A recent Jim Sollisch column in the Wall Street Journal drolly suggests HGTV bears responsibility for the housing crisis by making dual bathroom sinks, updated kitchens and walk-in closets appear so necessary to happy home ownership that there are few among us who would deign to inhabit a lesser house.

Suddenly no one but the most slovenly and unambitious were satisfied with their houses. It didn’t matter if you lived in an apartment or a gated community, one episode of “House Hunters” or “What’s My House Worth?” and you were convinced you needed more. More square feet. More granite. More stainless steel appliances. More landscaping. More media rooms. More style. You deserved it.

I’ve been an apologetic HGTV junkie for years, despite my frustration at watching 20-somethings embark on their first house search with a list of expectations and requirements most people twice their age have long since learned to live without.  And comfortably. (more…)