Why ’Home Town’s Erin and Ben Napier Never Renovate Without Their Kids Nearby

HGTV star Erin Napier recently provided a rare glimpse into her personal home, offering fans an intimate look at the design philosophy that shapes her living space, which stands in contrast to some of the signature elements seen in her popular series, 'Home Town.' This reveal highlights the unique character of her own residence, a 1930s property that she and her husband, Ben Napier, have meticulously preserved and personalized. The Napiers intentionally kept much of the original wood in their home untouched, valuing its historical integrity and the craftsmanship of its construction. Ben Napier emphasized that the wood in the house—floors, trim, and beams—was sourced and milled directly from the property, a detail he appreciates as a woodworker. This commitment to preserving the home's original features underscores their broader philosophy of honoring history, which is a central theme in their professional work as well. Erin Napier described their home's aesthetic as having a 'very British look,' creating a sense of being transported from Mississippi. This stylistic choice deeply influenced her design decisions. Reflecting on the process of designing for herself, Erin admitted it was challenging, calling herself 'the hardest customer.' Despite this, the resulting interior is warm, inviting, and rich in character, maintaining the historical essence of the natural wood throughout. Interestingly, while Erin is known for incorporating patterns into her 'grandmillennial' design style for clients, her own home largely features a cleaner, more pristine aesthetic, with patterns appearing more selectively, such as in her daughters' room. The Napiers have infused their home with personal stories and family history, extending beyond mere decoration. Examples include a butcher block in the laundry room made from wood belonging to three previous owners, a recovered couch given by Erin's mother, and a hallway adorned with family portraits. These elements are not just decorative choices but serve as tangible connections to their past and their family's narrative. The kitchen, while entirely new, was designed to evoke a 1930s feel, inspired by the classic and utilitarian elegance of the downstairs in 'Downton Abbey.' Erin aimed for a style that felt both practical and sophisticated. This personal tour allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the Napiers' design principles and how their personal values inform their professional work. It reveals that their dedication to history and community, often showcased on 'Home Town' and 'Home Town Takeover,' is genuinely rooted in their personal lives. The home acts as an extension of who they are, reflecting their passion for preserving heritage and creating spaces that tell a story. The article reinforces that their on-screen persona is consistent with their off-screen life, providing insight into the heartfelt motivations behind their design choices. 'Home Town' is available for streaming on Max, allowing viewers to further explore the Napiers' design projects.

Denise Morrison, a prominent interior designer and founder of Morrison Interiors and House of Morrison, along with her husband Robert, transformed their Orange County ranch house into a multi-generational dream home, keeping their growing family and grandchildren in mind. Though Morrison travels extensively for her design business, managing up to 50 high-end residential projects across the country, she also dedicates time to her own home, which serves as a testament to her 'coastal grandmother' design aesthetic. Morrison's journey into interior design began organically. As a young mother in Newport Beach with a background in fine art, she discovered a talent for creating breezy, comfortable spaces with a sun-bleached coastal palette. Her personal homes attracted attention, leading her to formalize her skills with a short interior design program. She quickly gained clients, building her portfolio by embracing diverse projects early in her career, a strategy she advises aspiring designers to adopt. In 2020, as empty nesters, the Morrisons sought a home that could better accommodate their expanding family, which now included grandchildren. They found a ranch house in a charming, historic Orange County neighborhood, drawn by its private backyard and mature plantings. The existing structure, while adequate, underwent significant renovations to fulfill their vision. Morrison's modifications included adding aged stone to the façade for character, reducing the size of the existing pool to incorporate a hot tub, and creating distinct outdoor 'rooms' for entertaining. A dilapidated guest house was reimagined as a self-contained apartment, featuring a kitchenette and a full-size bath, designed to function both as a guest suite and a party room for family gatherings. Inside the main house, Morrison reconfigured the kitchen, opening up the space by reorienting appliances and installing a long kitchen island. She opted for all-new furniture, including a custom sectional sofa from her own House of Morrison line. A standout feature is the guest bedroom, which she specifically designed as a 'grandkid room.' This space boasts a pair of full-size, custom canopy beds, designed to be both special for children and adaptable as they grow. The canopy beds were a clever solution to work around the room's window placement, making the space both functional and enchanting. Despite her husband's initial belief that the house was 'move-in ready,' Morrison's extensive renovations transformed the property into a welcoming, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home tailored for multi-generational living, reflecting her sophisticated yet comfortable design philosophy. #CoastalGrandmother #HomeDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #InteriorDesign #OrangeCounty #HomeRenovation #EmptyNesterHome #DeniseMorrison #HouseOfMorrison

