besties

HGTV’s Home Town - Season 9, Episode 16 - “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” Erin and Ben Napier close out the season with a rescue reno for Rose Meyer, a retired English teacher who moved cross-country—only to be ghosted by her contractor and left with a gutted shell of a house. With a tight budget, a clawfoot tub crisis, and no open floor plan in sight, the Napiers bring vintage flair and 1950s charm to life in Laurel, Mississippi.Shari and Rhonda are recapping every design choice—from the cast-iron sink revival to the harlequin porch paint to a custom built-in that had them swooning and side-eyeing the TV placement. Plus, we talk pink tile, retro stoves, and the return of chintz (?!).💬 Bonus: This week’s special post asks which vintage feature you'd keep in your dream home. Sink, stove, wallpaper? Come tell us!👉 Subscribe, stream, and snark with us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

HGTV’s Renovation Aloha – Season 2, Episode 7 – “Toughest Clients Ever” takes a heartfelt turn as Tristyn and Kamohai tackle their most personal project yet: renovating the Oahu home where Kamohai grew up… for his own parents.With three decades of memories packed into a tiny galley kitchen, a timeline tangled up in holiday deadlines, and the unique challenges of designing in Hawaii (hello, shipping costs that cost more than the item itself), this episode delivers big on family feels.We dish on the design choices, debate the second-floor primary suite for surfing grandparents, and admit to more than a few pangs of tropical lifestyle jealousy. Plus—our take on why this is HGTV’s most heartwarming flipping show.🎧 Listen now at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com and follow us everywhere you podcast.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

HGTV's Lottery Dream Home – S16 E2 – Gold Lady of Lake Mendota takes us to Madison, Wisconsin, where Cathy—an accidental tech millionaire with an eight-figure biotech payday—teams up with her sister Peg and David Bromstad to hunt for a $3–4 million lakefront stunner… and then promptly blows past that budget like it was pocket change, scooping up a $5.2 million resort-style dream home. From sleek modern boxes with putting greens to a warm contemporary with a brass-and-burgundy range, a pickleball court, and enough kitchens to host a culinary Olympics, we’ve got plenty to gush about (and nit-pick).We talk sisterly banter, lakefront luxury, David’s hot pink checkerboard suit, and why Whistling Wake was the only right choice.🎧 Catch all our snark, shout-outs, and design takes at: https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.comLove and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

HGTV's Love It or List It, Season 20, Episode 1 - "A Place to Go or a Place to Grow"It’s the Season 20 premiere of Love It or List It and the Designing Besties are here to break it all down—shiny brass fireplace and all. Page Turner steps into Hillary Farr’s designer shoes (or tosses them aside entirely) and takes on a cluttered Canadian starter home with no main-floor bath and some serious basement energy.Rhonda and Shari recap all the design wins, parenting chaos, real estate drama, and questionable bathroom math in this fresh episode from HGTV’s long-running hit. Will Jen and Theo love it? List it? Or fake it for production? And is David still doing all the driving?From heated floors and emotional pantries to baby-shoe-strewn basements and slider-door standoffs—this one has everything.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

HGTV's Renovation Resort Showdown Season 2, Episode 1 - "1... 2... 3... Go!"The resort renovations have begun—and chaos has already checked in. In this episode, we recap the Renovation Resort Showdown premiere, where hosts Brian Baeumler and Scott McGillivray kick things off with a tool-grabbing relay, a surprise headboard twist, and their signature mix of side-eye and sarcasm. Four teams take on their first challenge: transforming blank bedrooms and baths into bold, vacation-worthy spaces. From upside-down crown molding to motion-lit masterpieces, we’re calling out the wins, the wobbles, and the wallpaper we now want in our own bathrooms. Plus: one tiny nitpick, one Designing Bestie Hall of Fame moment, and—of course—an apology. Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

