9 HGTV Trends That May Not Work Well In Everyday Homes
Home renovation shows on HGTV make everything look so easy and gorgeous! Stunning transformations with open concept spaces and farmhouse sinks have many of us dreaming about our own home makeovers.
But what looks amazing on TV doesn’t always translate well to real life. Before you knock down walls or install that Pinterest-perfect feature, consider these popular HGTV trends that might not be so practical for everyday living.
This content offers general insights on popular HGTV trends. Personal results and practicality may vary by home and lifestyle.
1. All-White Kitchens
Those pristine, bright white kitchens look absolutely stunning on camera. The reality? They show every speck of dirt, tomato sauce splash, and coffee drip. Maintaining that showroom-perfect appearance requires constant cleaning.
For families with children or busy cooks, this means wiping surfaces multiple times daily. Consider incorporating some darker or patterned elements that camouflage everyday messes while still achieving that bright, clean aesthetic you’re after.
2. Open Shelving Everywhere
Open shelving looks charming when styled with matching dishware and carefully curated accessories. Behind the scenes, it creates a dust-collecting nightmare requiring frequent cleaning and perfect organization.
Most families don’t own Instagram-worthy dish collections, and everyday glasses and mismatched mugs look cluttered when displayed. Unless you’re willing to maintain picture-perfect arrangements and deal with dust, traditional cabinets might be your better, more practical storage solution.
3. Massive Kitchen Islands
Giant kitchen islands are centerpieces in HGTV renovations, but they demand generous space that average homes simply don’t have. Cramming an oversized island into a modest kitchen creates traffic jams and awkward pathways.
Professional designers recommend at least 36 inches of clearance around all sides. Many homeowners discover too late that their dream island makes their kitchen virtually unusable.
4. Removing All Upper Cabinets
Designers on TV love removing upper cabinets for that airy, open look. The aftermath? Drastically reduced storage space that most families desperately need. Without those cabinets, everyday items need new homes or constant decluttering.
Real kitchens contain real stuff-appliances, dishes, food-that require storage solutions. Unless you have a separate pantry or can ruthlessly minimize your possessions, keeping some upper cabinets is practical wisdom that prioritizes function alongside form.
5. Vessel Sinks In Bathrooms
Those bowl-like sinks sitting atop counters make stunning visual statements. Daily use reveals their flaws: water splashes everywhere, cleaning around the base becomes challenging, and the height can be awkward for children or shorter adults.
The exposed drain area often collects grime in hard-to-reach spots. Traditional undermount sinks may lack drama, but they excel at containing water and simplifying countertop cleaning-practical considerations that matter more with each passing day.
6. Waterfall Countertop Edges
Waterfall edges-where countertop material cascades down the sides to the floor-create sleek, high-end looks on renovation shows. The reality includes substantially higher costs since they require additional expensive material and specialized installation.
They’re also unforgiving with damage; a chip or crack means replacing an entire slab. For homes with active children or pets, these vulnerable edges can become costly maintenance headaches. Standard countertop edges offer similar function without the premium price tag.
7. Removing Bathtubs For Huge Showers
Walk-in showers with multiple heads and bench seating look luxurious on HGTV. However, eliminating all bathtubs can decrease home value, especially in family neighborhoods where parents need tubs for children.
Real estate agents consistently warn that homes need at least one tub for resale appeal. Before following this trend, consider your long-term plans. A compromise might be upgrading one bathroom with a statement shower while maintaining a tub elsewhere.
8. Ultra-Trendy Backsplashes
Bold, patterned tile backsplashes create memorable television reveals. Unfortunately, what seems fresh today often looks dated within just a few years, leading to renovation regret. Removing and replacing tile is messy, disruptive, and expensive.
More timeless options like subway tile or neutral stone might seem boring during installation but provide lasting appeal. If you crave personality, consider adding trendy elements through easily changeable items like towels or accessories.
9. Fully Open Concept Floor Plans
Knocking down walls creates dramatic before-and-after moments on television. In reality, completely open layouts eliminate privacy, amplify noise, and expose kitchen messes to everyone.
Many homeowners discover they miss having separate spaces, especially with more people working from home. Consider partial openings or using architectural elements like columns or half-walls instead. These compromises maintain flow while preserving some separation between living areas.
