Woman Says HGTV ‘Really Did Me Dirty’ with the Way They Featured Her Home

A New Orleans lady has voiced her frustration towards the popular home and lifestyle TV network HGTV for allegedly misrepresenting her unique Victorian-inspired residence. The homeowner, Caitlin Orellana, accused HGTV of using a “sepia filter” during a broadcast in October 2024, which she believes made her home appear less vibrant and magical than it actually is. Orellana expressed her disappointment in a TikTok video shared on July 23, where she critiqued HGTV for not showcasing her home’s true aesthetic.

Orellana, a content creator and hairstylist based in New Orleans, took to TikTok to reflect on the network’s feature of her distinctive abode. The video begins with Orellana joyfully dancing around her living room, celebrating the fact that her home was highlighted on HGTV. However, her excitement turned to dismay as she pointed out the sepia filter used by HGTV that, according to her, dulled the vibrant and witchy charm of her Victorian-inspired space.

In the TikTok video, Orellana shares snippets of the HGTV home tour, where her home’s unique “witchy” aesthetic with vintage touches is showcased. She explains her love for darker and more mystical décor, incorporating deep colors, jewel tones, and gold accents into her living space. Despite the dark and moody feel, she also emphasises the presence of splashes of color and interesting decor pieces that tie the rooms together.

While Orellana’s home exudes a unique and eclectic style, with dark hues dominating the interior, there are also elements of color and vibrancy that were allegedly not captured well by HGTV. The contrast between the black-painted walls and colourful furnishings, such as a vibrant rug and green couch, was not fully portrayed in the network’s feature. Orellana expressed her disappointment, stating that HGTV “really did me dirty on this one” in the caption of her TikTok video.

Upon reaching out for comment, neither HGTV nor Orellana responded to PEOPLE’s request. However, many viewers and followers echoed Orellana’s sentiments, expressing their disbelief at the network’s portrayal of her home. Comments on the post highlighted the mismatch between HGTV’s representation of Orellana’s vibrant and colourful home and the reality of her creatively decorated abode. Many agreed that the network missed the mark in capturing the essence of Orellana’s unique style and design choices.

Overall, the incident involving Caitlin Orellana’s experience with HGTV sheds light on the importance of authenticity in media representation and the impact of visual storytelling. Homeowners like Orellana put significant time and effort into curating their living spaces to reflect their personalities and preferences. Therefore, it is crucial for media outlets like HGTV to accurately showcase the true essence and beauty of these homes, honouring the creativity and individuality of the homeowners.

As the debate continues on social media regarding HGTV’s representation of Caitlin Orellana’s home, it serves as a reminder of the power of visual media in shaping perceptions and narratives. Orellana’s story highlights the need for transparency and accuracy in how media platforms portray personal spaces and the importance of respecting the creativity and vision behind each uniquely designed home.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding HGTV’s feature of Caitlin Orellana’s Victorian-inspired home raises questions about the authenticity and portrayal of personal spaces in the media. By sharing her disappointment on social media, Orellana has sparked a conversation about the responsibility of networks like HGTV to accurately represent the homes they feature, respecting the creativity and individuality of homeowners like her.