In the Season 10 premiere of Celebrity IOU, Rachel Brosnahan trades red carpets for renovation boots to surprise her best friend’s parents with the ultimate kitchen and dining room makeover. Shari and Rhonda break down all the emotional reveals, clever design choices (hello skinny shaker cabinets!), and one awkward cabinet corner that nearly derailed the dream. From doughnuts and demo to induction stoves and chosen family feels, this episode hits hard. Grab your tissues, Besties—it’s HGTV at its heartwarming finest. Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Don’t panic, Besties! — we’ve just had a little makeover.We’re still your go-to podcast for spicy design opinions and HGTV recaps, but now we’re rocking a new name: Designing Besties 💅✨Same voices, same snark, same hatred of barn doors in condos. We’re just doing it in a more algorithm-friendly outfit (and yes, the new name looks really cute on a tote).⁠🛠 PSA: The rename is still in progress — so if you see our old name floating around, just know we’re updating as fast as we can between episodes and hot takes. ⁠🎧 Hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next. New episodes drop every Monday. You can also find all our episodes at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com.#DesigningBesties #PodcastRebrand #HGTVAddicts #InteriorDesignHumor #DesignPodcast #NoMoreShiplapLove and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Recapping Magnolia's Mini Reni - Season 1 - Episode 1 "Whimsical Indoor Garden."In this episode, Shari and Rhonda dive into Mini Reni, the Magnolia Network’s newest design gem starring Joanna Gaines—minus the demo, the drywall dust, or Chip’s cockroach stunts. With just paint, trim, and $15K, Jo transforms three rooms in a 1930s cottage into a whimsical indoor garden dream.The Besties break down the design details, debate the reality of DIYing a Mini Reni yourself (spoiler: you'd need a tile fairy), and fawn over that Shari-coded breakfast nook. Plus, Shari confesses to being color gutless, Rhonda drops a Marie Antoinette candle fact, and both launch their own mini reni challenge—with serious regrets already.If your brain is basically made of HGTV and your dream is a room with zero demo but max drama, this one’s for you.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Nicole Curtis is back, Besties—and she’s not easing into Season 9 of Rehab Addict. In this double-episode recap of “Nicole Goes West” and “Attic Antics,” we’re talking attic bedrooms, squatter drama in Detroit, a hot water heater in the kitchen (WHY), and the Wyoming flip that started as a spontaneous online buy.We unpack Nicole’s return after a three-year hiatus, her signature flag moment, her monster truck detour, and whether we'd actually be friends with her IRL. Plus, one of us may or may not be in denial about painting brick—and you know Nicole has thoughts.🎧 Listen in as we reveal what gave us history-nerd chills, what made us gag, and what absolutely deserves the Designing Bitches seal of approval.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

HGTV’s The Flip Off wrapped up with leather, landscaping, and low-key shade—just the way we like it. Christina’s curb appeal had us swooning, Tarek and Heather’s pergola made us question everything, and Jeff Lewis brought the perfect amount of petty to the judging table.We’re breaking down the design drama, the behind-the-scenes relationship realness, and whether anyone actually won in a house under a flight path.  Plus, what would Season 2 look like with Real Housewives as guest judges? We have ideas. Too many. 🛑 Spoiler alert: this is the very first episode we ever recorded—back when we were still figuring out our intro, outro, and how to use a microphone, edit audio, and politely critique pleather pants. We saved it for a lazy Monday or vacation week, and besties, today is that day.🎧 Come for the flip talk, stay for the snark. And if you're currently Googling “motion-activated Miami Vice toilet music,” you’re in the right place. Find all our episodes at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

