Bethenny Frankel, the “Real Housewives of New York City” alum, is firing back at critics who slammed the décor of her new Florida home, proudly pointing out the millions she’s earned through real estate.
The reality star’s residence was recently featured in Architectural Digest, which described it as “a streamlined, contemporary take on classic Floridian design.” Frankel collaborated with designer Lauren Lindner to create a space that mixes high-end pieces, like a $1,000 marble wastebasket, with more accessible finds. “Highs and lows, baby,” she told the magazine. “There are so many things that are fun to mix in that no one will ever know where they’re from.”
However, social media users were quick to voice their disapproval. Comments on Architectural Digest’s Instagram post ranged from “What in the HomeGoods is happening here?” to critiques like, “Not even bad taste, just an absence of taste.” Some followers even questioned the magazine’s decision to feature her home. On X, one user called it an “ugly ass HomeGoods slop abomination of a house.”
Frankel responded to the backlash in an Instagram video, clarifying that her home contains no HomeGoods or Wayfair pieces while defending the brands as billion-dollar companies. More importantly, she highlighted her savvy real estate strategy, explaining that her décor choices are part of an investment approach.
“This home that I’m in, I paid $4.2 million, getting a million-dollar discount because it was going into foreclosure. It’s worth over $6 million now, and I could sell it for about $7 million when my daughter Bryn goes to college in three years,” Frankel said.
She emphasized that her neutral-toned designs make properties relatable and appealing to potential buyers. “I approach a home so anybody could see their own vision when they come to look,” she explained. “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 also defended Architectural Digest’s choice to feature her home, comparing it to high-profile media moments like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s 2014 Vogue cover and Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s upcoming Met Gala involvement. “AD is a business,” she said. “They want to aspire, to entertain, engage, and hopefully give people something attainable.”
She wrapped up her response with a parting shot at critics: “When I make my $3 million on this house, maybe I’ll invite you for a latte.”
ALSO READ: Why Pokimane is Embracing Celibacy
