Million Dollar Decorators: Opulence, Design, and the Art of Extravagance

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Million Dollar Decorators
Million Dollar Decorators (Photo Courtesy of NBC Universal / Bravo)

Series Overview

“Bravo’s “Million Dollar Decorators” takes viewers on a lavish journey into high-end interior design, where elite decorators transform extravagant spaces into opulent masterpieces. Premiering in 2011, this reality TV series offers an exclusive peek into the lives and creative processes of some of the most sought-after interior designers as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of adorning million-dollar homes with unparalleled luxury.

Design Royalty

At the heart of “Million Dollar Decorators” is a group of exceptionally talented and renowned interior designers, each with their distinct style and approach. The cast features design royalty, including Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, Kathryn Ireland, Jeffrey Alan Marks, and Ross Cassidy. Viewers are treated to an insider’s view of their glamorous lives and the intricate world of high-end interior design.

The series unfolds as a visual feast, showcasing the designers’ bespoke creations that redefine luxury. From elegant penthouses to sprawling estates, “Million Dollar Decorators” captures the process of turning visions into reality, where every piece of furniture, fabric, and artwork is carefully curated to evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

One of the defining features of the series is the designers’ interactions with a clientele of distinction. The show offers a glimpse into the exclusive world of serving high-profile clients with discerning tastes, from celebrities to affluent entrepreneurs. The designers navigate the challenges of meeting clients’ expectations while infusing their artistic flair into each project.

The Creative Process

“Million Dollar Decorators” illuminates the creative process behind each design. Viewers witness the initial consultations, the meticulous planning, and the hands-on execution of ideas that bring spaces to life. The series becomes a masterclass in design principles, demonstrating the importance of balance, harmony, and attention to detail in crafting extraordinary interiors.

Challenges and Drama

While focusing on design, “Million Dollar Decorators” doesn’t shy away from showcasing the challenges and occasional drama accompanying high-stakes projects. From tight deadlines to unexpected hiccups, the series adds a layer of reality to the glamorous world of interior design, revealing the dedication and resilience required to create timeless spaces.

As the designers jet-set between Los Angeles, New York, and international destinations, “Million Dollar Decorators” offers a taste of the jet-setting lifestyle that comes with catering to a global clientele. The series highlights the designers’ ability to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and design aesthetics, resulting in interiors seamlessly blending opulence with worldly influences.

Production Company and Executive Producers

Goodbye Pictures produces the Million Dollar Decorators series for Bravo. The executive producers include Brittany Lovett, Ed Lavelle, Fred Pichel, Lyle Gamm, Rich Bye, and Talia Lesak.

Cast Overview

Following is a list of the primary cast members for the show.

  • Jeffrey Alan Marks
  • Mary McDonald
  • Kathryn Ireland
  • Martyn Lawrence Bullard
  • Nathan Turner

List of Episodes

The Million Dollar Decorators series ran for two seasons with 16 episodes. Each episode is 40 to 43 minutes long. All episodes are available to watch online now via Amazon Video.

Season 1 – Million Dollar Decorators

  • Episode 1 – Darlings of Design – Mary has plans to redesign a guest house in Beverly Hills, but her plans get put on hold. Martyn hears about a problem in Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s apartment. Jeffrey and Ross work on the design for a new restaurant in Malibu. Kathryn hosts a birthday party for her designer friends.
  • S1 E2 – Playgrounds for the Rich – Jeffrey gets a surprise visit from his client before his work is done. Mary works on a guesthouse for a client in Beverly Hills. Nathan works on a project in Laguna Beach and has to school the contractor.
  • S1 E3 – Life Is a Beach – Martyn trains staff on maintaining someone’s estate. Mary hires an artist to do a portrait for her new book. Jeffrey runs into trouble with a gym remodel.
  • S1 E4 – Client Control – Martyn travels to NYC to help a client create a display for their expensive shoes. Jeffrey coordinates a surprise party for Ross.
  • S1 E5 – Designed for Disaster – Kathryn has permitting problems on a Malibu house. Martyn works with Daisy Fuentes to inject some Cuban flavor into her home. Jeffrey gets offended when Ross suggests one of his designs is not complete. Lastly, the designers attend an Indian-themed party.
  • S1 E6 – London Calling – Marty heads to London to shop at an online site for interior decorators (why not just shop online?). Next, Kathryn heads across the pond to help an ex redesign his country estate. Meanwhile, Jeffrey has a budget problem with a stubborn client in Malibu.
  • S1 E7 – The Suite Life – Jeffrey and Ross head to the San Fran antique show. Later, Marty and Kathy work on a presidential suite at a swanky Palm Springs hotel.
  • S1 E8 – Installment Insanity – Sharon Osborne presents Martyn with the Designer of the Year Award in the first season’s final episode.

Season 2

The second season has eight episodes.

  • E1 – Deadlines, Wine, and High Design –
  • E2 – Partners in Pink –
  • E3 – Frenemies –
  • E4 – Creative Clash –
  • E5 – Explosive Reveals –
  • E6 – Mansion Madness –
  • E7 – Designer to the Stars –
  • E8 – The Finishing Touch –

Critical Response, Ratings, and Awards

  • The series received a rating of 6.9 out of 10 stars on IMDB
  • The series received a rating of 7.8 out of 10 stars on TV.com
  • 92% of Google Users indicated they liked the show.
  • Amazon Video users give the show a rating of 4 out of 5 stars

Million Dollar Decorators” had a limited run, concluding in 2013, but its legacy is a testament to the intersection of art, luxury, and television. The series has left an indelible mark on the design landscape, contributing to the popularization of high-end interior design as a form of entertainment and inspiration.

Facts and Trivia

Following is a list of little-known facts and trivia about the show and its cast members.

  • Daisy Fuentes made an appearance on the 5th episode of season one.

Questions and Comments

“Million Dollar Decorators” remains a captivating exploration of the design world’s upper echelons, where creativity knows no bounds and opulence is a prerequisite. For those enamored by the marriage of art and interior design, the series provides a front-row seat to the magic that transpires when visionary designers turn affluent spaces into visual masterpieces. In the realm of Bravo’s reality TV, “Million Dollar Decorators” stands as a beacon of inspiration for design enthusiasts and anyone with an appreciation for the finer things in life.

Please post a message below if you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the Million Dollar Decorators series. Also, check out other Bravo TV Home Design shows.

To learn more about the series, visit the Official Website and/or the Wikipedia page.

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