It’s the season finale of HGTV's Castle Impossible (Season 1, Episode 8), and Daphne and Ian go full Versailles to transform a second-floor bedroom into a royal retreat—complete with wall draping, lavish moldings, a centuries-old fireplace, and a possibly priceless French masterpiece.In this episode, Shari and Rhonda break down the regal reveal, bid farewell to a too-big bed, fend off wild boars, and debate whether accent walls are dead (spoiler: they are). Plus, we talk king’s cake, chateau envy, and the sweet surprise appearance of caretaker Francis in a finale that ties everything back to Daphne's legacy.Bestie Shoutout: This one’s for Gay in Las Vegas—you might be Team Food Network, but you’re royalty in our book.If you love vintage drama, modern design snark, and two besties with Pinterest boards full of opinions—this one’s your crown jewel. 👑Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

In this episode of Designing Bitches, Shari and Rhonda dive into the Season 3 premiere (and part of Episode 2) of Holmes Family Rescue—because we simply had to stick around for the reveal. From a ghosting contractor who left mid-foundation to questionable wallpaper choices (🐸), we're dishing on everything Nicole and Bill endured to finally get a functioning laundry room—and maybe a little rooftop peace.We’re asking the real questions: – Who approves these permits? – Where did the farmhouse charm go? – And why did that birthday cake say “Mike” instead of “Dad”?Packed with red flags, rogue electrical wires, and a dog shower that deserves a standing ovation, this episode brings the HGTV chaos we live for.Catch all of our episodes at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

It’s the HGTV Married to Real Estate Season 4 finale and Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson did not come to play—they came to deliver a full glow-up on a tight budget. We’re talking kitchen envy, generational living goals, and one husband who thought he could pick the tile.Shari and Rhonda break down every smart design move (and a few questionable ones), dish out big applause to Lillie and Ray for renovating with heart and confess their candle-related childhood trauma. Plus: wet room anxiety, the uncomfortable chair method, and why Greek columns should stay buried in the ‘90s.🎧 Whether you're a sucker for a spa bath or a budget baddie, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it, besties.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Chelsea and Cole DeBoer are back with a bang—literally—as Season 3 of HGTV's Down Home Fab kicks off with a plate-glass disaster, a sunroom demolition, and a heartfelt home makeover for a single mom of three. We’re recapping every wild turn in this premiere: Chelsea’s evolution from Teen Mom to design powerhouse, Cole’s mustache glow-up, and the transformation of a closet into a jewel-box home office.We’ve got thoughts on weather continuity crimes, cabinetry crushes, and whether Chelsea is the new Joanna Gaines (hot take alert). Plus, your besties Shari and Rhonda spill the tea on all things slat walls, design inspo, and why performance fabric is the real MVP. #CowboyContemporaryLove and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

First it bubbled, then it buckled, and yes—then it came down. In the Rock the Block Season 6 Finale, Rhonda and Shari are dishing on upstairs bedrooms, bold balconies, and front-yard facades with big appraisal energy. The drama? Real. The dead grass? Regrettable. The hug snub between Alison and Michel? Unmissable.We’re recapping who brought moody modern magic (Tristyn & Kamohai), who nailed Cowboy Contemporary (Chelsea & Cole), and who gave us greenhouse glam with a side of goat bait (Jonathan & Jordan). Spoiler alert: there's a winner, but not exactly a warm embrace.Plus, we give our flowers (not dead ones) to Kamohai’s dad, talk pivot door phobias, and make a heartfelt apology to the Kimpton Hotel and fish lovers everywhere.🏡 HGTV fans, this one's for you. #RockTheBlock #HGTVRecap #InteriorDesign #DesignPodcast #HomeRenovation #DesignDrama #DesigningBestiesRock the Block Season 6, Episode 7 (finale) RecapLove and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

