What An Interior Designer Thinks About Good Bones' Most Controversial Design Choices

The designs of HGTV stars are often our muse, inspiring DIY projects and home remodels. However, not every style choice from these celebrities gets the masses' approval. While the stars of "Good Bones," Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak, do transform lackluster spaces into incredible homes with personality, not all of their fans are impressed with their quaint design style. But what do the professionals think? In an exclusive House Digest interview, we spoke to interior designer and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, Erika Dale, to get her expert insight on some of the show's most controversial designs — the overuse of white kitchens, mismatched decor, homemade art, tucked-in corner kitchens, bright exteriors, and loud wallpaper.

In some instances, Dale sided with the HGTV stars and in others, she shared what she'd do differently. Of course, design is subjective — beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all — but when there are a few recurring instances that leave fans unimpressed with the HGTV stars' home design, then maybe the viewers are on to something.

All-white kitchens are a timeless design, but all-white all the time is leaving the fans of "Good Bones" unimpressed. "All white or gray kitchens are extremely safe, and I don't say that in a very positive way," Erika Dale exclusively told House Digest. In trying to appease everyone, the blank design becomes boring. There's no wow factor. Even if Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak just favor neutral colors, Dale said, "There is a way to mix materials and create contrast to make neutrals interesting and exciting, but white or gray everything is not it."

Apart from the color, there's also controversy surrounding the duo's kitchen layouts. Many of their designs place the kitchen in a corner off of the living room instead of center stage, like one would assume the heart of the home should be. However, Dale doesn't fault Laine and Starsiak for this design choice. "Sometimes the layout of a home is not always completely in our control or within budget," she explained. "Therefore, creating a well-designed and functional small L-shaped kitchen just off of the living room is a great way to get the open concept vibe when space is at a premium." So, we can be upset about the kitchen's lack of personality, but commend the design duo on creating fabulous spaces with layouts that are far from ideal.

While some fans dislike the lack of color in the kitchen, others are squawking at the bold color on some of Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak's exterior designs. The duo did style a bright pink and green house in Season 3, Episode 2. Having one facade on the block that stands out can be a controversial design choice, but our expert wouldn't rule it out. "I personally think that an exterior featuring color packs way more of a punch than yet another beige or gray home," Erika Dale exclusively told House Digest. "While not everyone would make the same color decisions you did, you will create a memorable home that has an interesting, distinct point of view and design-forward sensibility." There might be a few exterior house colors you should avoid, but don't be afraid to switch things up like the stars of "Good Bones."

Dale has similar advice for Laine and Starsiak's wallpaper style that some fans think is too over-the-top. "When it comes to exciting wallpapers and patterns, I am always on team YES," she said. "Nothing makes a more impactful, fun statement than perfectly curated pattern play, overscale prints, and colorful vibes." Wallpaper is a simple, beloved solution to give a room new life. Although it's no surprise not everyone loves Laine and Starsiak's floor-to-ceiling floral print or hardware tool wallpaper design. But as long as the homeowners love it, who's to criticize?

Mismatched decor and furniture is another one of the designs from "Good Bones" that has the internet divided. Think: mixing finishes, materials, and styles. In a House Digest exclusive, interior designer Erika Dale shared, "Having everything too matchy-matchy makes a space look like a boring discount furniture store." Cohesion is important but you don't want to stick to a singular look. Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak are trying to add depth to the space, not randomly put pieces together. According to Dale, "Creating an interesting and design-forward palette always involves a balanced mix of colors and materials to make a space feel beautifully layered and curated."

Homemade decor can be a part of that balance, too. Some think the HGTV stars' DIY crafts are cheesy and too tacky for a newly renovated home, but Dale shared there's a right way to incorporate them. "I like to encourage my clients to present homemade items in unique and upscale ways to make them feel intentional and thoughtful, as well as more attractive," she said. Maybe not all scribbles are worthy of the fridge door, but highlighting your handcrafted work in frames and shadow boxes turns it into chic art our expert approves of. Whether you agree with all Laine and Starsiak's riskiest home design ideas or not, they certainly create spaces worth talking about.