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How Not to Decorate

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Colin McAllister, Justin Ryan, Where to watch: BBC America)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Snide UK designers turn garish into gorgeous.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The hosts often make condescending comments about their subjects' unusual/outdated behavior and rarely take the subjects' feelings into consideration.

  • Violence:

    Verbal disagreements can sometimes get heated.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Occasional uses of "hell" and "bitch" are audible; "s--t" is bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About How Not to Decorate

Parents need to know that most kids probably won't be drawn to this British decorating series. The hosts can be very condescending when they talk about people's unusual and outdated décor, often making their quips in the homeowners' presence. Disagreements can get heated, and, for the most part, the designers totally disregard the non-professionals' feelings. Expect occasional strong language (the worst is bleeped).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why shows about houses and design makeovers are so popular. Who's the target audience for these shows? Do you think viewers learn anything useful from these programs, or is it mostly just vicarious living? What kinds of reality shows do you like? Why? Families can also discuss the subjectivity of art and design. Is there a "right" and "wrong" way to express yourself through art? How do people's personalities affect what they like when it comes to art and design? What else can influence those opinions?
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