Not to get too "meta" or whatever. But really when it comes to Reality TV I tend to avoid shows that star or feature regular folks and an art form or trade. The show tends to really run on the concept of comparison and ego. Like "how am I better than/the same as these people in this fabulous situation?". Because producers need broad appeal they choose pretty average people most of the time. Which is a double edged sword because average people are actually pretty average. Therefore drama is almost always scripted to get people through all 7 commercial breaks.

Where design and reno reality TV still shines is the whole genre of professional reality TV. Where real actual professionals who are reasonable, budgeted, talented and with original vision have their process documented. Not that these shows are without their confabulated drama but I find the concept of watching somebody definitely better than me more interesting than watching some prissy newly-weds debate the shade of oh-so-2004 slate in their bathroom.