This week on Designing Bitches, we’re recapping the Season 4 premiere of Married to Real Estate, where Egypt and Mike help a NYC family trade 800 square feet and subway sirens for 6,300 square feet and… fake ferns in Atlanta. 😬Shari and Rhonda dive into:The million-dollar dream home (and its zebra countertops 🦓)Why open floor plans are not dead (fight us)Whether white oak cabinets are the new pickled pine 😱And how Egypt Sherrod is the only designer we’d trust with the keys to our houseWe’re swooning over Egypt’s office, side-eyeing some scullery drama, and yes—we’re still talking about that mystery shade of Agreeable Gray. Bonus: Rhonda teaches Shari the sacred art of meat roses 🥩🌹This was one of the first episodes we recorded and kept in the vault for a week when we didn’t have time to record. Please excuse all the background noise as we were learning our way with the microphones and room set up 🙂🎧 Tune in for laughs, opinions, and the occasional apology to anyone who mounts their TV above a fireplace.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Besties, grab your drink of choice—because we are flipping out (again)! This week, we’re closing the book on The Flipping El Moussas Season 2 finale, and spoiler alert: no one saves the tub.From a rock-paper-scissors house purchase to stolen plumbing, pleather pants, and patchwork design made entirely of leftover finishes, Tarek and Heather’s latest project had us wondering—was this a flip or a fridge-clean-out surprise casserole?We talk:The curious case of Urban Bungalow (Target candle or contractor nightmare?)Heather’s evolution from “call the designer” to “budget baddie” 🔨Tarek’s questionable take on air conditioning 😤The dark kitchen debate: moody glam or gray-on-gray crime?Backyard sod drama, Bugzy’s mysterious disappearance, and the case of the stolen tub 🛁We also give our 👏 standing ovation 👏 to Heather’s design growth and side-eye the real estate math that somehow makes a 960-square-foot house worth nearly $800K.📢 Listener Challenge: We’re posting on IG/FB! Which Heather are you today: Season 1 Luxury Queen or Season 2 Budget Baddie? Tag us, share your vibe, and you might land in our Designing Bitches Bestie Hall of Fame.As always, we come with opinions hotter than a Lakewood lawn without irrigation. Let’s dish, judge, and celebrate the drama together.🔔 Follow, star, swipe—whatever your podcast app demands—we’re not picky, just needy. 💋🎧 Listen now at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com or wherever you binge your design chaos.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Besties, buckle up! This week on Designing Bitches, we’re recapping Rock the Block Season 6, Episode 4 — aka the one where HGTV throws the rulebook out the window and the teams are forced to channel their inner Trading Spaces madness. With surprise themes, no budgets, and 48 hours to create stairways and bonus rooms using random transportainer junk, the drama (and delirium) is real. We’re talking moss walls, influencer spas, a gaming room nobody wanted, and whether “Refined Rustic” has completely lost the plot. Plus, conspiracy theories, designer feuds, and one very inappropriate (but iconic) color critique. Tristyn and Kamohai finally get their win, and honestly, that playroom might convince us to have kids.✨ Come for the hot takes, stay for the shade. Press play, hit follow, and don’t forget to check our Insta and FB for the Rock the Block bingo card. #DesigningBitches #HGTV #RocktheBlockLove and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Rhonda and Shari are back with piping-hot takes on HGTV’s brand new obsession-worthy series, Castle Impossible! In the premiere episode, fearless couple Daphne and Ian take on their first renovation inside a centuries-old French château — a sprawling estate they’ve never even lived in. Bold move? Oui.They’re turning a former solar (yep, we Googled it) into a dreamy primary bedroom, and let’s just say… not all design choices are created equal. From royal portraits with doppelgänger vibes to budget battles, bats in the bell tower, and a serious lack of plumbing—we break down the chaos, the charm, and the chandeliers that should’ve been.It’s history meets hard hats, and we are so here for it. 🕵️‍♀️🔍 Join the sleuthing and comment on Instagram or Facebook if you think Ian is Louis XIII reincarnated.👉 Sign up to be a bestie at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com so you don't miss our weekly HGTV hit show recaps, hot takes and behind-the-scenes buzz!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

