Do HGTV Flips Actually Stand the Test of Time? Two Real Estate Brokers Weigh In on the Channel’s Most Popular Renos
Shiplap Shelves < Built-in Desks
Property Brothers/Sydney Meister for PureWow
Ah, HGTV—home of jaw-dropping transformations from Joanna Gaines and celebrity renovations with Brad Pitt andthe Property Brothers. From open floor plans to luxurious finishes and bold backsplashes, it’s hard *not* to get the urge to replicate what we see on Fixer Upper and Love it or List it. Still, I have to wonder: Are TV-worthy features really worth the investment? Or do they lose their appeal faster than you can say “demo day?”
To find out what truly stands the test of time, I tapped the expertise of two top-producing real estate brokers from Baton Rouge, who co-host the Hustle Humbly Podcast. With their boots-on-the-ground experience, they break down which design trends are worth considering and which ones could end up being more trouble than they’re worth. (Spoiler: Open floor plans aren’t what they seem.)
Meet the Experts
- Alissa Jenkins is a real estate broker at Southerly Real Estate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With over a decade of experience, Jenkins holds a degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University. She has been recognized as a multi-million dollar producer and earned the “Top Producer” award multiple times in the Baton Rouge market. Known for her hands-on experience with HGTV renovations and keen eye for market trends, Jenkins has cemented her status as a trusted expert in Louisiana flip market.
- Katy Caldwell is also a real estate broker with Southerly Real Estate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With over a decade in the industry, Caldwell graduated from Louisiana State University and has consistently been recognized as a top-performing agent. She has received awards for "Top Sales Volume" and is the original producer of their podcast, Hustle Humbly.
5 Features You’re Better Off Skipping
1. Open Floor Plans
Let’s talk about open floor plans—a hallmark of shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers. In nearly every episode, walls come crashing down to create spacious, airy living areas. Yet, Jenkins urges caution, suggesting that open floor plans might not age as well as they appear on TV. “Families with young children often find themselves longing for defined spaces where they can close the door to a playroom or have a separate dining area,” she explains. “And now, with more people working from home, having some separation between the living room, kitchen and a home office becomes essential.”
Caldwell echoes this idea, adding that the demand for open floor plans could shift as buyer priorities change. “It’s all about lifestyle," she noted. "If you’re in a season where you need quiet spaces for remote work or a place to escape from the noise of family life, open floor plans can feel more like a burden than a benefit.”
2. Shiplap
We all know Joanna Gaines’s go-to shiplap—and we all know that shiplap jumped the ship years ago. “Shiplap looks great on TV, but its appeal is very niche,” Jenkins explained. "Not every buyer is looking for that rustic, farmhouse aesthetic, especially in more urban markets. Some buyers now view it as dated or too taste-specific.” Caldwell also added that while shiplap might make a room look cozy in a Fixer Upper flip, it doesn't contribute much to the home's lasting value. "When buyers see shiplap, some of them immediately think about the cost and effort of removing it if it doesn’t suit their style," she said. The reality is, what once seemed like a timeless design choice has now become more of a ‘trend trap.’ If you’re hoping to see a return on investment, consider more versatile, timeless wall treatments (like plaster) that appeal to a broader market.
3. Granite Countertops
Granite countertops might look stunning on HGTV, but are they really worth the investment? Jenkins and Caldwell argue that high-end finishes aren’t always the best use of your budget. "HGTV makes viewers think they have to have granite countertops," Jenkins explained. "But really, there are plenty of beautiful and durable alternatives like quartz or butcher block that can still add value without breaking the bank." To that end, she said that while granite has become a status symbol on TV, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a higher resale value if the rest of the house isn't updated. "You can have the nicest countertops, but if your HVAC system is outdated or your roof needs repairs, buyers will focus on those bigger, practical concerns."
It’s also worth mentioning Caldwell’s take, who said the shows rarely mention how the impact of high-end finishes varies depending on location and market demand. "In some areas, a luxury finish like granite might be seen as a bonus, while in others, it won't move the needle on price at all.”
