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Everyone is entitled to their own interior design opinions, but if you've ever found yourself yelling at the TV during a home renovation show, just know that you're definitely not alone.
Some passionate HGTV fans have recently taken to the internet to express their disdain for the network's most overused design trends. In a Reddit thread, one user asked viewers to share the common HGTV renovation ideas that drive them crazy, and fans didn't hold back as they vented about everything from illogical kitchen layouts to materials that simply don't make sense in real-life homes.
Here are seven of the most annoying renovation trends that Redditors say need to be retired ASAP.
Scroll to see what HGTV interior design and renovation trends people can't stand...
1. Kitchen Islands That Include Sinks or Stoves
While kitchen islands can give homeowners plenty of extra counter space and seating, HGTV fans seem to hate when those islands double as the kitchen's main sink or stove. Some argued that sinks belong under windows, not in the center of the room, where dishes and cleaning supplies create clutter in plain sight.
"What sink has no soaps, sponges, scrubbers, or wet or dirty dishes around it? Who wants dish water splashing on your pancakes while you're eating at your breakfast bar?" asked one commenter.
Not to mention, others dislike the idea of stoves within kitchen islands even more due to the lack of ventilation and splatter risks, with one user writing, "There is a reason backsplashes exist."
2. Open Kitchen Shelving
This next one might come as a shock, given how popular open shelving has become on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. In reality, though, HGTV fans claim it's a nightmare.
Sure, it might give homeowners a designated area to display their nicer dishware or cookbooks, but keeping it all looking clean and curated is a full-time job. Additionally, it can even be a safety hazard in some regions of the nation.
"I live in SoCal, a.k.a. Earthquake Country, and open shelving in the kitchen gives me anxiety. We all have stories of stuff falling off of shelves when there's even a small earthquake," noted one commenter.
3. Kitchen Counters And Backsplashes Made Of Porous Materials
Shouldn't the one place in the house that deals with food prep, grease, and the occasional pasta sauce explosion be designed for easy cleanup? According to certain HGTV viewers, that's not always the case.
A growing number of renovations are featuring counters and backsplashes made of porous stone or wood materials, a trend that's baffling fans.
"Anyone who would even consider putting that in a kitchen or thinks it's okay obviously never cooks or cleans," a commenter explained.
Butcher block countertops also came under fire for being pretty but high-maintenance; meanwhile, stone backsplashes behind stoves are practically impossible to clean sauce spatter off of.
4. Islands With Built-In Banquettes
This trend tries to combine dining and kitchen functionality, but countless homeowners agree that islands with built-in banquettes are just plain awkward. The idea of having a cozy booth attached to the back of your kitchen island might sound fun, but the execution often leaves guests facing away from the action (and possibly getting splashed if there's a sink involved).
"I don't mind an island on its own or an island with seating, but the built-in island banquette kills me," admitted one Redditor.
5. Open Floor Plans
Open-concept living has been HGTV gold for years, but not everyone is willing to hop on that bandwagon. According to various fans, these layouts may look airy and modern, but they come at the cost of privacy, sound control, and overall coziness.
"Completely open concept all the time is not a fun environment for most people. It's much better (and more interesting) to have a home with structure and life," opined one commenter.
"I don't want to hear my husband's TV shows... I'll take a wall here and there!" joked another.
6. Open-Concept Showers
Not even showers are immune to open-concept trends anymore. While sleek, wall-free showers might work in boutique hotels, they are a cold, wet mess IRL. So, this trend loses its charm quickly when your whole bathroom turns into a puddle every morning.
"Showers without doors make me cold looking at it," noted one Redditor.
"Water splashes all over the floor! The room is cold! Why?!" asked a second.
7. Gray Vinyl Flooring
Finally, gray-toned luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is everywhere on HGTV nowadays, but the trend has officially overstayed its welcome for numerous fans.
It's true that this flooring option is more affordable than hardwood, yet the overuse of the same bland gray wood-look finish has become an interior design cliché.
"It's going to be the wallpaper and linoleum of our day," said one commenter.
Others believe there needs to be more variety in homes, such as having at least some tile in the kitchen and bathroom.
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