25 Super-Creative Design Ideas by Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas

Since Bargain Block’s HGTV debut in the spring of 2021, Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas have developed stellar reputations as Detroit-based design powerhouses. They’re still delivering creative transformations of once-dilapidated properties in the iconic town they call home, but they’ve also taken their high-concept act on the road — to compete with other HGTV heavyweights in the third season of Rock the Block and to help create the first-ever human-scale Barbie Dreamhouse. (Motion-activated Chilean flamingo water features, anyone?) Wherever they go, they demonstrate that creativity isn’t a budget line item because, well, it’s priceless. Ready for a look at their most inspirational design details? Come on in, and don’t be shy about taking notes.

Keith and Evan created coziness in their sprawling Rock the Block Season 5 kitchen and dining space with defined rooms, architecturally interesting doorway arches and a ceiling treatment. Eye-catching quartz countertops, a sleek stucco hood and a graphite-hued range create intrigue in this mostly neutral space, while brass hardware, floating shelves and an expansive backsplash slab add drama.

This sleek primary bathroom in Keith and Evan's Rock the Block house boasts a pair of art deco-inspired sconces that amp up the ambiance. Rich, antique gold finishes complement the lighting and add even more warmth and decadence to the suite.

Though this living space featured in Bargain Block New Orleans is neutral and light, a mix of creamy textures (a tufted sofa, linen curtains and a low pile area rug) add character. As does the statement black-and-white circus-esque coffee table.

Keith and Evan prioritized counter space and functionality in this New Orleans kitchen. To ensure the square footage allowed for multiple cooks in the kitchen, the duo opted for a slim bar table that can be easily moved around the room instead of a built-in island. For a custom feel, they painted it the same color as the cabinets.

In the same kitchen, Keith and Evan evoked a cozy charm with a brown color scheme, blending milk chocolate, dark chocolate and cocoa tones. The palette of sweet hues extends from the kitchen to the office nook to the parlor and beyond.

The easiest way to add intrigue to a space is by layering. Here, Keith and Evan paired an antique dining table with velvet-upholstered mahogany chairs. The furnishings sit atop a vintage rug from Detroit. To keep the space feeling airy and cool, they outfitted the windows with sheer white drapes and the walls with cream-colored paint. The result: a rich yet traditional design.

Soft-blue paint pairs with white trim and a pale yellow front door for an overall tranquil exterior, but the real showstopper here is the fresh copper guttering and downspouts. The subtle shine sets this home apart from every other manicured one on the block.

To keep it simple, elegant and timeless, Keith and Evan went with white cabinets in the kitchen of this home from Bargain Block Season 2. Then they decided to liven up the entire space with some green glass tile. The wave-like wall-covering evokes a beachy ambiance, as do the woven pendants and island stools.

Even a small writing desk — like the antique-looking set Keith and Evan set up in this primary suite of this home in New Orleans — can help with productivity. The duo decorated this thoughtful spot with abstract art and a modern desk lamp.

Wood accents, fresh white paint, new windows and upgraded ironwork combine to make for an eye-catching New Orleans exterior — but it's hard to imagine this porch without those hanging ferns. They add dimension, charm and subtle color.

While the most outrageous elements of the front-exterior design Keith and Evan executed for HGTV's Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge might not pass muster in the “real” world, the black-and-white striped awnings, glorious profusion of curbside petunias leading to the front door and proudly pink house number all provide punches of curb appeal non-Barbies can appreciate, too.

Keith and Evan knew they had to infuse their new-build Charleston Rock the Block Season 3 home with character. They developed atmosphere with a sophisticated lighting scheme: A sculptural pendant crowns the dining table, four classic midcentury pendants provide task lighting at the island and recessed lighting along the range infuses the cooking area with a golden glow.