4. Barn Doors
Barn doors are another HGTV darling, often seen in Love It or List It or Fixer to Fabulous makeovers. They slide, they look super stylish, and they scream "rustic-chic." But Jenkins and Caldwell want you to know they’re not as practical as they seem. "They don’t seal rooms as well, which can become an issue for privacy, noise, and even heating or cooling efficiency," Jenkins explains. What’s more, barn doors can be more trouble than they're worth: “The hardware can wear out, and they often don’t slide smoothly after a while,” Caldwell noted. “Buyers might love the look, but once they realize they’re not as convenient as regular doors, they’re quick to replace them.” Meaning, that while barn doors might make for a dramatic TV reveal, they rarely offer enough long-term value and practicality to justify the investment.
getty/Andreas von Einsiedel
5. Bold Backsplashes
HGTV’s designers love to select bold, colorful backsplashes that give kitchens a wow factor. Yet, while they look striking on screen, both brokers warn against making such a taste-specific choice. “The problem with bold backsplashes is that they don’t appeal to everyone,” Jenkins said. “A buyer might walk into a kitchen and immediately think about the cost of ripping it out if it doesn’t match their personal style.” Caldwell echoed this, noting that this is a common pitfall in Love It or List It renovations. "A classic, neutral subway tile backsplash is a much safer choice that won't turn off potential buyers," she explained. It lets people envision their own style in the space without feeling boxed in by a strong design choice.
3 Features That Stand The Test of Time
1. Quality Flooring
HGTV often showcases unique flooring choices, but when it comes to adding real value, Jenkins and Caldwell say sticking with quality is key. "Buyers love the look of hardwood flooring because it’s classic and stands up to daily wear and tear," says Jenkins. Caldwell agreed, adding that high-quality vinyl or laminate flooring, which can mimic the look of wood, is also a smart investment. “Unlike bold patterned tiles you might see on a Home Town flip, neutral flooring has a wide appeal and lasts, making it a safe bet.”
To that end, one of (this editor’s) personal favorite flooring choices can be seen in a Property Brothers/ Celebrity IOU flip, featuring herringbone wood floors. Before the flip, it was a dated galley kitchen with simple grid-tiled floors. The 'after' (above) reveals how herringbone wood adds a sophisticated contrast that instantly elevates the space. It can help create a smooth transition between the kitchen and the living area, making the entire layout feel cohesive and open without knocking down walls.
2. Neutral Finishes
Forget the bold, taste-specific trends that HGTV loves to flaunt—neutral is the way to go if you’re looking for a timeless, value-boosting design. "You can always introduce color with accessories or paint," Jenkins pointed out. "These are much easier to change than a statement backsplash or wall treatment." Just take a cue from Gaines’s recent fireplace flip in her new show, The Lakehouse. In the living room renovation above, the designer transformed a boring, outdated fireplace into a stunning focal point by adding textured plaster to accentuate the original bones and opting for a mix of neutral, earthy finishes.
Caldwell backs that this was a wise design choice, mentioning that neutral finishes—like the ones Gaines used—create a more versatile canvas that allows buyers to imagine their own style in the space. “A classic, neutral design feels more inviting and can easily adapt to changing trends.” Caldwell added. She also said the Property Brothers often get this right, focusing on neutral finishes that stand the test of time and appeal to a broader market.
3. Built-in Storage
Jenkins and Caldwell both stress the importance of practical storage solutions in a home. “Built-in closets, pantry space, and shelving systems aren’t glamorous like shiplap walls, but they’re practical features that buyers actively look for,” Jenkins explained. Caldwell added, “It’s one of those subtle elements that makes a home more comfortable. Whether it’s a family needing space for kids’ gear or someone wanting a serene workspace, good storage is always a win.”
Yet, I have to rebuttal that organization can be glamorous—as evidenced in a Celebrity IOU episode where the Property Brothers created a built-in storage solution for Zoë Saldaña. They designed a dolomite marble built-in desk, where the custom piece fit seamlessly into the room (without being as large and obtrusive as the previous desk setup).
The Post-Show Market Effect: Increased Value or False Hype?
Finally, the question we all want answered: Do HGTV flips really stand the test of time? Jenkins and Caldwell say it’s a mixed bag. While a Fixer Upper flip in Waco, Texas, might initially attract a lot of attention (and maybe even a higher price tag), the long-term value depends on the quality and practicality of the renovations. “The reality is, once that initial hype fades, you’re left with the true value of the house,” Caldwell stated. If a house is packed with of-the-moment trends like barn doors and shiplap instead of practical updates, its market value may not hold up as well.
Jenkins also pointed out that TV flips often prioritize eye-catching features over things that really matter, like inspections and quality repairs. “You don’t see them investing in those unglamorous, but crucial, aspects on TV,” she noted. At the end of the day, they advise focusing on upgrades that make your home more livable and functional, rather than chasing TV magic. The flips that truly stand the test of time are those that invest in the basics: quality flooring, neutral finishes and plenty of storage.
Associate Editor
- Writes across all lifestyle verticals, including relationships and sex, home, finance, fashion and beauty
- More than five years of experience in editorial, including podcast production and on-camera coverage
- Holds a dual degree in communications and media law and policy from Indiana University, Bloomington
