HGTV's Denese And Mike Butler Talk Reanimating Floor Plans On 'Fix My Frankenhouse' - Exclusive Interview

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, HGTV's Denese and Mike Butler discuss their new show, "Fix My Frankenhouse," and offer insights into home renovation. The show focuses on transforming homes that have undergone various ill-advised renovations, resulting in dysfunctional and quirky layouts, which they refer to as "frankenhouses." The Butlers aim to provide modern makeovers that address these issues while retaining the original charm of the properties. Mike Butler emphasizes that significant additions are often unnecessary to solve client requests. Instead, he focuses on reworking existing spaces within the home's original footprint. Denese Butler adds that it is crucial for homeowners to embrace their personal aesthetic rather than blindly following trends. She encourages viewers to incorporate their individuality through elements like art, music, color, or travel into their home design, whether they are renting or owning. Filming the show has been a transformative experience for both Denese and Mike. Mike, an admitted introvert, found it challenging but ultimately grew from the experience, stepping outside his comfort zone. Denese highlighted how the show has stretched her as a mother, wife, and business owner, emphasizing the importance of intentional communication and decision-making, particularly in balancing work and family life. A core aspect of "Fix My Frankenhouse" involves updating peculiar floor plans to suit contemporary family needs. Denese explains that their process begins by understanding clients' needs and wishlists. Mike then reworks the floor plan based on his knowledge of traditional architectural layouts and how past alterations have impacted them. Their goal is to return these homes to their historical roots while modernizing them for current living standards. Mike addresses the common issue of wasted square footage in old homes due to numerous renovations. He advises homeowners to consider the entire floor plan and how individual renovations, such as a kitchen remodel, impact the overall flow. He stresses the importance of furniture layouts in design, which many people overlook, as it dictates optimal placement for openings and defines the functionality of a space. Recovering even small amounts of vital square footage, often hidden in old walls or chases, can significantly improve a home's usability. He also highlights the importance of creating a master plan for renovations, even if they are phased over time, to ensure a cohesive and cost-effective outcome. Denese shares practical and cozy design tips for budget-conscious homeowners. She suggests using paint colors with warmer tones to create a cozier atmosphere, especially in spaces like home offices where people spend a lot of time. Accent rugs are another cost-effective way to add coziness. Furthermore, Denese advocates for drapery, likening its importance to mascara for women or a tie for men, as it completes a room, adds aesthetic appeal, and provides privacy. The show also features Denese and Mike working alongside their fathers, both seasoned builders with decades of experience. They note that working with family introduces different perspectives, with their fathers offering a wealth of knowledge and questioning design choices, sometimes pushing them out of their comfort zones. Despite the dynamic, the families get along well, affectionately referred to as "peanut butter and jelly." Mike, from a multi-generational building family, underscores the importance of a master plan for home design, even if renovations are phased over several years. This approach allows clients to break down large costs and achieve a desired overall vision for their home as their family grows. He also emphasizes transparency about project costs, ensuring clients' wishlists align with their budgets, and having difficult conversations when they don't. #HGTV #FixMyFrankenhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloorPlans #DesignTips #BudgetHomeDecor #FamilyBusiness #HomeImprovement #HGTV #FixMyFrankenhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloorPlans #DesignTips #BudgetHomeDecor #FamilyBusiness #HomeImprovement

31 months ago

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