HGTV's Drew Scott Says To Ditch This Home Feature ASAP (You Could Get Cash For It)

Achieving an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming home is a common goal for many homeowners. However, according to HGTV's Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, certain design elements, while seemingly trendy or a good idea initially, can actually detract from a home's overall ambiance and make it feel clunky or dated. With extensive experience remodeling numerous homes across their popular shows like "Celebrity IOU" and "Property Brothers: Forever Home," the Scott brothers possess a keen understanding of which trends enhance a space and which ones diminish it. Beyond obviously outdated elements like 1980s mirrored walls, the Property Brothers point to several surprising trends that can negatively impact a home's vibe. For instance, barn doors, once a staple of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, are now considered dated and not suitable for every situation, especially bathrooms where sound and temperature insulation are crucial. Instead, pocket doors are suggested as a space-saving and more functional alternative that offers better privacy. All-white kitchens, a popular choice for the past decade due to their bright and airy feel, are also on the list of outdated trends. The brothers advocate for incorporating more color, such as stained wood, blues, or greens, and moving towards warmer, cozier interior designs that feature rich color schemes and natural textures like wood and stone. This shift reflects a growing preference for depth and warmth over stark modernity. DIY epoxy countertops, often a budget-friendly alternative to expensive stone, are strongly advised against for their lack of durability. Jonathan Scott notes that epoxy coatings tend to peel and wear quickly, ultimately looking worse than the original surface. Solid surface countertops like Corian or more affordable stone options like slate are recommended as more lasting and value-adding investments. Decorative bathroom mirrors with patinated or aged edges, while visually interesting, are deemed impractical for daily use. Drew Scott explains that the aged look interferes with clear reflection, making tasks like shaving or applying makeup difficult. The brothers recommend clear mirrors, ideally with built-in lighting, to ensure optimal visibility and functionality in a utilitarian space like a bathroom. Laminate countertops, despite their low cost, are seen as a poor investment by the Property Brothers. Jonathan Scott argues that they can actually decrease a home's value, and Drew Scott views spending money on laminate as wasteful due to its dated appearance. Superior alternatives like Corian, butcher block, or slate are suggested for better ROI and a more luxurious feel. Open shelving in kitchens, a trend from the 2010s, is criticized for its lack of practicality in most family homes. Drew Scott points out that open shelves often become cluttered with random dishes, leading to a messy and chaotic appearance and sacrificing significant storage space. A compromise involves using a small section of floating shelves for decorative items or opting for cabinet doors with frosted glass panels to achieve an airy look without the clutter and dust accumulation. Similarly, tiled countertops, while offering texture and color, are deemed impractical due to grout lines that can trap grime and food splatters, making them difficult to clean. Terrazzo counters are proposed as a more hygienic and durable alternative that provides a similar vintage aesthetic and color variety without the maintenance issues. Diagonal wooden flooring, common in homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, is considered dated. While replacing it with straight planks is ideal, an extra-large area rug can effectively minimize its appearance. Lastly, bulky sectional sofas, despite their comfort and recent popularity, are identified as elements that can overwhelm a living space, making it feel cluttered and disproportionate. Drew Scott advocates for simpler, less bulky couches combined with accent chairs that match the room's proportions, allowing for better flow and a more curated design. #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDesign #PropertyBrothers #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #OutdatedTrends #DesignTips

The popular 90s sitcom 'Home Improvement', starring Tim Allen as Tim Taylor and Patricia Richardson as Jill Taylor, concluded after eight highly successful seasons on ABC. While many might assume the show ended because it had run its course, insights from actress Patricia Richardson reveal that its cancellation stemmed from behind-the-scenes disputes, primarily involving pay discrepancies and creative control. These issues highlight broader challenges within the entertainment industry regarding fair treatment and gender pay gaps. Patricia Richardson, who played the matriarch Jill Taylor, was instrumental in shaping her character beyond the initial contractual obligations. Along with co-executive producer Rosalind Moore, Richardson often advocated for a more nuanced and interesting portrayal of Jill during script readings. Her efforts contributed significantly to the show's enduring legacy and the realistic depiction of a married couple, a factor widely praised by audiences. Despite her creative contributions, Richardson was consistently denied a producer credit, a recognition that Tim Allen, her male co-star, did receive. This disparity became a point of