10 HGTV-Inspired Home Trends We All Regret Now

Dan Gold/Unsplash

We’ve all been there—watching an HGTV makeover and thinking, “I need that in my home!” However, as time passes, some of those trendy choices end up looking more like design disasters. So, let’s take a playful stroll through ten HGTV-inspired home trends we all wish we could unsee.

Incorporating Open Shelving

Keegan Checks/Pexels

Open shelving was the trend that promised to make your kitchen look chic. In reality, it’s a recipe for chaos! Those neatly arranged plates turn into a mountain of mismatched mugs and spice jars. Who knew simplicity would come with so much mess? 

Shiny Stainless Steel Everywhere

Adam Dachis/Unsplash

After covering every appliance, light fixture, and even countertops, shiny stainless steel can feel more like a spaceship than a home. It reflects every little speck of dust and fingerprint! Try mixing materials to add charm, and your kitchen will look way more inviting.

Overuse Of Gray Paint

tn2222 Koh/Pexels

Gray walls used to be the poster child of “modern” and “sophisticated.” However, now they’re just dreary. When your entire house feels like it’s stuck in a fog, it’s hard to feel inspired, as the color scheme feels more like an office than a home.

Trendy Faux Finishes

Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

Faux wood floors look like the real thing—until they start to fade. The sheen of “affordable luxury” fades as these materials start looking fake, leaving you with a regret that’s hard to shake. And when the finish looks fake, it’s hard to call it functional.

Overly Industrial Features

Keegan Checks/Pexels

Exposed pipes and steel beams, the hallmark of industrial design, are cool for a loft in New York. So, the question is, do they belong in your living room? No, as these cold, raw elements clash with other design elements, leading to a disjointed aesthetic. 

Using Excessive Wallpaper

giffywallsuk/Pixabay

You loved that bold wallpaper at first. It was daring, fun, and totally made a statement. Fast forward six months, and now you’re trapped in a room that looks like a carnival thrown up on your walls. If you love patterns, consider smaller sections or accents rather than going all-in.

Way Too Minimalist Spaces

Spacejoy/Unsplash

Minimalism seemed so serene at first. Then you realize there’s nowhere to sit, nowhere to relax. Just a lonely chair in a sea of white walls. Minimalism doesn’t always equal peace; sometimes, it’s just… cold and uninviting. 

Overly White Kitchens

Simona Sergi/Unsplash

White kitchens are often touted as timeless, yet they frequently end up feeling uninspired. Without any added color or texture, they can be cold and uninviting, lacking the warmth you need in a space where you spend a lot of time.

Incorporating Oversized Furniture

Albero Furniture Bratislava/Unsplash

That giant sectional you bought looked amazing in the showroom, but now? It’s taking over the room like a king on his throne. You can barely walk around it, and your guests have to squeeze by just to reach the snacks. Consider downsizing—sometimes less really is more.

Barn Doors Everywhere

shannonrphillips/Pixabay

Barn doors—charming and rustic, right? Until they refuse to slide properly or they get stuck halfway. Those “farmhouse chic” doors can be a serious headache when they’re constantly off track. They might just leave you banging your head against the wall.