'Battle on the Beach' Fans Call the Kitchen Challenge a "Huge Disappointment" (2024)

Battle on the Beach is back for its fourth season, and judging by the first episode, we're in for some intense competition! This year, HGTV stars Taniya Nayak (Build It Forward), Ty Pennington (Rock the Block), and Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) have returned to serve as mentors for up-and-coming design teams. For their first challenge, the designers took on the kitchen and dining room spaces.

This year, Taniya is paired with Samantha and Sean Kilgore of Richmond, Michigan; Alison is the mentor for Brandon Parker and Teresa Robinson of Norfolk, Virginia; and Kristin and Chyenne Smith of Dallas, Texas are working with Ty.

The teams got to work updating the kitchens of their beachside homes before Renovation Island stars Sarah and Bryan Bauemler arrived to judge the finished spaces and award a $3,000 cash prize to the winning team.

Taniya's team (who had only renovated one kitchen before) completely changed the layout of their kitchen to maximize the view from their dining area. Sarah praised the room's storage and inviting feel, and Bryan noticed a few issues with the finishing details. Sarah commented on the room's beachy feel. They questioned how much space was allocated for dining.

Sarah and Bryan toured Ty's kitchen, which was decorated in unexpected terracotta colors. Bryan called the space "nostalgic and warm" and appreciated the artisan tile and gold fixtures. Sarah felt like it didn't seem like a beach location but loved the upgraded stove and double dishwashers but questioned the lack of dining space.

Alison's team had a spacious design, but Sarah found the island to be a bit "utilitarian" in appearance and thought they could've included a beverage fridge. Bryan thought it was a great space for entertaining and complimented the beams and handcrafted bench.

After considering the three kitchens, Sarah and Bryan awarded the $3,000 prize to Ty's team of Kristin and Chyenne. HGTV shared a clip from the episode on Instagram, and fans made their feelings known:

• "Team Taniya for sure had the beach feel - and loved the dining room, perfect for entertaining and enjoying a beach house!"
• "They all looked great, but I agree that Team Ty’s deserved the win. 🧡"
• "I adore HGTV and Battle on the Beach but this one was a huge disappointment.
  If I am going to the seashore I want that beach vibe.. although each design was unique and a kitchen someone somewhere would appreciate, this season is the very least of my favorites."
• "😳 I didn't see that one coming. I thought for sure that one of the other two would win."
• "I love all 3 but definitely feel like team Ty's kitchen belongs like in a beautiful cabin in the mountains 🤷🏼"
• "Team Alison ALL the way!🔥👏😍"

Which kitchen was your favorite? Next week, the teams tackle the main suites. Tune in to see who wins on Monday night on HGTV, or stream on Max.