7 things HGTV never tells you about living with certain upgrades
HGTV can make any upgrade look effortless—bright lighting, perfect staging, and zero mess in sight. But real life looks a little different once the cameras stop rolling. Some of those “dream” upgrades come with higher upkeep, hidden costs, or frustrations that never make the final cut.
Before you splurge on that backsplash or built-in, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for. Here are a few upgrades that look amazing on TV but can be a headache once you actually live with them.
Open shelving
It looks beautiful on camera, but keeping it photo-ready takes constant effort. Every dish, spice jar, and mug is on display, which means clutter stands out fast.
You’ll spend more time dusting, rearranging, and wiping grease off anything near the stove. It’s fine for decorative pieces or infrequently used items, but for everyday kitchen life, it can quickly feel impractical.
Marble countertops
Marble photographs beautifully and adds instant polish to a kitchen or bathroom—but HGTV skips over the reality of maintaining it. It stains, scratches, and etches easily, especially with anything acidic.
Even sealing it doesn’t make it bulletproof. Lemon juice, red wine, or even toothpaste can leave permanent marks. If you want the look without the stress, quartz that mimics marble is a smarter long-term option.
Farmhouse sinks
That big apron-front sink always looks clean and classic on TV, but in real life, water splashes are constant. The flat front means drips end up on your cabinets or the floor.
They also chip and scratch more easily than stainless steel sinks, especially if you use heavy cookware. It’s a beautiful feature—but one you’ll want to baby to keep it that way.
White grout
Design shows love the bright, fresh look of white grout. What they don’t show is how fast it turns gray. In kitchens and bathrooms, it takes constant scrubbing or resealing to keep it clean.
Even in low-traffic areas, it attracts dust and dirt. A slightly darker grout color gives you nearly the same look without all the maintenance.
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Flooded natural light looks amazing on screen, but it also means zero privacy and constant cleaning in real life. Dust, fingerprints, and streaks show up fast.
They also make temperature control tougher—your house will heat up in summer and lose warmth in winter. If you go this route, invest in motorized shades and quality tinting.
Floating vanities
A floating vanity makes a bathroom look sleek, but you’ll notice every hair, dust bunny, and water droplet underneath. Cleaning the space below takes more effort than most people expect.
They also offer less storage and require strong wall support to install. Unless you love minimalist design, a traditional vanity might make daily life easier.
Hardwood floors in kitchens
Design shows love hardwood in kitchens for the seamless flow, but living with it is another story. Water spills, chair legs, and foot traffic wear it down fast.
You’ll find yourself stressing over scratches and wiping constantly to prevent damage. It’s still a great option if you’re careful, but luxury vinyl or tile that mimics wood gives you the same look with way less upkeep.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
