I’m all for a well-placed throw pillow or a shabby chic aesthetic, and I certainly appreciate a good open floor plan. Conversations about shiplap? Count me in! And let’s not forget the thrill of witnessing dramatic before-and-after renovations. It’s no wonder HGTV has captivated so many of us; we love watching people demolish and rebuild spaces, dreaming of owning picturesque homes like those featured on Beachfront Bargain Hunt. We chuckle at the high-maintenance property owners and the occasional marital discord among the host couples. It’s a guilty pleasure that lets us peek into the homes and lives of others.
But lately, I find myself asking: What in the world is going on with HGTV? Is this reality? Are there really individuals living in tiny homes with no closets and foldable sinks? How do a couple selling artisanal soaps afford a million-dollar beach house? And why is there so much complaining? Someone is always upset — whether it’s homeowners grumbling about their sprawling homes feeling “too cramped” or couples bickering while juggling renovations on shows like Property Brothers.
HGTV, you’re making home renovations look deceptively simple. You toss around terms like “bargain,” but let’s be real — it’s more like “outrageously expensive.” Flipping houses appears to be some delightful side gig, but in reality, it often means racking up debt, enduring months of dust, and living off ramen noodles.
And now we have Joanna Gaines, the queen of chic and DIY, selling throw pillows for $90. Yes, you read that right! Who wants to spend nearly two hundred bucks on cushions that kids will toss on the floor or that the dog will use as a scratching post? And an area rug for $2,300? I need a moment to recover from that revelation.
A friend of mine, Lisa, recently mentioned an episode of Beachfront Bargain Hunt where a couple was seeking a $350,000 second home in Hawaii. Seriously? If you can afford a second home at that price, you shouldn’t be on a show with “bargain” in the title. Let’s be honest, that word has never passed their lips.
Remember the original Trading Spaces? Neighbors redecorating each other’s homes for a few hundred dollars? Now that was entertaining! Sure, there were moments of tears and drama, but it was mostly just good fun, offering practical decorating tips we could actually use. Can we bring that back? (And we can because it’s returning soon!)
When I tune into HGTV, I either feel utterly perplexed (do families actually reside in a 300-square-foot tiny house?) or I get annoyed watching wealthy individuals complain about their million-dollar homes lacking a rain shower in the fourth bathroom. Or worse, I feel disheartened by my own living situation. Before HGTV, I had never even heard the term “drop zone,” but now I feel like I must have one for shoes, coats, and other random items.
In stark contrast to the beautifully staged homes on Property Brothers and the rustic elegance on Fixer Upper, my family room is more of a “Lego land” aesthetic. The photos on our wall are askew, and there’s even a picture of a donkey taped up — the animal kind, not the human variety (don’t ask). Just a few moments watching Rafterhouse can make me doubt every life choice I’ve made and compel me to rush to Home Depot for DIY supplies like fire pits and rustic bookshelves. Give me all the chalk paint!
Yet, the truth is, I’m not great at decorating, and as I get older, I care less about it. My home resembles more of a clearance section at Target and Toys “R” Us rather than a glossy West Elm catalog. And you know what? It’s all good. I might enjoy a stylish throw pillow, but I can find cute ones for just $12 at Target. Plus, I can order them online from the comfort of my couch without even putting on pants! As for shiplap, it sounds fun to say but probably isn’t that fun to install.
Still, I wouldn’t mind having a drop zone. And a beachfront second home wouldn’t hurt either!
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Summary
HGTV presents a somewhat unrealistic portrayal of home renovations and living situations, leading viewers to question the authenticity of what they see. While shows like Beachfront Bargain Hunt feature couples with seemingly extravagant budgets, the contrast with relatable, practical shows like Trading Spaces is stark. The author reflects on their own home life, embracing its imperfections while humorously critiquing the lofty standards set by HGTV.