Find and Design

Find and Design is a captivating home makeover show produced by A&E, which originally aired in 2006. The show revolutionized the concept of do-it-yourself television shows by replacing the monotonous “store-bought everything” model with a more holistic approach to home décor. Instead of heading to overpriced furniture chains and retailers for décor, Find and Design flies its flag with items found at yard sales and flea markets, taking discarded items and transforming them into unique customized pieces.

The show is adeptly hosted by Jennifer Convy, granddaughter of game show legend Bert Convy. Jennifer Convy brings a certain spark to the show with her vibrant personality and a knack for uncovering hidden treasures in the most unexpected places. She embodies a love for creativity, providing a fresh take on traditional design norms, bravely treading on a path less traveled by mainstream decorators. Her charm lies in finding and refurbishing antique and vintage pieces, elegantly marrying old and new to create visually enthralling spaces.

Find and Design usually starts with a walkthrough of the featured homeowners' space, which is due for a makeover. They’ll discuss their design dreams, their personal style, and what they want to achieve. Rather than bringing in a crew of professional designers, the show firmly believes in the power of homeowners in dictating their own space's aesthetic. Thus, with guidance from Jennifer, they set out to find the pieces they need.

The show takes a deep dive into the vibrant realm of garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets, where homeowners, hand in hand with their host, find items that, at a first glance, might seem whacky or out of place. However, Jennifer guides them in seeing these pieces in an entirely new light, projecting their potential after a few touch-ups, modifications, or sometimes, a complete overhaul.

Furthermore, the show brings a unique DIY element that hugely sets it apart from its contemporaries. Once the hidden treasures are found, it ascends onto the next level by prep and polish in Jennifer's Design Workshop. With the guidance of experts, the homeowners are armed with power tools and safety goggles, rolling up their sleeves to breathe new life into their newfound antiquities. They sand, paint, and refurbish—sometimes, they even repurpose the items entirely, creating something new and personalized.

There’s something deeply gratifying about seeing a discarded piece of furniture transforming into a statement piece thanks to a bit of creativity and hard work. This not only underlines the concept of recycling and sustainability but also allows the homeowners to add a personal touch to their décor. The joy and satisfaction visible on the homeowners' faces when they see their fixed-up pieces are proof enough of the magic of creating and owning something unique.

Jennifer’s eye for design and love for nostalgia is infectious. It robs the homeowners of doubts and apprehensions and fills them with excitement to create a space that is all things them. The process is almost therapeutic as it lets homeowners not just decorate their homes but pour their hearts into each piece, incorporating their stories into these décor items.

Sprinkled with a plenty of practical lessons, Find and Design presents a healthy blend of education on the go with an entertainment factor. It provides a series of important takeaways on everything from finding the perfect pieces to basic repurposing techniques. It empowers viewers to get hands-on with their décor rather than resorting to bought pieces.

Overall, the show’s appeal lies in its down-to-earth approach, commitment to sustainability, and unique DIY elements. Find and Design is not just about decorating or remodeling homes; it’s about repurposing and recycling, making things personal, and transforming dreams into reality one home at a time. It encourages viewers to explore, experiment, and express in their own homes. With this show, design does not just exist in glossy décor magazines or high-budget TV shows; it exists right around the corner at your local flea market or thrift store. This show truly emphasizes the mantra: One person's trash is another person's treasure. In the world of Find and Design, everyone can be a designer in their own right.