HGTV's Drew Scott Says This Common Design Feature Could Be Dating Your Home

HGTV's Drew Scott understands real estate. Not only is he a licensed Realtor, but as one half of "The Property Brothers," he has seen and worked on a lot of homes. So when Scott was asked about some common dos and don'ts of home improvement alongside his brother Jonathan Scott, he had quite a bit to say. One item he was asked about was beadboard. It turns out that he thinks it's a design element that might actually be making your home look and feel dated.

Speaking to HGTV, Scott explained his reasoning by explaining that, "too much beadboard can make a home feel dated, especially if it fills an entire wall and resembles paneling — not a good look." It makes sense that too much of a single design element might be a bad idea, especially since beadboard is a type of wall paneling, and too much of any paneling can make a room look less modern. Beadboard has also been around for hundreds of years, which certainly contributes to the idea of it dating a home. And depending on the color of the beadboard, it may be too dark for the space, or it could be clashing with the rest of your decor.

Scott also stated that it's not only about how much beadboard is being used in a home, but also where you're using it. If you're only using it as an accent or in a home where you're going for a more coastal or traditional look, it may not be an issue. He also mentions that he sees it a lot in bathrooms and as a backsplash in kitchens, but he reminds people that it's actually not waterproof, making it the wrong choice for these spaces.

While Drew Scott might not be a fan of too much beadboard in a house, there are ways you can make it work in your own home. If you are trying to make your space feel more modern but you already have beadboard on your walls, one option is to paint your beadboard to make it work better for you. Consider lighter colors that brighten up your space, or choose a pop of color to make your room feel more modern. While removing beadboard may not be in the budget, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in any room.

Although Scott never gives an alternative to beadboard, over the years, the Property Brothers have showcased design ideas and advice that might work for a more modern look. Both brothers have recommended an easy upgrade which sees you adding a wood panel with wainscoting to a plain wall. You can also add a chair rail at the top or make it a flat panel for a more minimal look. The Scott brothers believe in making bold design choices, and that includes the use of wallpaper in the place of paneling to add a statement to any wall. But if you want to really keep things simple, just add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Think about your budget and decide what will work for your design aesthetic.