🎙️ EPISODE 3 - Dishing on Rock the Block Season 6, Episode 3: That’s a Veteran MoveThis week, we’re diving deep into the main suite mayhem! From luxe bedrooms to spa-worthy bathrooms—and yes, even a balcony moment—the teams went big in Episode 3. The designs? 🔥 The drama? Not so much. We’re still craving that signature Rock the Block chaos and those spicy designer rivalries of seasons past.Meet the dream-team duos bringing the heat this season: ✨ Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) & Michel Smith Boyd (Luxe for Less) 🛠️ Chelsea & Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab) 🌴 Tristyn & Kamohai Kalama (Renovation Aloha) 🎤 Jonathan & Jordan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer / New Kids on the Block)With the ever-amped Ty Pennington back as host and dynamic design duo Eilyn and Ray Jimenez (Divided by Design) guest-judging, the stakes were sky-high.Spoiler Alert 🚨The Veterans brought the drama we were missing—just not how we expected. Jonathan and Jordan’s bold red rooster en suite strut its way to victory, proving that NKOTB still knows how to command a stage…or a suite. 👉 Hit play to hear about design wins, head-scratchers, surprises, and the one thing we’re pretty sure these designers aren’t into (hint: it involves tubs).Follow now for weekly Rock the Block recaps, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes buzz you won’t want to miss!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Rock the Block Season 6, Episode 2 Recap: "Don’t Call Us Rookies"This week on the podcast, we’re diving into Rock the Block Season 6, Episode 2, titled "Don’t Call Us Rookies" — and trust us, it’s one you don't want to miss!The competition heats up as the teams tackle the rest of their first-floor spaces, transforming the entryway, den, powder room, and mudroom into stunning showcases of creativity and craftsmanship.Competing this season are powerhouse duos:Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) & Michel Smith Boyd (Luxe for Less)Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab)Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama (Renovation Aloha)Jonathan and Jordan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer and New Kids on the Block)The ever-energetic Ty Pennington (Trading Spaces, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) is back to host, and this week's special guest judges are none other than two Rock the Block veterans:Mina Starsiak Hawk (Good Bones)Jasmine Roth (Hidden Potential, Help! I Wrecked My House) — Season 1 winner, now based in Utah!Spoiler Alert: After a tough battle, the rookies finally shine! Chelsea and Cole DeBoer score their first big win with their beautifully designed first-floor spaces.Tune in to hear our full breakdown — the highs, the challenges, the surprises — and find out why this episode proves you should never underestimate the rookies!👉 Listen now and follow us for weekly Rock the Block recaps, insider insights, and more!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

On this episode called "New Block, New Drama", HGTV kicks things off with a bang. The four identical houses are located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the first challenge for the four teams is renovating the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas. The teams are Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) and Michel Smith Boyd (Luxe for Less), Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab), Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama (Renovation Aloha), and Jonathan and Jordon Knight (Farmhouse Fixer and New Kids on the Block). Ty Pennington (Trading Spaces, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Rock the Block) is the host and Bobby Berk (Queer Eye) was the judge for this episode.Alison snags her third kitchen crown in a row. No surprise there, but this was an area of contention online after the episode aired. The competition introduced a new twist with blind judging. HGTV also added the living room as part of the week 1 challenge. They also pit the Veterans against the Rookies. There's already some subtle and not so subtle tension and drama bubbling up. And if this episode is any clue, it's gonna be a juicy storyline to follow all season long.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

SPOILER ALERT!Rhonda and Shari are back with their signature wit, wild theories, and a borderline unhealthy HGTV obsession—this time, they’re sure they’ve cracked the code as they predict the winners for Rock the Block Season 6.After five seasons of wildly inaccurate predictions on who wins Rock the Block, could Season 6 finally be their redemption arc?Tune in for bold predictions and spicy opinions!Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Get to know Rhonda and Shari, your new besties in the world of HGTV! From the classics like Flip or Flop to the latest Rock the Block, they have the scoop on what's hot--and what's not--in design reality shows.First episode, featuring HGTV's Rock the Block Season 6 premiere, drops 5/1/2025.Love and Kisses,Rhonda and ShariFind us at https://designingbesties.buzzsprout.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).