10 HGTV features that fall apart outside the showroom

HGTV homes always look perfect—gleaming floors, flawless finishes, and furniture that never seems to see real life. But once those same features meet kids, pets, humidity, or everyday use, they stop looking so polished.

Many of the “dream home” upgrades shown on TV are great for quick reveals but not built for long-term living. Before you copy what you saw on screen, here are the trends that tend to crumble once they leave the showroom.

High-gloss cabinets

They look sleek under studio lighting, but in real kitchens, fingerprints, smudges, and scratches show up instantly. Every swipe of a dish towel or bump from a pot leaves a mark.

These cabinets also lose their shine over time, especially in homes with kids or heavy use. A satin or matte finish hides wear better and doesn’t need constant polishing to stay decent-looking.

Marble countertops

Marble’s beauty sells well on TV, but in a real kitchen, it stains, scratches, and etches at the first sign of lemon juice or wine. Even sealing it regularly won’t prevent long-term dulling.

Most homeowners who pick marble spend more time babying it than cooking on it. Engineered quartz offers a similar look without the heartbreak of constant upkeep.

Floating vanities

Floating vanities look modern and open up small bathrooms visually, but they’re not great for heavy use. The brackets can loosen over time, especially in homes with moisture problems or uneven walls.

Cleaning under them is awkward, and leaks can rot the hidden structure fast. Unless installed perfectly, they often become wobbly long before you expect.

Subway tile backsplashes

Subway tile is a classic HGTV go-to, but all those grout lines are dirt magnets. Grease and soap scum collect quickly, especially behind a stove or sink.

The white grout that looks so crisp on TV turns yellow or gray within months if not sealed properly. Larger tiles or continuous slabs are far easier to maintain and still look clean.

Open shelving

It looks airy in a reveal but becomes a nightmare in real life. Dust, grease, and clutter pile up fast, and unless you have perfectly matching dishes, it always looks messy.

Most homeowners who try it end up reinstalling cabinets for the storage they lost. The upkeep alone turns open shelving from “stylish” to “regret” fast.

Farmhouse sinks

They look charming on screen, but they chip and scratch easily, especially if made from porcelain or fireclay. The wide apron front also tends to catch water that drips down your cabinets, leading to swollen wood or mildew.

Stainless steel versions hold up better, but even those require constant wiping to avoid hard water stains.

Wall-mounted faucets

They photograph beautifully and free up counter space, but long-term maintenance can get expensive. If there’s ever a leak, you’re cutting into the wall to fix it.

Water spots also show instantly on chrome finishes, and the installation itself costs far more than a standard faucet. They’re great for looks, not so much for practicality.

Barn doors

Sliding barn doors were everywhere on HGTV for years, but they’re not great for privacy. They leave gaps that let in light and sound, and they never fully seal.

The hardware also loosens over time, making them rattle or stick. What looks rustic and trendy on screen often ends up squeaky and impractical in a real hallway.

Patterned cement tiles

These tiles look bold in design segments, but they’re extremely porous and high-maintenance. Without regular sealing, they stain and fade quickly.

Even with care, the patterns can wear unevenly in high-traffic spots. Most homeowners find they age poorly and clash with other décor changes down the road.

Open-concept showers

Walk-in showers with no doors look luxurious, but they leave bathrooms damp and chilly. Water splashes farther than you expect, and humidity builds up without proper ventilation.

They also need daily squeegeeing to prevent buildup. While great for photos, they’re far less enjoyable in real life—especially when you’re the one cleaning them.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.