10 HGTV Renovation Tricks That Work On TV And In Real Homes Plus 5 Absolute Winners
Ever watched an HGTV show and wondered if those amazing transformations could happen in your own home? The dramatic reveals and clever solutions make for great television, but many actually translate beautifully to real-world renovations.
Let’s explore renovation tricks that aren’t just TV magic but practical approaches for everyday homeowners, plus some absolute game-changers that professionals swear by.
1. Strategic Paint Choices
Painting remains the most budget-friendly way to transform any space. A gallon of quality paint costs under $50 but can completely reinvent a room’s personality.
Professionals recommend selecting colors one shade lighter than what you initially love, as paint appears darker on walls than on sample cards. This simple adjustment prevents that “too bold” surprise after the paint dries.
2. Open Shelving Magic
Who knew removing cabinet doors could create such visual impact? By taking down a few upper cabinet doors, you’ll instantly modernize your kitchen while creating display space for beautiful dishes.
The trick lies in careful curation – display only attractive items and maintain consistent color schemes. This $0 update (if you already have nice dishes) creates that airy, designer kitchen feel without major construction.
3. The ‘Fifth Wall’ Ceiling Treatment
Looking up changes everything! HGTV designers frequently remind us that ceilings offer untapped decorative potential beyond plain white paint.
Whether you add beadboard, painted stripes, or a contrasting color, ceiling treatments create architectural interest where none existed. Even rental-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper can transform this overlooked surface into a conversation piece that elevates the entire room’s design.
4. Statement Lighting Switcheroo
Forget the builder-grade fixtures! Swapping outdated lighting for something extraordinary creates instant focal points throughout your home.
You’ll find this trick in practically every HGTV reveal – oversized pendants, dramatic chandeliers, or architectural sconces that transform ordinary spaces. The best part? Many impressive-looking fixtures are available at surprisingly affordable prices, making this high-impact change accessible for most budgets.
5. Hardware Refresh Revolution
Cabinet hardware functions as jewelry for your kitchen and bathrooms. Switching out dated pulls and knobs instantly modernizes these spaces without the hefty price tag of full renovations.
Measure hole spacing before shopping to ensure new hardware fits existing drill holes. Black matte, brass, and leather-wrapped options offer contemporary appeal that can completely transform the look of even the most basic cabinetry.
6. Thoughtful Furniture Arrangement
Free but transformative! HGTV designers consistently demonstrate how rearranging existing furniture creates better flow and function without spending a dime.
Start by pulling furniture away from walls (the classic rookie mistake). Create conversation areas where people naturally face each other, and ensure pathways remain clear. This zero-cost adjustment makes rooms feel professionally designed and significantly more welcoming.
7. Bathroom Tile Drama
Unexpected tile layouts turn ordinary materials into showstoppers. Rather than standard horizontal subway tile, HGTV pros frequently showcase herringbone, vertical, or basketweave patterns.
Using basic white subway tile in an interesting pattern keeps material costs low while maximizing visual impact. For extra drama without extra expense, consider contrasting grout colors – dark grout with white tile creates that coveted modern farmhouse look.
8. Indoor-Outdoor Connection Boost
Maximizing views and access to outdoor spaces instantly expands your living area. While HGTV might showcase massive sliding door installations, simple changes work wonders too.
Widening existing doorways, replacing solid doors with glass versions, or simply rearranging furniture to prioritize window views creates this connection. Even strategically placed mirrors that reflect outdoor greenery can create the illusion of expanded indoor-outdoor flow.
9. Layered Lighting Scheme
Forget relying on one overhead light! HGTV designers always incorporate multiple light sources at different heights for dimension and ambiance.
The winning formula combines overhead lighting (ambient), task lighting (like reading lamps), and accent lighting (highlighting art or architecture). Even budget-friendly plug-in sconces and table lamps create this sophisticated layered effect that makes spaces feel instantly more luxurious.
10. Power of the Accent Wall
Creating a single standout wall remains one of television’s most reliable dramatic reveals. Whether using bold paint, removable wallpaper, or simple wood trim, this focused approach delivers maximum impact with minimal investment.
The key? Choose the architectural focal wall (typically behind the bed or sofa) rather than randomly selecting a surface. This targeted approach creates a designer look without overwhelming the space or your weekend.
11. Floating Shelves Installation
Chunky floating shelves add architectural interest while creating functional display space in awkward areas. HGTV designers frequently use them in kitchen corners, bathroom walls, and narrow hallway nooks.
The television magic translates perfectly to real homes, especially when installed at varying heights for visual interest. Even DIY beginners can handle this project with pre-made floating shelf kits available at most home improvement stores.
12. Oversized Art Impact
Nothing says “amateur decorator” like tiny pictures floating on vast walls. HGTV designers consistently use large-scale artwork to create visual anchors in rooms.
Can’t afford massive original paintings? Engineer prints of family photos blown up to poster size create the same effect for under $30. Alternatively, framing inexpensive wallpaper or fabric creates instant large-scale art with major presence.
13. Textural Contrast Addition
Mixing textures prevents rooms from feeling flat or one-dimensional. Watch any HGTV show and you’ll notice the deliberate combination of rough, smooth, shiny, and matte surfaces.
The formula works in real homes too! Pair sleek leather with nubby linen, or combine glossy ceramics with raw wood. These thoughtful juxtapositions create visual depth that makes spaces feel professionally designed rather than catalog-ordered.
14. Kitchen Backsplash Statement
Kitchens shine with personality when backsplashes make bold statements. While full renovations cost thousands, this focused update delivers outsized impact for relatively modest investment.
Peel-and-stick options offer rental-friendly alternatives to traditional tile. For permanent installations, limiting high-end tile to just the backsplash area (rather than throughout the kitchen) creates that custom designer look while keeping budgets manageable.
15. Outdoor Zones Creation
Just as HGTV pros define interior spaces with area rugs and furniture groupings, the same principle transforms outdoor areas. Defining distinct zones turns amorphous yards into functional outdoor rooms.
Use outdoor rugs, container gardens, or pergolas to visually separate dining, lounging, and cooking areas. Even modest-sized patios feel more purposeful and usable when thoughtfully divided into activity-specific zones rather than one undefined space.
