Television personality and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has responded to widespread online criticism of her Florida home's interior design, revealing that her real estate ventures have generated more than $12 million in profits. The response came after a feature in Architectural Digest showcasing her home sparked negative comments on social media.
Frankel, 55, addressed the backlash in a video posted to Instagram, explaining that she approaches home design as an investment strategy rather than a personal passion project. She detailed the financial success of her property flips as a direct counterpoint to critiques of her aesthetic choices.
Key Takeaways
- Bethenny Frankel's Florida home was featured in Architectural Digest, leading to online criticism of its decor.
- Critics described the style as having a "HomeGoods aesthetic" and lacking taste.
- Frankel responded by stating she has earned over $12 million in profit from real estate investments over the years.
- She explained her design philosophy is to create neutral, appealing spaces for resale, not personalized forever homes.
- Frankel defended Architectural Digest's decision to feature her, comparing it to other publications featuring popular but controversial figures.
Online Backlash Follows Magazine Feature
The controversy began after Architectural Digest published a feature on the new Florida residence Frankel shares with her daughter, Bryn. The article described the home, a collaboration with designer Lauren Lindner, as a "streamlined, contemporary take on classic Floridian design."
The design incorporated a mix of high-end and accessible items, a choice Frankel described to the magazine as "Highs and lows, baby." However, the public reaction on social media platforms was swift and largely unfavorable.
On Instagram, comments under the magazine's post were critical, with one popular remark asking, "What in the HomeGoods is happening here?" Another user commented, "Not even bad taste, just an absence of taste." The criticism extended to the publication itself, with some questioning why Architectural Digest would feature the home.
'Absence of Taste'
The negative sentiment carried over to other platforms, where users described the house as an "abomination." The core of the criticism centered on the belief that the decor was generic and not up to the standards typically associated with the prestigious design magazine.
A Shift in Publishing Strategy?
Frankel addressed the criticism aimed at the magazine, suggesting its decision was a business move. She compared her feature to Vogue's 2014 cover with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, arguing that publications feature popular figures to engage a wider audience. "AD is a business," Frankel stated. "They want to aspire, to entertain, engage and hopefully give people something that is attainable."
A Business-First Approach to Design
In her video response, Frankel shifted the conversation from aesthetics to finance. She directly addressed the comments by framing her design choices as part of a calculated and highly successful business strategy.
"I approach a home with neutral tones that are something that anybody could relate to, possibly want to buy," she explained. This method, she noted, allows potential buyers to easily see their own vision for the space, which is critical since she moves frequently.
"I'm not the one who's going to like, get in bone from China and inlay it onto my floor. I'm not that bitch," Frankel said, emphasizing her practical, profit-driven mindset.
While she clarified that her home contained no items from retailers like HomeGoods or Wayfair, she defended them as multi-billion dollar brands, suggesting that criticism of such styles is misdirected.
The Numbers on Her Florida Home
- Purchase Price: $4.2 million (with a reported $1 million discount)
- Current Estimated Value: Over $6 million
- Projected Sale Price: Approximately $7 million in three years
- Potential Profit: Nearly $3 million
Frankel Details Her Real Estate Profits
The centerpiece of Frankel's defense was her track record as a real estate investor. She stated she has made at least $12 million in profits from buying and selling properties over the last few years.
She used her current Florida home as a prime example of her strategy in action. According to Frankel, she purchased the property for $4.2 million, securing a significant discount because it was heading into foreclosure. She estimates its current worth is over $6 million.
Looking ahead, she projects selling the home for around $7 million when her daughter goes to college in three years. This single transaction could net her a profit of nearly $3 million.
Frankel concluded her video with a direct message to her detractors, tying her financial success back to their criticism of her taste.
"When I make my $3 million on this house, maybe I’ll invite you for a latte," she said.