contention as the series progressed into its later seasons. As 'Home Improvement' approached its eighth season finale, Richardson's enthusiasm for the show waned due to these creative and professional frustrations. She explicitly stated that she would not return for a ninth season, regardless of the financial incentives. ABC and Disney, keen to continue their top-rated sitcom, offered Tim Allen a substantial $2 million per episode for a potential 25-episode ninth season. In contrast, Richardson was offered half that amount, $1 million per episode. This significant pay gap, even for a considerable sum, underscored the persistent issue of unequal pay in Hollywood, particularly affecting female actors. Richardson's decision to leave was not solely about the money but also a protest against the unfair treatment and lack of recognition for her creative input. She made a counteroffer to Disney, requesting the same salary as Allen and a long-sought-after producer credit, fully anticipating its rejection. She later described this as her way of expressing her dissatisfaction and making a firm statement against the studio's practices. Disney subsequently explored options to continue the show without her, including potentially writing off or even killing off her character, Jill. However, they ultimately concluded that the show could not proceed without such an integral character. The departure of Patricia Richardson directly led to the cancellation of 'Home Improvement'. This event serves as a notable example of how crucial fair treatment and equitable compensation are in the entertainment industry. The cancellation, although initially causing friction between Allen and Richardson, eventually led to their reunion years later on Allen's series 'Last Man Standing'. Richardson's principled stand, leading to the show's conclusion, underscores the impact of individual agency in challenging and changing industry norms, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of television. #HomeImprovement #TVCancellation #PatriciaRichardson #TimAllen #HollywoodPayGap #Sitcom #90sTVShows #CreativeControl #TelevisionHistory

Jonathan and Drew Scott, widely recognized as the Property Brothers for their extensive work in home makeovers, have developed strong opinions on various design elements after completing over 500 projects across their television shows. Among these, the kitchen peninsula stands out as a feature they vehemently dislike, deeming it a significant waste of space. While some homeowners might find value in peninsulas for additional prep area or dining, Jonathan explicitly stated his strong disapproval during a Season 14 episode of 'Property Brothers,' illustrating his point by lying on a kitchen island to emphasize the wasted space a peninsula creates and how it impedes kitchen flow. He declared, "This closes off the flow to the kitchen so bad. I hate, hate, hate, peninsulas overtop of islands when you have the space." The Property Brothers prioritize optimal kitchen flow above all other design considerations. Their stance against peninsulas aligns with their previous critiques of popular trends, such as Joanna Gaines' barn doors, highlighting their focus on functionality and open-concept design. They argue that the peninsula's structure inherently limits usable space and disrupts the natural movement within a kitchen. If a kitchen already features an island, adding a peninsula is often redundant and can lead to a cramped and claustrophobic environment, especially in smaller kitchens. While a peninsula might offer additional counter space, the brothers contend that this benefit is frequently outweighed by the reduction in overall kitchen maneuverability. Furthermore, peninsulas, particularly those designed as multi-tiered breakfast bars common in 1990s and 2000s interior design, can visually and physically disconnect the kitchen from adjacent living areas, which contradicts the modern preference for open floor plans. For homeowners seeking a breakfast bar function, the Property Brothers suggest custom-built islands that can be designed to be wider or longer, thereby providing similar functionality without sacrificing kitchen flow or openness. For those undertaking new kitchen construction, Jonathan and Drew strongly advise against incorporating a peninsula. However, if a homeowner is renovating an existing kitchen that already has a peninsula, they caution about the substantial cost and effort involved in its removal, as structural modifications can be expensive and complex. Their overarching recommendation is for homeowners to meticulously consider kitchen flow during the design and layout process. Beyond structural elements, the Property Brothers also offer advice on material choices, such as countertops. They advise against laminate kitchen countertops, despite their lower initial cost, as they believe laminate can actually diminish a home's value. Jonathan noted, "Yes, laminate is cheaper, but in many cases, you can actually take value away from a house by installing it." They advocate for durable and aesthetically pleasing alternatives like marble, butcher block, or stone, which they suggest are often more cost-effective and visually superior in the long run. Drew also offered a compromise, stating that if laminate is the only option, one should choose a design that mimics the look of stone. In terms of appliances, they recommend electric ovens over gas alternatives, citing improved efficiency and safety, despite the potentially higher upfront investment. The Property Brothers' insights are grounded in their extensive professional experience, making their recommendations valuable for homeowners planning kitchen renovations or new designs. #HomeMakeovers #PropertyBrothers #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeRenovation #KitchenPeninsula #KitchenFlow #DesignAdvice #HGTV