Emma and Graeme undertook a significant renovation of their 1780-built, four-bedroom detached cottage in Hucknall, Nottingham, transforming it into a modern, open-plan family home with a Scandi-inspired aesthetic. The property, though well-maintained, was dated, featuring numerous small, dark rooms, dusky pink carpets, patterned curtains, and a dark pine kitchen. The couple, with Emma being an interior stylist and Graeme skilled in DIY, decided to create a large open-plan kitchen, diner, and living space by knocking down walls, aiming to complete the major work before their first child arrived. The total project cost was £72,000. The renovation began with the demolition of internal walls to merge four smaller rooms into one expansive area. Graeme utilized a Room Sketcher app to plan the layout, and a builder friend assisted with wall removal and steel beam installation. Emma, inspired by a high-end kitchen design, achieved a similar look on a budget by collaborating with a local company, Inspirational Interiors. They opted for white Shaker-style units with a blue island, incorporating a custom double larder from what was intended to be a boiler box-in, and a built-in microwave in the island to maximize counter space. The dining area features a bespoke reclaimed wood table, replicating a Pinterest design, complemented by rattan pendant lights and Camaro LVT flooring with a wood finish and grey/blue tint. The staircase, initially problematic after wall removal, was custom-built by Graeme using timber for simple spindles, costing only £50, instead of expensive glass that would show fingerprints. The living room was designed with a darker palette, using Farrow & Ball's 'Down Pipe' to create a more formal, luxurious evening atmosphere. Graeme updated the fireplace with reclaimed brick, a wood mantle, and York stone, giving it a high-end look on a budget. Efforts to panel the room were eventually replaced by gloss paint on the walls to give the illusion of wood, and the dark wood window frames were painted white to brighten the space. In the master bedroom, Graeme installed timber panelling on the back wall, painted in 'Inchyra Blue,' while the bathroom, initially featuring a dated corner bath, was upgraded with a navy blue roll-top bath and a custom-made vanity unit crafted by the same furniture maker who built the dining table. The patterned floor tiles in the bathroom served as a focal point, allowing the rest of the decor to remain simple. For their daughter Arla's nursery, the couple attempted a painted wooden floor, which Graeme sanded extensively and filled gaps with rope, though in hindsight, Emma suggested carpet for practicality. Future plans for the property include renovating the rear garden, converting an outbuilding into an office and gym, and eventually transforming the double garage into a guest annexe, reflecting their long-term vision for the home. The project highlights how DIY skills, strategic planning, and resourceful sourcing can achieve a high-quality renovation at a reduced cost, illustrating effective ways to transform a dated property into a functional and aesthetically pleasing open-plan living space. #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #OpenPlanLiving #BudgetRenovation #InteriorStyling #ScandiDesign #FamilyHome #CostSavingTips #PropertyTransformation

Ben and Erin Napier, stars of HGTV's "Home Town," have garnered a following for their community revitalization efforts and home restoration projects in Laurel, Mississippi. Their approach emphasizes respect for a home's history and a deep understanding of their clients' needs, often incorporating Victorian, American Arts and Crafts, and other design styles. A key aspect of their work is the ability to repurpose existing building materials, furniture, and textiles, adding a unique character to each renovation. The article highlights several kitchen transformations from the show, demonstrating the Napiers' versatility and design expertise. One example features a previously "dusty and dingy" kitchen, which was revitalized with dark, moody cabinetry. This choice of dark cabinets is presented as a neutral yet impactful design element, adding both edge and warmth compared to traditional white options. Another kitchen, initially an "early 2000s nightmare" with outdated tiles, was transformed by retaining the original flooring but introducing pink cabinets and delicate details, along with solid white-grey countertops. This renovation showcases how thoughtful design and a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into existing features, making the most of the home's original structure. A sterile, "spooky sanitarium" kitchen was converted into a cozy craftsman space using brass drawer pulls and a mini island, making it feel more inviting. The Napiers also tackled a "dark and outdated" kitchen characterized by cheap materials. They revamped it into a warm and classic space, incorporating cool green cabinets, a white backsplash, and tan-gold accents in the marble countertops to add warmth. In a more extensive project, they built a kitchen entirely "from scratch" after discovering a vermin-infested original. The new design integrated the kitchen and dining area as a stunning entry point, offering an innovative approach to entertaining by allowing hosts to greet guests with snacks or drinks immediately upon arrival. A "big but boring" kitchen was made more functional and architecturally interesting by tightening its profile to create a multi-purpose gathering space, demonstrating that sometimes less space can lead to more effective design. A kitchen overwhelmed by "wood-paneling" was transformed into a "vibrant and classy" coastal oasis by removing the paneling and introducing cerulean blue cabinets. Furthermore, a "red dread redemption" kitchen, initially dark and dingy with plywood flooring, was given a "bright and breezy" makeover with two-tone cabinets and grey-veined white marble floors, exuding a classy ambiance. A "characterless craftsman" kitchen was imbued with a "rustic and romantic" feel through the use of red brick and a wooden stand-alone island, appealing to those who appreciate rugged sophistication. For a couple seeking a Mexican and Spanish-inspired design in a Mississippi craftsman home, the Napiers created a "Puerto Vallarta in Mississippi" kitchen. This transformation is noted for its vibrant and intricately patterned backsplash tiles, making it a favorite on the show. Even a challenging "brick arch feature" in a 90s Colonial was successfully integrated by matching it with robin's egg blue cabinetry and a stunning gas range, with ambient lighting enhancing its uniqueness. Finally, the Napiers took on a "tiny budget, big dreams" project for a charity house. They created a "bright and happy" kitchen without exceeding the budget by cleverly utilizing vinyl peel-and-stick wallpaper for the backsplash and countertops, demonstrating how to achieve character and color affordably. A "drab and sad" 90s kitchen with ample light was opened up and modernized with a black and white mosaic backsplash, providing a whimsical yet practical bohemian space. The transformation of an "ugly green kitchen" into a "fresh and clean" modern space with ash wood cabinets and a herringbone backsplash highlights their ability to create serene environments. Lastly, a "claustrophobic galley" kitchen was expanded by removing walls and given a unique craftsmanship touch with a church-pew-turned-breakfast-nook, making it a standout transformation. #HGTVHomeTown #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #BenAndErinNapier #LaurelMississippi #DesignInspiration #HomeRestoration

