1. You Use the Word “Shiplap” in Casual Conversation
If you’ve ever described a restaurant’s interior as needing “a touch of shiplap,” you might be deep into HGTV territory. Shiplap, once a humble type of wooden board used for barns, became a household name thanks to Joanna Gaines. Now, it’s shorthand for rustic-chic design, and you drop it like it’s a universally known style term. People who’ve never seen Fixer Upper will just nod and smile, not knowing you’re mentally redesigning their living room.
This isn’t just interior design lingo—it’s a lifestyle cue. HGTV fans often adopt industry terms and use them to describe everyday spaces, even if no renovations are actually happening. It’s not uncommon to hear phrases like “open concept” or “accent wall” tossed around like everyone’s in on the same blueprint. If you find yourself evaluating your friend’s home layout for “flow,” it’s probably time to take a break from binge-watching.
2. You’ve Judged a House for Having Popcorn Ceilings
You walk into a home and your eyes instantly dart upward—popcorn ceiling. That one detail alone is enough to make you sigh and start estimating the cost of removal. Thanks to HGTV, millions now treat textured ceilings like they’re a crime against architecture. You’ve probably said, “It just dates the place,” more than once, even if the rest of the house is pristine.
This shift in perception is directly tied to shows that regularly call out popcorn ceilings as a no-go. Before HGTV popularized smooth ceilings, few average homeowners gave them a second thought. Now, you see them as the design equivalent of wearing cargo shorts to a black-tie event. It’s not that you’re wrong—it’s just that you’ve been trained to notice it.
3. You Think Every Problem Can Be Solved with Subway Tile
Whether it’s a dated kitchen or a bland bathroom, your go-to mental solution is always: subway tile. In your HGTV-formed design brain, it’s clean, timeless, and strangely therapeutic to imagine installing. Even if you’re not a DIY-er, you can confidently discuss grout color like a contractor. You’ve probably even contemplated a herringbone pattern for extra flair.
This obsession stems from how frequently the tile is featured on shows as a default fix. Its popularity skyrocketed not because it’s new, but because it’s versatile and budget-friendly. It symbolizes that perfect blend of modern and classic HGTV loves to promote. And yes, you’ve likely pinned at least five subway tile mood boards.
4. You’ve Tried to “Stage” Your House Just for Guests
Your friends are coming over, and suddenly you’re hiding personal photos, fluffing pillows just right, and placing bowls of fake fruit strategically. You don’t just clean—you stage, like your living room is about to be photographed for a listing. You’ve internalized the HGTV mantra that every home should tell a story—even if you’re just hosting game night. You light candles, rearrange furniture, and maybe even throw in a blanket “for texture.”
Staging is a legit real estate strategy, but for HGTV watchers, it’s become everyday behavior. The shows have turned presentation into a kind of performance art. You want people to feel like your home could be a model, even if it’s a rented apartment. It’s not about perfection—it’s about capturing the vibe of a “reveal.”
5. You Talk About “Curb Appeal” Like It’s a Spiritual Practice
You’ve critiqued a stranger’s front door color while walking your dog. You see overgrown shrubs and think, “This place has no curb appeal.” To you, it’s not just about how a home looks—it’s about its emotional welcome. You may have even mentally replaced someone’s house numbers with sleek black metal ones.
This hyper-awareness comes from the way HGTV elevates the front yard to an art form. Shows often dedicate entire segments to improving curb appeal, showing just how much first impressions matter. You’ve absorbed the idea that mulch, symmetry, and seasonal wreaths can change everything. And now, you can’t unsee it—even on a quick run to the store.
6. You Believe Every Wall Is a Missed Opportunity for an Accent
To you, a plain wall is basically unfinished business. Whether it’s paint, wallpaper, or reclaimed wood, you’re always dreaming up a way to add “visual interest.” You’ve probably stood in your bedroom wondering which wall deserves a pop of navy blue. Even worse (or better), you’ve explained this to someone else with a straight face.
HGTV shows frequently use accent walls as easy, high-impact upgrades. The concept has moved from designer tip to everyday expectation for viewers. What used to be considered “bold” is now just the first step in a transformation plan. And if you’ve ever said “this room needs drama,” you’ve officially joined the club.
7. You’re Overconfident in Your DIY Skills (Thanks to Montages)
You once watched someone build a coffee table in a five-minute segment and thought, “I could totally do that.” Cue you, in your garage, buying power tools you don’t know how to use. HGTV montages make projects seem quick, tidy, and deeply satisfying. Real life? Not so much.
These shows often compress multi-day projects into highlight reels with no setbacks. It’s easy to forget that a whole crew is involved, and mistakes are edited out. But after enough episodes, you believe you can retile your bathroom over a weekend—alone. It’s DIY optimism, powered by HGTV magic.
8. You Have Strong Feelings About Open Shelving
You’ve debated, internally or aloud, whether open shelving is genius or chaos. HGTV shows present it as an airy, stylish alternative to traditional cabinetry, and you’ve been swayed. Now, you scrutinize your kitchen and think, “Do I really need doors on everything?” You’ve probably even curated a mental list of dishes that are “shelf-worthy.”
Open shelving is a design trend that’s as divisive as it is popular. It looks great on screen, but in real life, it’s high-maintenance and impractical for many. Still, HGTV’s glamorization of the look has you dreaming of perfectly arranged mugs and plants. And if you’ve ever rearranged your dishware for aesthetic reasons, well—welcome to the club.
This post 8 Lifestyle Habits That Reveal You’ve Watched Too Much HGTV was first published on Greenhouse Black.
