20 Stunning Spaces From Season 1 of 'Cheap Old Houses'

A season's worth of endless inspiration.

By: Rebecca R. Norris

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The Story Behind Cheap Old Houses

HGTV's newest home restoration show follows Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein, the couple behind the cult-favorite Instagram account, @CheapOldHouses, which touts more than 1.6 million followers. The 8-episode show follows Ethan and Elizabeth's journey across America to find eight historic houses to feature on their famous Instagram account. With that in mind, the restored spaces in the slides ahead are just a few of our favorite snaps from their iconic process. We think you'll agree.

Chartreuse Details

While chartreuse might be a bit too bold for many home styles, when it comes to restored historic homes, Ethan and Elizabeth prove that it's the perfect accent color.

A Grand Living Space

As if the grand piano wasn't enough to make us swoon, Ethan and Elizabeth tied a chandelier, blue velvet couch and gold-accented marble table into this space to create a regal-yet-inviting living space. We love how the matte black accents between the ceiling, mantle and rug seem to tie it all together.

Matte Black Accents

Ethan and Elizabeth created flow between the living room and hallway by bringing the matte black and gold accents into the corridor. And in this space, rather than mimicking the same cool blue hue as the couch, they kept to a cold (and bold) color palette with a bright green shade on the far wall.

A Case for Navy

Whoever said dark colors make rooms appear smaller had never seen navy paint stretching from floor to ceiling. Beyond the walls, we love the picnic-style seating Ethan and Elizabeth opted for in this eclectic dining space.

A Breathtaking Entryway

Ethan and Elizabeth found a real gem of a Victorian—so much so that this entryway caught our attention before it was even decorated. Just imagine the possibilities—and then tune in to see how Ethan and Elizabeth made it uniquely theirs.

A Bed Fit for a Queen

Is any Victorian home complete without a four-poster bed? We don't think so.

Wallpaper Galore

Patterned wallpaper is becoming more and more popular in 2021, which is especially fitting for a show that features historic homes (and trends!).

Brass Hardware

While a pale gray kitchen may not seem like something special, with brass handles, knobs and drawer-pulls, it's more chic than you can possibly imagine.

Mix-and-Match Furniture

Once upon a time, outfitting an entire space in matching furniture was a no-brainer. Nowadays—and especially when honoring the past—mixing pieces is the way to go. Just look at how well this couch and barrel chair pair together.

An Unlikely Pairing

The exposed stone and wrought iron bed in this space are giving us Game of Thrones vibes, while the bedding and decor offer a Scott Calvin allure. Two very different styles, combined for one head-turning space.

A Wooden Wash Room

The wood wall paneling and slate shower give this space an undeniably masculine appeal. It looks as if it'd smell of leather and cedar, no?

A Midcentury Moment

Here, Ethan and Elizabeth once again prove that different furniture styles and textiles can pair wonderfully in a single space. And, with a velvet couch, tufted leather chair and sheer curtains, we must say, we're fans.

A Quaint Office Space

No room for a full office? Here, Ethan and Elizabeth show how a storage shelf and lift-top desk can transform a small space while offering plenty of room to sit down and work.

Statement Stainless

Stainless appliances always have a place in aesthetic kitchens — even in historic restorations. By opting for greyish-taupe cabinetry, Ethan and Elizabeth were able to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic.

Black Lines

The unifying element throughout this space is black lines. From the wrought iron bed and buffalo plaid comforter to the sliding barn door hardware and bathmat in the adjoining room, black lines set the stage.

Vintage Appliances

This range and checkered floor are what '50s dreams are made of. And in a largely all-white color palette, it's only that much more retro.

Bright Dining

With a well-lit dining room, you don't have to use bold colors to create a bright eating space. Here, Ethan and Elizabeth show how well-polished wood decor can largely speak for itself.

Decorate Upwards

So often, people forget to take advantage of room height. With that in mind, Ethan and Elizabeth remind viewers to take photos and shelves up to the ceiling for optimal styling and storage.

Forever Inspiring

With each restoration Ethan and Elizabeth perform, fans and followers (ourselves included) find inspiration to rethink their own spaces. Which is ultimately to say, we can't wait to see what the couple shows us next.