Erin Napier, a prominent figure in home design, is recognized for her 'grand millennial' style, which harmoniously blends vintage charm with modern sensibilities. Her design philosophy centers on preserving a home's inherent character and utilizing natural wood elements. In a recent development during Season 3 of 'Home Town Takeover,' Napier introduced an innovative design concept that has garnered significant attention from home design enthusiasts: the strategic use of plates as wall decor. During her work on a home in Sebring, Florida, Napier adorned the dining room walls with a curated collection of plates. This approach, while unconventional for some, highlights her evolving design perspective and continuous efforts to offer fresh inspirations to her audience. The project in Sebring involved revitalizing a historic home for Jen, a single mother and kindergarten teacher, aiming to transform it into a community gathering space. Given its visibility as the first home visitors encounter upon entering Sebring, the Napiers recognized the importance of making this renovation particularly special. The home, which previously belonged to Jen’s former teacher and mentor, was envisioned as a fresh start for Jen and her daughters. The renovation focused on the first floor, enhancing the kitchen's functionality—a detail appreciated by one of Jen's daughters who enjoys cooking. However, it was the dining room that truly became a canvas for Napier’s distinctive style. She incorporated antique furniture and inviting wallpaper to create a charming atmosphere, culminating in the striking plate wall. Napier expressed her fondness for this design, stating that a 'nice plate wall' is quintessentially Southern and possesses the potential to evolve into a 'plate room' as new pieces are added over time. This concept, while potentially a reflection of Napier’s personal design aspirations, resulted in a truly captivating and meaningful space. The plates, sourced from Laurel and Sebring Pottery, contributed to a floral china theme. Napier deliberately chose a simpler pattern for the plates to complement the room's patterned wallpaper, allowing the collage installation to tell its own visual narrative. The plate wall serves as a dynamic feature that can be continuously expanded, transforming Jen’s dining room into a living chronicle of memorable moments and a future historical record. It also provides a unique conversation starter for any social occasion. Napier’s design concept extends beyond dining rooms; it can be adapted to various home spaces. Whether the preference is for neutral porcelain, a cohesive motif, bold and quirky designs, or a personalized creation, this approach offers DIY enthusiasts a versatile source of inspiration. As Erin Napier continues to gain prominence, her distinctive design influence, characterized by charm and innovation, remains a hallmark of her shows, with her latest ideas consistently inspiring homeowners to experiment with new interior aesthetics. #ErinNapier #HomeTownTakeover #DesignInspiration #PlateWall #GrandMillennialStyle #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #DIYHomeDecor #HGTV

The article discusses a particular kitchen makeover by HGTV star Erin Napier from "Home Town," which received a mixed reaction from fans. Known for her sophisticated and affordable home transformations, Napier's design in Season 5, Episode 2, featured a controversial choice: wallpaper with a lemon pattern installed as an alternative to a traditional kitchen backsplash. This design decision was highlighted when Napier shared a photo of the transformation on Facebook, leading to a wave of fan comments expressing dissatisfaction. Fans voiced concerns over the wallpaper's busy lemon pattern, describing it as "too busy" and "haphazardly installed." Many observed that the wallpaper appeared incomplete, covering only part of the wall beneath the shelving, leading to an unfinished look. Several comments pointed out that while the overall intention of the renovation, potentially driven by budget constraints, was appreciated, the specific choice of wallpaper for the backsplash area was not aesthetically pleasing. Some speculated that the budget might have influenced the design, suggesting that more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing budget-friendly alternatives for backsplashes exist. The bright and colorful lemon pattern of the wallpaper was seen as clashing with the kitchen's neutral color palette. Its awkward placement, solely above the stove and countertops, further contributed to the perception of an incomplete design. Despite the possible budget limitations, fans suggested alternatives that would have better complemented the kitchen's design scheme. One commenter specifically proposed inexpensive subway tiles as a viable and more aesthetically sound option for the small area that needed covering. The article elaborates on the practicality of using subway tiles as a budget-friendly backsplash alternative, citing options like Daltile Subway Tile available at Home Depot for a minimal cost. It also suggests that if wallpaper is preferred, a more toned-down and timeless option, such as plain wallpaper in a neutral color, like the Jeweluck White Wallpaper, would be more suitable for a kitchen setting to ensure a cohesive and appealing design. #HGTV #ErinNapier #HomeTown #KitchenMakeover #InteriorDesign #Wallpaper #Backsplash #HomeRenovation #DesignCritique