Chip Gaines, known for his work on HGTV's "Fixer Upper" alongside his wife Joanna Gaines, advises homeowners to exercise caution before painting the brick exteriors of their houses. While the couple has a track record of transforming outdated homes and improving curb appeal through various renovations, Gaines highlights a particular reservation when it comes to altering the appearance of older, handcrafted brick. He emphasizes that while he has no issues with painting regular developer-built homes, historic brickwork warrants careful consideration due to its unique qualities. The discussion arose during an episode of "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home" when an employee, John, expressed his desire to paint the reddish brick of his 1964 ranch house. Chip Gaines countered this idea, explaining that antique brick is highly valued, with people often paying significant amounts to acquire such unique materials. He suggested that painting such brick would be a disservice to its inherent beauty and craftsmanship. This stance underscores a respect for original architectural elements and the historical context they represent. A primary reason for the Gaines' recommendation against painting antique brick is the irreversibility of the process. Once brick is painted, the paint cannot be easily removed or peeled off. This means that any decision to paint must be thoroughly considered, as it permanently alters the building's original aesthetic. Chip and Joanna Gaines propose exploring alternative ways to modernize a home's exterior without resorting to painting the brick. For instance, in John's case, they opted to pressure wash the exterior to refresh its appearance and painted the window trims and doors black to achieve a contemporary look. Joanna Gaines noted that the updated trim color effectively highlighted the brick, making it feel more modern without changing its original hue. The couple offered to paint the brick later if John remained set on a white exterior, emphasizing the permanence of the decision. Beyond aesthetic considerations, painting brick can also lead to structural damage. Brick is a porous material, meaning it absorbs water. When paint is applied, it acts as a non-breathable layer that can trap moisture within the brick. If this trapped water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the brick and potentially causing it to crack or crumble over time, especially with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This process can result in significant and permanent damage to the structure. To mitigate this risk, experts recommend using breathable stains like limewash or milk paint instead of conventional paint. These alternatives allow moisture to evaporate, preventing water retention and subsequent damage. Furthermore, limewash and milk paint contain minerals that integrate with the brick over time, offering enhanced protection against environmental elements while preserving the material's integrity. #ChipGaines #JoannaGaines #HGTV #HomeImprovement #ExteriorDesign #BrickPainting #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalPreservation

The landscape of reality television is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on comfort, recognition, and the leveraging of established intellectual properties (IPs). In response to this trend, HGTV, a network known for its home renovation and design programming, is launching an innovative new series titled "Bachelor Mansion Takeover." This show represents a strategic move by HGTV to tap into the burgeoning popularity of reality TV crossovers, where familiar faces from one popular franchise participate in a new, often skill-based, competition. "Bachelor Mansion Takeover" brings together 12 former contestants from the "Bachelor" franchise—including "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette," "The Golden Bachelor," and "The Golden Bachelorette"—to utilize their design and renovation skills. Their mission is to completely transform the iconic Bachelor Mansion, a location central to the "Bachelor" universe but never before seen in this capacity. The series is hosted by Jesse Palmer, the long-standing host of "The Bachelor," adding another layer of familiarity for dedicated fans of the romantic reality show. The competition aspect is enhanced by judges Tayshia Adams, known for her interest in architecture and interior design, and Tyler Cameron, who has already ventured into the home renovation TV space with his Prime Video series, "Going Home with Tyler Cameron." These judges will evaluate the contestants' creativity and craftsmanship, leading to weekly eliminations. The show's potential for success stems from its ability to merge two distinct but passionate fan bases: those who love HGTV's design competitions and the expansive "Bachelor" Nation. By offering a fresh perspective on a beloved location and featuring recognizable personalities, HGTV aims to attract viewers who might not typically tune into their network. The premise is designed to offer new insights into the "Bachelor" franchise while delivering the high-stakes, elimination-based drama characteristic of competition reality shows. Jesse Palmer highlights the show's urgency, noting