Evan Thomas is steering his Detroit design firm toward new clients and projects in 2026, reassuring fans that business remains strong despite HGTV’s cancellation of ‘Bargain Block’ after five successful seasons.
Evan Thomas, the charismatic star of HGTV’s beloved series Bargain Block, has officially opened his design firm to new clients for 2026, signaling a fresh chapter after the network’s decision not to renew the show. In a January 6 Instagram announcement, Thomas revealed that he and partner Keith Bynum are accepting design and renovation projects through their Detroit-based company, NINE Design + Homes.
From Television Reality to Business Reality
The transition from television star to full-time designer represents a strategic pivot for Thomas, who built a massive following through Bargain Block’s five-season run. The show, which followed Thomas and Bynum as they transformed Detroit’s most affordable properties into stylish homes, became an HGTV staple known for its authentic approach to urban renewal.
Thomas’s Instagram caption struck an optimistic tone: “We hope everyone had a fun and restful holiday season! It’s officially back to work and full steam ahead for us over at Nine, and we are still accepting project inquiries for 2026.” The post emphasized their flexibility, noting they handle “small renovation projects all the way to brand new builds” throughout Michigan and beyond for select projects.
The Business Impact of Television Cancellation
The cancellation news came in June 2025 when Bynum revealed via Instagram that HGTV wouldn’t renew Bargain Block following its fifth season. In a subsequent interview with People magazine, Bynum described how the decision “derailed” their business model, which had been heavily dependent on television contracts.
Thomas provided crucial context about the economics behind HGTV’s decision-making. “A home reno show is a highly inefficient type of show to make,” he explained to People. “If the ratings slip because people are cutting cable, then it’s an easy choice for the network. They’re incredibly expensive per episode to make compared to simpler shows.”
Why This Transition Matters for Reality TV Stars
Thomas and Bynum’s experience highlights a critical reality for television personalities: the importance of maintaining viable businesses independent of network contracts. Their Detroit design firm provided a foundation that allowed them to weather the cancellation without the catastrophic consequences that often follow reality TV departures.
The couple’s approach represents a growing trend among home renovation stars who leverage television exposure to build sustainable design businesses. Unlike many reality stars who struggle post-cancellation, Thomas and Bynum maintained their design practice throughout the show’s run, ensuring they had a professional foundation to return to.
Fan Response and Future Prospects
Fan reaction to the cancellation has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing excitement about the designers’ return to client-focused work. Thomas directly addressed fan concerns in his People interview, stating, “We’ve gotten a lot of people who are like, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry that this was canceled.’ And I just wanna say that things are good and our business is good.”
The strategic timing of Thomas’s January announcement positions NINE Design + Homes to capitalize on the new year’s renovation boom. By explicitly mentioning they’re “still accepting project inquiries,” Thomas signals both availability and selectivity—suggesting high demand for their services despite the show’s conclusion.
What Makes Their Design Approach Unique
Thomas and Bynum built their reputation on Bargain Block through several distinctive approaches:
- Affordable Luxury: Creating high-end looks with budget-conscious materials
- Detroit Focus: Specializing in urban properties with unique architectural challenges
- Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing renovation over demolition whenever possible
- Personal Connection: Working closely with clients to reflect their personalities in design choices
The Bigger Picture: HGTV’s Programming Shift
Bargain Block was among several HGTV cancellations in 2025, including Christina on the Coast, Married to Real Estate, and Izzy Does It. This programming shift reflects broader industry trends as networks adjust to changing viewer habits and production economics.
Thomas’s pragmatic understanding of these industry dynamics demonstrates why he and Bynum were prepared for this transition. Rather than relying solely on television income, they maintained their design business as a primary revenue stream—a decision that now positions them for continued success.
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