Chip Gaines has inspired plenty of homeowners to take on renovations, from adding shiplap walls to giving old furniture a fresh look. Some of these projects look great on TV, but construction and design professionals may have concerns about upkeep, safety, or how well certain choices work in everyday life.
If you’re planning a Chip Gaines-inspired makeover, it helps to know where a popular look might cause trouble down the road. Here are 14 renovation ideas worth thinking through before picking up the tools.
1. Covering Every Wall With Shiplap
Shiplap can bring texture and a farmhouse feel to a room, which helps explain why it became a familiar feature in many renovation shows. Covering every wall with it can make a space look repetitive or tied to a particular decorating trend, so using it on one feature wall may be a better fit for some homes.
Related: Cost-Saving Renovation Tips Contractors Don’t Always Mention
2. Installing Open Shelving in the Kitchen
Open shelves let you display attractive dishes, glassware, and spice jars while keeping everyday items within reach. They also collect dust and cooking grease, and shelves packed with mismatched items can look cluttered unless you keep them clean and organized.
Related: Stop Letting Contractors Scare You —You Can Absolutely Handle These Home Repairs Yourself
3. Painting Every Wall White
White walls can make a room feel bright and give you plenty of options for furniture and accessories. In busy households, fingerprints, scuffs, and marks may show easily, so washable paint in a warm neutral shade can be a more practical choice for hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms.
Related: 15 HOA Rules That Make Homeowners Ask, “Can They Do That?”
4. Using Sliding Barn Doors Everywhere
Sliding barn doors bring a rustic look to bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces, but they don’t suit every doorway. Many models leave gaps around the edges, which limit privacy and sound control, and the exposed track must be installed securely and kept clear of little fingers and paws.
Related: 12 Things Our Grandparents Learned Young That Many Adults Never Did
5. Turning Old Windows Into Decorative Pieces
Reclaimed windows can become attractive wall displays, room dividers, or decorative frames. Older painted windows may contain lead-based paint, so test questionable surfaces and take proper safety precautions before sanding, cutting, or installing them in a home.
6. Painting Over Natural Wood
Painting old cabinets, trim, or furniture can give a dated room a cleaner look and help damaged finishes look more uniform. Natural wood can be difficult or costly to restore after painting, so inspect the grain and condition first, and test the finish on a small, hidden area.
7. Adding Faux Brick Walls
Faux brick panels and veneers can bring the look of exposed brick into a room without the weight or expense of a full brick wall. The finished result depends on the material, installation, and edges, so a poorly fitted product can look artificial rather than like real masonry.
8. Attempting Structural Changes Without Professional Help
Removing a wall or changing a room’s layout may seem manageable after watching a renovation show, but structural work can affect load-bearing supports, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other parts of a house. Check permit requirements and consult a qualified contractor or structural engineer before making major changes, since a mistake can create safety risks and expensive repairs.
Homeowners can find general information about house structure through the American Society of Home Inspectors.
9. Choosing Looks Over Practical Storage
Open floor plans and minimal furniture can make a room look spacious, but a lack of cupboards, shelves, and closets can become frustrating when people use the room every day. Plan storage around your household’s actual needs so toys, cleaning supplies, coats, and everyday belongings have a place to go.
10. Choosing Cheap, Quick Flooring
Peel-and-stick vinyl and other budget flooring products can be useful for certain rooms and small projects. Some options may wear, peel, or fade in busy areas, so check the product’s suitability for the room, prepare the subfloor properly, and compare expected lifespan before buying.
11. Leaving Wooden Countertops Unsealed
Wood countertops add a natural look to kitchens, but the surface needs proper care to withstand spills and daily food prep. Choose a finish made for the intended use, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, and wipe up moisture quickly to help prevent stains and damage.
12. Using Floating Shelves for Heavy Items
Floating shelves can display small decorations, framed photos, mugs, and other household items without taking up floor space. Their safe weight limit depends on the shelf, brackets, wall material, and installation, so anchor them correctly and follow the manufacturer’s load rating before adding heavy dishes or books.
13. Installing Exposed-Bulb Lighting Everywhere
Exposed bulbs can give a room an industrial or rustic look, but bare light sources may cause glare when they’re too bright or placed in the wrong spot. Choose bulbs with a comfortable brightness and color temperature, and add shades or diffused lighting where you want a softer feel.
14. Leaving Every Ceiling Plain White
A white ceiling is a classic choice that works with many decorating styles and can help a room feel open. Color, wallpaper, or simple trim can add character in rooms that need more detail, so consider the ceiling’s height, the amount of natural light, and the look of the rest of the space before deciding.
