The Biggest Lie From HGTV's Fixer Upper You Were Led To Believe

It's no secret that reality TV often exaggerates the truth, but HGTV's Joanna Gaines recently revealed a shocking "Fixer Upper" fact. The designer's renovation show has had its fair share of controversies, including the revelation that the entire house-hunting portion is largely fabricated. However, you can actually buy a home featured on Chip and Joanna Gaines' "Fixer Upper," so the renovation results are real — for the most part.

Joanna revealed the answer to one major mystery regarding how they are able to do so much with such limited funds. She said, via Apartment Therapy, "At times, we only work on rooms that are of priority to our clients and that work within their budget. Some homeowners want to finish off their other rooms on their own since it is mainly cosmetic (paint and carpet)." Although this might shock some viewers, it's common for interior design firms to offer budget-friendly, a la carte options like designing individual rooms. Read on to find out how Joanna works around the tight budget to give the clients what they need.

Although the budget doesn't always allow for a complete home renovation, Gaines explains that she does work with clients beyond the confines of the show. She says, via Apartment Therapy, "Other times, we finish the spaces for them [the clients] after the reveal, and this is separate from the budget shown for TV." The network itself doesn't actually contribute to the overall budget, which is why it's important for Gaines not to push the client beyond their means. The homeowners themselves have to fund the renovation project with their own money, although, on occasion, the producers may supply some finishing touches. 

If you're currently getting close to your renovation budget, Joanna has some ideas on how to make the most of your money. She explains, via Elle Decor, that minor changes can make a major difference. She says, "Think about how you can play around with dimension, color, and texture — like incorporating seasonal accent pillows or a new throw blanket, or simply adding a new vase with large, fresh-cut stems to your cocktail table. It's often those small additions that become big shifts in how we feel about our homes." Cosmetic upgrades, like painting a feature wall or adding a new light fitting, don't have to be expensive. Switching up paint, soft furnishings, and small decor pieces are great ways to add personality to your decorating scheme while being mindful of your budget. Check out Joanna Gaines' biggest tips on how to tie a room together with personal touches for a style that reflects who you are.