Do Homeowners Get To Keep The Furniture On Queer Eye?
For seven seasons, the men of Netflix's reality series "Queer Eye" have helped transform the lives of their guests (or heroes) from ordinary to fabulous. From makeovers to renovations, the heroes are presented with new merchandise within the final reveals of each episode. Whether it's a home, business, or other significant space, interior designer Bobby Berk's renovations often showcase an abundance of fresh furnishings that suit each homeowner's taste. While Berk's transformations are often done skillfully and swiftly, you may wonder, do the heroes get to keep all of the furniture? In an interview with Netflix Tudum, the designer revealed that, yes, "They get to keep everything."
Depending on the piece, furniture can be pricey, especially larger sectionals, bedframes, and tables. The quality of materials, especially certain types of wood, can also make an impact. With so many home renovation shows these days, many often use the furniture and decor only as staging, whereas "Queer Eye" may go beyond a homeowner's expectations. Besides being able to keep the valuable furnishings, the renovations are completed with little to no price tag for the guest. Berk continues, "This is all financed by Netflix and our amazing partners," he explained. With the right budget set in place, the heroes may inevitably decide what stays and what goes at the close of the show.
Each episode has a predetermined budget
Even though the heroes of "Queer Eye" get to keep the furniture on display within their revamped space, a financial plan must first be established. "At the very beginning of every season, there's always an even amount (of money) spread out across each episode," Bobby Berk said. While the designer stays within the designated budget, sometimes the required items may go beyond the initial inventory, as Berk noted, "Some renovations cost more than others and with some, we have amazing brand partners that donate."
Whether the heroes are having financial difficulty or in need of a refresh, this approach is a benefit for anyone. Home renovations are expensive. Depending on what's being remodeled, a single project can typically start around $15,000 and only climbs up in price from there. While people's requirements vary, Berk aims to select pieces of furniture that are practical, yet meaningful for each individual hero. However, he's not afraid to reach outside the current stock for the most accurate pieces. "Often we'll end up spending more because the need was different," he added.
Furniture kept may depend on what homeowners let go
With his design crew behind him, Bobby Berk normally reimagines a space for his heroes in less than one week. During this quick process, Berk often sees the challenges they may face in letting go of old pieces. "They're afraid to get rid of it because they don't realize what we're about to do to their house," he explained. While change is inevitable with home renovations, the "Queer Eye" team also gives homeowners the option of donating or discarding what they don't want. "There are some things they do want to get rid of, but most of the time, they're like, 'Keep, keep, keep'," he emphasized.
When too many items remain in the mix, there can be an overabundance of furniture that isn't needed at all. Subsequently, the heroes' pieces, including those that come from the warehouse, are left unused and covered up outside. However, the new furniture can be returned to the seller or redistributed. If Berk's heroes do decide to utilize their original items, he may highlight them amidst the refurbished space for a personalized touch.