5 Home Reno Shows To Watch That Spotlight Black Designers and Real Estate Agents

Watching home renovation shows has always been a favorite pastime of mine — however, I could never get over the lack of diversity. Until recently, I wouldn’t have been able to name any home reno shows with a person of color at the helm of it. But now, as the entertainment world reckons with its issues surrounding representation in current times, there is a handful of design and renovation series that have caught my attention. 

Below is a selection of great design shows that are lead by Black hosts. Aside from having great representation, these shows offer innovative and creative ways to make your home all the more inviting. 

As the housing market has continued to expand in Houston, Texas, many young families have come to the city to make it their new home. On HGTV’s “ Going for Sold,” husband and wife Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin step in to help these families renovate their older properties with sleek and modern designs — all while sticking to a budget.

Stream on Discovery+

This part fashion, part home renovation show is lead by celebrity stylist Jason Bolden and Interior designer Adair Curtis. The duo works with A-list stars like Gabrielle Union, Yara Shahidi, and Taraji P. Henson to execute their home goals with meticulously thought out home renovations. Plus, they also style celebs for red carpet events. This show has all the glitz you could need.

Stream on Netflix

Fans of HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” will love this spinoff show. “Flip or Flop Fort Worth” follows co-hosts and couple Andy and Ashley Williams, who — after they returned from the military — started their journey into design and real estate as a way to help them integrate back into society. In each episode, they help to flip and fix shabby homes throughout Texas, specifically the Fort Worth area. Through their show as well as their organization Recon Realty, which focused on community revitalization and veteran reintegration, they helped employ military veterans like themselves. 

Steam on Hulu

Well-loved celebrity interior designer Nicki Chu helps to renovate the homes of fans and friends on her show “Unboxed with Nikki Chu.” In each episode, she asks her clients to choose between two boxes filled with curated sets of inspiration samples, which will serve as the theme for their updated space. Chu’s innate understanding of the changing trends within the interior design world, alongside her vibrant personality, make this a must-see for home improvement fanatics.

Stream on Amazon Prime

“Living By Design” is the perfect show for savvy and frugal millennials interested in easy ways to fix up their homes on a budget. Sister and brother team Jake and Jazz Smollett, best know for their tv show days on ABC sitcom “On Our Own,” work with young clients and their families to help their cluttered spaces go from drab to fab. 

Stream on CLEO TV