But the thing that most of HGTV’s shows have in common—and I’m a pretty good source on this because I’ve watched a lot of them—is a fixation with open floor plans. It borders on idol worship. Spend 30 minutes in front of one of the network’s renovation shows, and you’ll soon decide that open is the only way to live. If there’s a wall in the way of the kitchen-to-family-room sightline, the potential homeowner will ask to knock it down. For many of us HGTV binge-watchers, our dream home has become whatever place has the fewest, well, walls. These shows rarely mention the higher construction costs of open plan homes, which usually depend on expensive, strategically-placed beams for support. Nor do they mention the higher heating and cooling bills that come with giant spaces and high ceilings. And so, while I realize I may be swimming upstream by admitting this, I’m just going to say it: Living in an open concept apartment with my husband for the last three years has given me a different perspective on this. If I was standing in front of Joanna Gaines, blinking in the TV camera lights? “Excuse me, Jo,” I’d say, enamored with her perfect chambray shirt and jeans combo with Hari Mari sandals. “I’m not so sure about this whole open concept thing. Could we get some more walls?” While I see the value in the sense of family togetherness open floor plans can inspire, I just don’t think they’re right for everyone. Here’s why: RELATED: 3 Genius Solutions for Living Room Layout Problems A home is a very personal thing, and I certainly respect every person’s decision when it comes to the space that works best for their life and family. But we might expand beyond what’s trendy by HGTV’s standards. Nothing is perfect—not even an open living room, kitchen, and dining room space featuring shiplap and gray paint…with a luxury bathroom around the corner.
