Ah, the joys of home! “Home sweet home!” “Home is where the heart is!” But for many of us, it’s also about the dream features we see on HGTV—like open-concept layouts, dual bathroom vanities, finished basements, and outdoor living spaces. Welcome to the addictive world of HGTV, the channel that promises, “We’ll just knock down that wall and open it up!”
What is it about watching strangers hunt for their ideal homes that keeps us glued to the screen? Perhaps I’m just a sentimental sucker for heartwarming family stories or maybe I secretly yearn to become a house flipper, spending my days scouring for the best deals on cabinetry and flooring. I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement when hosts like Sarah and Jake unveil a dramatic transformation of an outdated property and ask, “Are you ready to see your new home?” Absolutely! I’m also eager to witness how that young couple with a budget struggles to find their dream beach house or whether that large family can rejuvenate their first home with clever renovations. And what about that charming retired couple relocating to a tiny apartment in Malta? Can they truly thrive in just 400 square feet? (By the way, if you want to feel like you have a mansion, watch a few episodes of House Hunters International; it will make you appreciate your own space.)
I adore these shows! The demolition, the budget-friendly flips, and the transformations from drab to fab! However, there’s a significant downside: my HGTV obsession can make me resent my own living space. After a marathon of episodes, I found myself at my kitchen table, surveying my surroundings with a critical eye. Everything appeared lackluster, outdated, or in disrepair. I glared at the wall where a child had torn off the wallpaper, felt irritation at the missing trim on the island that had been pending for five years, and noticed the chipped tiles and loose drawer pulls. I thought, “If only I could fix that! Paint this! Update that! Then I’d be happy!”
Days later, while my family gathered in front of the TV, we stumbled upon an episode of House Hunters. We watched a delightful couple explore a sprawling 5,000-square-foot home and voice their complaints. I sighed, “Look at all that space! Just imagine the possibilities of a game room and extra laundry space.”
My 16-year-old daughter, Emma, retorted, “But then we wouldn’t be together like this. Who wants that?” Her words hit me like a wake-up call. It was as if all my hours of home improvement viewing had conditioned me to equate bigger with better. Would I welcome a team from Renovation Nation to work their magic on my aging home? For sure. But did I need it to be truly happy? Not at all.
I realized that during our family dinners, no one fixated on the chipped tiles or torn wallpaper. They were focused on me, their dad, and each other. And honestly, that’s all that mattered.
Will I quit my HGTV habit? Probably not. Who doesn’t dream of knocking down some grimy bathroom tiles with a sledgehammer? But do I need to check my ungratefulness? Absolutely, yes.
For now, I’m choosing to embrace my imperfect home, which serves as a backdrop for raising my amazing kids. And really, what more could I ask for? Okay, maybe just a mudroom—but only if it features some beautiful shiplap. If you’re interested in more insights on home insemination, check out this article on our other blog.
In summary, while HGTV can inspire dreams of home improvements, it’s essential to appreciate the unique value of our own spaces—not just the aesthetics.