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HGTV just revived one of its former shows, but fans may not have realized that the series has returned.
On Friday, July 17, the network dropped a brand-new episode of Decorating Cents on YouTube. “The classic HGTV makeover challenge is back!” the episode’s description reads. “In this never-before-seen pilot episode of the rebooted Decorating Cents, designer and host Lauren Makk teams up with Cole Curis, a skilled custom builder, and Evette Rios, a creative DIY expert, to take on a budget-friendly transformation with one big goal: completely refresh a family room for just $999.”
The description continues, “From smart custom-built solutions to clever DIY projects and affordable design hacks, the trio works together to turn a neglected space into a stylish, functional, and family-friendly room everyone can enjoy. Along the way, they prove that great design doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Can Lauren, Cole, and Evette pull off a stunning makeover for less than $1,000? Watch to find out!”
Hosted by Joan Steffend, Decorating Cents originally aired on HGTV from 1997 to 2008. The series followed Steffend and her team of designers as they helped people give new life to their homes on a budget.
The show earned newfound attention last year after clips of some of the show’s most unique DIY designs went viral on social media. Steffend reacted to the series’ surge in popularity in a July 2025 interview with EntertainmentNow, stating, “They were saying ‘It’s an honor to go viral’ and ‘You should take advantage of it,’ but it’s all just kind of baffling to me.”
Addressing some of the show’s viral design choices, she said, “I get it. I mean, it’s from the late 90s, early 2000s, and the designer’s job was to be as wildly creative as they could be. There were hits and there were misses. And it didn’t matter to HGTV. If it didn’t look quite like we all thought it was going to, it didn’t matter — I still needed to, you know, be encouraging. It was still gonna air.”
Decorating Cents‘ new host shares Steffend’s love for designing on a dime. “Great design doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and I’m here to prove that you can transform a room for under $1,000,” Makk states in the episode. “Being a DIY-er runs really deep for me. I’m [a] fifth-generation DIY-er, I like to say. I grew up learning and loving DIY. And I loved it so much that I went to school for interior design, and then I just kept going. Now, I’ve been a professional designer for more than 20 years, but I’ve never lost my love for budget-friendly DIY.”
Fans shared their excitement over the show’s return online, with one YouTube user writing, “FINALLY HGTV is back to REAL! Not everyone can spend a lot of money to decorate. Showing people how to make the most of what they have and budget ideas is REAL!!!!” Another added, “This is what HGTV has been missing. This is the kind of show that drew me to the channel in the first place yrs ago. Relatable, cost effective ideas, updates and simple changes that make a big impact that most everyone can apply to their home& actually consider affording.”
Over on Instagram, more fans shared some mixed reactions to the show’s revival. “I loved Decorating Cents, but not sure this one hit the mark,” someone shared, while a different person posted, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” A separate commenter stated, “It’s a no for me!”
HGTV has not confirmed if the Decorating Cents revival will return for more episodes on YouTube.
Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.
