I appreciate a stylish throw pillow just as much as anyone else. I adore the charm of shabby chic décor and the allure of an open floor plan. Discussions about shiplap are entertaining, even if I’m still a bit fuzzy on the exact definition. Shiplap, shiplap, SHIPLAP! And let’s not forget the thrill of a before-and-after renovation reveal.
These are just a few reasons why HGTV has captured our hearts. We enjoy watching people demolish structures and rebuild them from scratch. We dream about owning picturesque waterfront properties like those featured in Beachfront Bargain Hunt. We can’t help but roll our eyes at demanding property owners and find a guilty thrill in witnessing the marital squabbles of our favorite hosts. But lately, I can’t shake the feeling that something is off with HGTV.
Is this real life? Do folks genuinely reside in tiny homes with no closets and fold-down sinks? How do a couple selling camel milk and hemp skirts manage to buy a multimillion-dollar beach house? And why is there so much complaining? It seems like someone is always dissatisfied. Whether it’s homeowners lamenting that their 5,000-square-foot home feels “too cramped” or couples arguing over renovations, the drama is unending.
HGTV makes home renovations appear simple, but let’s be real—they’re not. You toss around terms like “bargain,” when really, you’re talking about prices that are downright extravagant. Flipping a house looks like a fun pastime on your shows, but it actually involves significant financial risk, a three-month dust cloud, and ramen noodle dinners for what feels like eternity.
And now Joanna Gaines—queen of all things shabby chic—has the audacity to sell throw pillows for $90. Yes, nearly two hundred dollars for a couple of pillows that your kids will inevitably toss on the floor. And don’t even get me started on an area rug that costs up to $2,300. I need a moment to catch my breath from laughing at this absurdity.
A friend of mine, Lisa, recently shared an episode of Beachfront Bargain Hunt featuring a couple in search of a $350,000 second home in Hawaii. Excuse me? If you can swing a $350,000 second home, the term “bargain” does not apply to you. Let’s face it, you’ve likely never uttered the word “bargain” in your life.
Please, HGTV, go home. You’re clearly out of touch.
Remember the classic show Trading Spaces, where neighbors would redecorate each other’s homes for a couple hundred bucks? That was genuinely entertaining. Sure, sometimes homeowners ended up in tears over questionable tastes, but mostly it was a blast and offered real decorating tips we could use. Can we bring back more of that? (And yes, actually, it is making a comeback!)
Every time I turn on HGTV, I either feel bewildered (do parents really live in a 300-square-foot tiny house?) or irritated by the wealthy individuals who are upset that their million-dollar home lacks a rain shower in the fourth bathroom. It’s disheartening and makes me scrutinize my own home. Before I flipped on HGTV, I didn’t even know what a “drop zone” was, but now I feel like I need one for our shoes and coats.
In stark contrast to the picture-perfect homes on shows like Property Brothers, my family room showcases the “Legos-on-the-Floor” aesthetic. The family photos hanging on the wall are crooked, and there’s even a jackass (the donkey kind, not the human kind) taped to the wall—don’t ask. Just a few minutes with Rafterhouse, and suddenly I’m questioning all my life choices and itching to head to Home Depot for DIY projects like fire pits, bar carts, and rustic bookshelves. I find myself craving chalk paint.
However, the reality is that I’m not particularly good at decorating and, as I get older, I care less and less. My home resembles a clearance rack from Target and Toys “R” Us more than a West Elm catalog. And you know what? I genuinely don’t care. I might enjoy a good throw pillow, but I can find attractive ones at Target for $12. Amazon has plenty too, and I can shop without even getting dressed. Plus, shiplap seems to be more fun to say than to actually install.
Yet, I still want a drop zone and a beachfront second home wouldn’t be too bad either.
For more insights, check out this blog post on home insemination kits that dives deep into the topic.
Summary
HGTV’s current programming raises questions about the reality of homeownership and renovations, presenting an unrealistic portrayal of home design and financial situations. With rising costs and a focus on wealthy lifestyles, viewers often leave feeling confused or dissatisfied with their own homes. As nostalgia for simpler, relatable shows like Trading Spaces grows, many are left yearning for a more genuine representation of home life.