Once a large but forgettable white box, the living room in Keith and Evan’s Rock the Block house is now a textural, timeless retreat thanks to the finish Keith hand-applied to the walls and ceiling, the addition of ceiling-spanning exposed beams, intricate bricklaying and layers of high-pile textiles. The big-ticket circular windows set a tone for the space, but all the finishes surrounding it are what develop its all-encompassing warmth.

Keith and Evan committed a whopping $10,620 of their Rock the Block renovation to the handmade Zellige tile they installed on the inside and outside of this showstopping double-sided shower. When you’re splashing out on a truly gorgeous material, shouldn’t you be able to see it when you’re soaping up and toweling off? And if you want to go the more affordable route, try out some peel-and-stick tile.

Suites like this one — the finished room over the garage (or F.R.O.G.) in Keith and Evan’s Rock the Block home — often skew neutral. Understandably, an emerald green kitchen backsplash, robin’s-egg blue refrigerator and palm-print cabinets aren’t for everyone, after all. That said, those big swings add up to a one-of-a-kind space offering a hearty welcome, and that’s what makes visitors feel truly at home.

A large horizontal window holds special meaning in this remodel from Bargain Block Season 2. Recovered and put to good use, it adds value to the home and floods the kitchen with natural light. Blue kitchen cabinets and an oceanic blue-tiled backsplash add calming color. The duo gets creative points for the vertically laid tile. White walls open up the space, while a mix of recessed lights and pendants add brightness to main prep zones.

Here, Evan and Keith embraced French country style. Defined by varied textures, this open space welcomes guests through a green front door and into a living room plush with comfortable seating. A vintage trunk doubles as a cool coffee table. The eat-in kitchen boasts light gray cabinets and a moss green tile backsplash. Creatively cut entryways and accents take this remodeled home to a new level.

Keith and Evan also designed an eat-in kitchen to match the French country living and dining areas. A green-painted mural defines the space, giving it a formal, French bistro feel. Heavy curtains and cushions add comfort. A round vintage table and a crystal chandelier make it all feel intimate. The duo topped the look off with a MacKenzie-Childs teapot.

Adjacent to the French country kitchen, French country accents transform an ordinary space into an otherworldly retreat. Hand-painted details on the walls mimic a rich, marbled tile aesthetic. A comfortable white sofa and chairs offer the family and guests a place to sit without leaving the main kitchen area. A vintage mirror, a sideboard, a trunk and artwork add character. Stained wooden beams on the ceiling bring definition and accentuate the height of the space.

Keith and Evan carried a contemporary zen theme through this living room, where gray-painted walls complement new light wood flooring. Stained wooden panels replace conventional trim work and a bamboo-printed screen diffuses natural daylight. Keith accessorized the room with a bonsai plant, a crane figurine and a mini Buddha.

Patterned floor tile elevates this bathroom. An arched mirror serves as a focal point over the single sink vanity. Keith even pulled off a super-cool paint trick. He stuck long pieces of painter's tape across the wall next to the mirror, then painted over the wall and the tape. After waiting for the paint to dry he removed the tape, revealing a funky-fun pattern.

Here Keith and Evan used black and gold paint to create a one-of-a-kind, sophisticated living room. Modern wooden wall art juxtaposes a vintage clawfoot coffee table and a marble fireplace surround. The duo also dressed the space with a lush gray sofa, modern brass lighting, ornate wallpaper and a neutral area rug.

This dining area and sitting room used to be an extension of the home's kitchen. Assorted chairs, a gray tufted ottoman and a comfortable sofa brighten up the space. Evan and Keith maximized greenery and used vintage and woven goods for a coastal-boho vibe. On the right wall, the duo created one of their classic wooden installations.

Bold, blue walls and a high-gloss ceiling make a statement, while speckled velvet chairs and midcentury lights tie the entire monochromatic design together. A brass metal side table, brass accessories and golden lines on the dresser add an art deco twist. Keith and Evan also adorned the walls with vintage, midcentury mirrors. Lush plants and a pink feather bouquet set the tone for a vivacious gathering, day or night.