Where Did All the Good HGTV Shows Go?

I thought I would post a reader question I received recently.

Remember when I posted about how I hate House Hunters, and most of the new shows on HGTV?  A reader wrote in with this question:

Kay G recently left this comment on my post, "Why I Hate House Hunters on HGTV":

I hate most of the shows on HGTV now. I was a faithful watcher of HGTV 7 or 8 years ago when most of the shows were about decorating. They would show beautiful homes. I have been trying to find the show that was in the Carolinas in a very beautiful neighborhood of newly built homes. 

If anyone could help me find the lost show, that was one of the best. I really hate all the shows now.  I miss the old shows from 7, 8 or even 9 years ago.

Does anyone have an answer for Kay G?

I was thinking about some of the older HGTV shows that Handy Man and I used to love...you know, before HGTV turned into The Real Estate Channel.

Decorating Cents, Joan Steffend 

Our absolute favorite show!  Joan Steffend gets an A+ for the most enthusiastic and bubbly hostess on HGTV history, in my opinion. We just loved how she'd decorate a room (or rooms) for $500 or less.  

Remember the Trash to Treasure segments with Robb Whitleff? He would show some of the pieces he created for his home furnishings store called Sticks & Stones in Minneapolis.  

Where is she now?  Joan wrote a book, and wants to do more work on TV and the radio.

Designing for the Sexes, Michael Payne

He likes modern, clean, design; She likes ruffles and frills.  What's a designer to do?  Michael Payne had a real knack for combining a couple's opinions into one gorgeous design.  

Where is he now?  Check out Michael Payne's site for more information.  He's appearing at a home show in Burlington, Vermont in February 2012.  Michael has been a featured speaker at national home and design shows.  He wrote a design book published in 2003 called Let's Ask Michael.  Michael also teaches a design seminar at UCLA.

Room by Room, Matt & Shari

Remember these two?  Weren't they adorable?  According to their site, Matt and Shari, Room by Room was the first show on HGTV.  Sure, they had some cheesy banter, but we loved their easy and affordable room and house makeovers. 

Where are they now?  Matt and Shari are guests on radio shows.  They travel around the country and speak at home and garden expos.  

Designed to Sell 
with Lisa LaPorta and Clive Pearse

I know this show isn't that old, but it was one of our favorites. Designed to Sell seemed to be one of the earlier Real Estate shows on HGTV.  I know there have been other hosts and designers on this show, but these two were my favorite.  I loved the interaction between them.  I used to crack up when she'd call him Clivey.  Yes, it was a show about selling a home, but I loved the quick and inexpensive decorating and home staging ideas.

Where are they now? Lisa has a gorgeous design blog, sells a line of patio furniture, and appears in several publications and national and regional TV shows.   

Clivey has popped up on other HGTV shows, such as Design Star and Dream Home Giveaway.  His bio lists extensive TV and voice over work.  Did you know he was married to Linda Blair?  Linda founded the World Heart Foundation, which helps rescue animals in the Los Angeles area.

HGTV, please, PUH-LEASE cool it with the real estate shows, and give us MORE design and makeover shows!  According to what I've seen on the blogosphere, Rob and I aren't the only ones who miss the old shows.

How about you?  Did you ever watch these shows?