HGTVhas long been the gold standard for design inspiration, with charismatic hosts and jaw-dropping renovations shaping how millions decorate their homes. But when fans try to replicate these polished looks without the same resources or expertise, the results can be… less than picture-perfect.
Take theonce-beloved modern farmhouse trend, made wildly popular byFixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines. With its shiplap walls, weathered wood, and minimalist-meets-rustic vibe, it swept across America like a design gospel. But years later, a growing chorus of HGTV viewers admit it didn’t quite pan out. OnRedditand beyond, fans are voicing regrets, revealing how their farmhouse fantasies turned into dated, disappointing realities. It begs the question: Should some of these HGTV trends come with a warning label? Maybe “don’t try this at home” isn’t just for stunts—it’s for shiplap, too.
How Farmhouse Chic Backfired
One of the widest trends to emerge from HGTV comes from the instantly popular yet extremely overused “rustic farmhouse.” Seen as a major element in Joanna’s design across the multiple seasons ofFixer Upper, its various spin-offs, and other Magnolia Network IP, the trend is rooted in rustic neutrality, but some of the elements she utilizes have gone overboard.Think those faux wood beams, the barnyard doors, and its monochromatic and sometimes sterile color palette.If you’re looking for those pops of color, intricate patterns, and textiles, this is likely not where you’re going to find them here.
The modern farmhouse trend is undeniably beautiful—and it works perfectly for Joanna and the homes of Waco. But when every viewer starts treating it as the gold standard for their own space, something gets lost.Homes begin to feel generic, stripped of the personal charm and character that make them unique.Especially when the execution doesn’t match the polish and expertise of Joanna herself.
Thanks to Hearth & Hand at Target, it’s never been easier to bring a bit of Joanna into your home — literally. But that convenience is also part of the problem.What once felt curated and authentic now risks becoming cookie-cutter.Oversized pillows, matching dishware, rustic accent pieces—you can buy the exact same ones as the person in line ahead of you. Where’s the originality in that?To be clear, it’s not that farmhouse chic is bad design.Its influence is undeniable. But its mass-market repetition has made it feel, well… monotonous. Especially when everyone’s painting their walls with the same HGTV-branded color from Lowe’s.
How HGTV Design Trends Can Affect the Future
What started onFixer Upperhas evolved into other ventures among the same family tree of interior design.Think “grandmillennial style” fromHome Town’sErin Napierto the modern rustic fromChelsea DeBoerofDown Home Fab, but alsoJenny Marrs’ southern-rooted elements ofFixer to Fabulous. As many HGTV fans have shared on message boards and across social media, these trends should stop. Exposed beams are simply not for everyone, and become difficult to remove as it’s more of a project than simply saying goodbye. A sliding barn door for a bathroom may look beautiful, butsome have feared that the practicality of privacy is lost.Sure, you can attach a latch, but is that what every homeowner wants?
A home with floating shelves or no cabinet doors in the kitchen may look sleek, but it’s simply not for everyone. Again, gone is the privacy of hiding away some of those items you don’t want your friends and family to see that you have to store in the kitchen. Designing with shiplap may look stunning, asFixer Upperhas revitalized the concept, but when everyone has it, does it lose some charm? And it couldfall into the same trap of wood paneling from the 70s, which has become a massive dealbreaker for many.
Erin Napier Has the Most Relatable Marriage Out of All of HGTV’s Couples
Erin and Ben Napier are couple goals.
Interior Design Is Personal Until It’s Not
Interior design can be very personal.In fact, it is one of the most personal things you can bring into your life. When you renovate your home, you’re creating a space that reflects who you are as an individual or family.
So, when it comes to selling your property,it’s possible that those design trends you loved on HGTV may end up being a turn-off to potential homeowners.Interior design is about the present, but sometimes, you must also think about the future. You may love Joanna’s signature shiplap and barnyard door, but will you regret it when it’s time to part? Only time will tell. So, if you’re about to put your interior designer hat on, proceed with caution.
Fixer Upperis available to stream on Max.
Fixer Upper