that the renovation must be completed before the start of a new season of "The Bachelorette," which is set to feature "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star Taylor Frankie Paul, creating a synergistic marketing opportunity for ABC. This initiative by HGTV is part of a broader trend in reality television where recognizability drives viewership. Networks are increasingly sourcing contestants from established series to draw in new audiences, rather than relying on entirely new casts. This strategy has been observed across various networks and genres, including Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" featuring reality stars, "Survivor" and "Beast Games" incorporating crossover elements, and the success of shows like "The Traitors," "House of Villains," and "The GOAT," all of which thrive on bringing together well-known reality personalities. These crossovers provide comfort and recognition to audiences, offering a unique blend of familiar faces in novel situations. For HGTV, this approach signifies a potential blueprint for future programming, exploring what other IPs can be integrated into their renovation and design format. The network has previously featured former "Survivors" like Wendell Holland and Kim Spradlin Wolfe, indicating a history of leveraging reality TV personalities. "Bachelor Mansion Takeover" premieres on Monday, March 2, at 8:00 pm on HGTV, with all episodes available for streaming on HBO Max. This strategic move by HGTV reflects a shrewd understanding of current reality TV dynamics, prioritizing established appeal over the risks associated with entirely new concepts. #HGTV #BachelorMansionTakeover #RealityTVCrossovers #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #TheBachelorFranchise #CompetitionReality #TelevisionTrends

The article delves into the less-than-wholesome reality behind the popular early 2000s reality TV show, 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.' While the show was presented as a heartwarming program where deserving families received new homes built by a team of designers and contractors, it faced significant scrutiny and accusations of exploitation and financial hardship for the families involved. The show, which focused on families dealing with various challenges such as disabilities, financial struggles, or chronic health issues, aimed to portray a wholesome image, contrasting with other reality shows of the era. The core structure of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' involved carpenter Ty Pennington and a rotating team of designers, including prominent names like Paige Hemmis, Paul DiMeo, Ed Sanders, and Michael Moloney. Each week, the team traveled across the country to assist a struggling family whose existing home was either too small or in disrepair. After their stories were shared and their homes assessed, the families were sent on a week-long vacation, often to Disney World due to corporate synergy. During their absence, hundreds of contractors rapidly demolished the old house and constructed a new one in just seven days. The families would then return for a dramatic reveal, often leading to emotional reactions. Despite its popularity, the show garnered significant criticism, particularly regarding the home-building process itself. Critics argued that the houses were often excessively large and contributed to a 'McMansion' lifestyle, a point that ABC attempted to counter by asserting that each home was tailored to a specific family's needs, regardless of its size. However, the accelerated seven-day construction timeline often resulted in shoddy workmanship. A more substantial issue was the financial burden placed on families after the show. Numerous reports indicated that up to nine families from the original series lost their newly built homes due to foreclosure, unemployment, mounting medical bills, or increased property taxes. Some families resorted to home equity loans they later defaulted on, while others found themselves unable to manage the expenses associated with their large, extravagant homes after years of financial struggle. Ty Pennington stated that financial advice was provided to families, but ultimately, decisions regarding loans and mortgages rested with them. Accusations also surfaced regarding the design team's level of involvement. On-set sources claimed that the team, including Pennington, often only worked when cameras were rolling, though Pennington disputed this. Furthermore, leaked emails from the mid-2000s revealed that ABC specifically sought out individuals with significant or rare disabilities for casting, leading to accusations that the show was exploiting these families for ratings and financial gain. This practice highlighted a broader criticism of reality television's profit-driven motives. 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' originally aired on ABC from 2004 to 2012 and was briefly revived by HGTV in early 2020. It returned to ABC in January 2025 with new hosts, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. The article notes that the new version appears to be following a similar format, although Shearer and Teplin seem to genuinely empathize with the families. The article concludes by questioning how the revival will withstand scrutiny in the current social media landscape, expressing hope that it will succeed as genuinely feel-good programs are scarce. #ExtremeMakeoverHomeEdition #RealityTV #TVControversies #HomeRenovation #FinancialImpact #TelevisionProduction #Exploitation #TyPennington