HGTV's Ben Napier Steps Up His Butcher Block Game With A Stunning Home Town Reveal

Ben Napier of HGTV's "Home Town" frequently incorporates custom-built pieces into his home renovation projects, emphasizing their role in providing emotional and historical connections within redesigned spaces. These custom fabrications often utilize salvaged materials, infusing renovated homes with a sense of the homeowners' past and family history. An online series titled "Talkin' Shop: Ben's Best Builds," produced by HGTV, showcases Napier's woodworking expertise, offering insights into his workshop, various tools, and construction techniques. This series, co-hosted by J. Pickens, highlights how seemingly ordinary found materials can be transformed into significant accents that ground a refurbished space in its unique narrative. One notable project featured in "Home Town" Season 2, Episode 7, involved crafting a large family dining table from reclaimed wood. Homeowner Cassidy provided access to his father's woodshed, which contained a collection of aged timber. Napier identified a long cypress board, tongue-and-groove pine flooring, and Douglas fir blocks as ideal materials. The renovation focused on a century-old farmhouse inherited by Cassidy's wife, Robyn, which required extensive repairs and a fresh aesthetic. Napier's vision was to construct a rustic dining table, with Cassidy's assistance, that would reconnect the house to its origins and complement a rustic dining room, thereby preserving the building's historical essence. The tabletop design incorporated the cypress board centrally, framed by the pine flooring along the sides, and finished with breadboard ends—a traditional technique to prevent wood cupping. The table legs were simple posts fashioned from the fir blocks. Erin Napier completed the farmhouse aesthetic by adding a grain sack table runner. Another innovative DIY involved transforming discarded windows and hardware from a glassed-in porch into a functional buffet during "Home Town" Season 2 Episode 4. As Napier and his team conducted demolition, they recognized the potential of these materials, alongside the old-growth pine trim and framing. Napier devised multiple applications for these recovered items within the renovated house. One window was simply painted and repurposed as the front of a bathroom linen cabinet. For the rustic buffet, he utilized additional windows, trim, window casings, and a faux beam. Napier noted the high cost of custom glass cabinet doors, underscoring that his project, while time-intensive, avoided such expenses. He shortened four wavy-glass windows to create two sets of doors for the 36-inch-tall buffet, which included shelving. The buffet's top was designed to align with an edged dining table previously built by the homeowner, and even the original hinges and latches were incorporated into the piece. This creation allowed for a more open outdoor room, fostering a traditional Southern porch experience, while the antique windows enriched the nearby dining area with a tangible piece of the home's history, reflecting the Napiers' philosophy of integrating reclaimed wood into heirloom-quality spaces. In "Home Town" Season 2 Episode 5, Ben Napier constructed an upholstered coffee table to complement Erin Napier's light and neutral living room palette. While the piece lacked a traditional wood top to avoid making the room appear too earthy, Napier focused on intricately turning its legs using his new wood-turning lathe. Erin, meanwhile, selected fabric for the ottoman that harmonized with the Turkish rugs used as a stair runner. The resulting piece seamlessly blended into a home rich with textiles and aged wood, exuding an established comfort. Erin admired the turned legs so much that she requested matching lamps. A playful debate between Ben and Erin arose regarding whether to classify the item as an ottoman or an upholstered coffee table, with Erin subtly referencing the Turkish rugs to lean towards "ottoman." Ultimately, homeowner Aly Smith referred to it as a "Scotsman coffee table," providing a resolution to the humorous discussion. Napier also shared a technique for duplicating furniture legs in "Talkin' Shop." He demonstrated how to transfer the shape of a model leg onto a new workpiece by making small pencil marks indicating each change in shape. With the lathe spinning, he held the pencil against the workpiece to encircle it with reference marks. This method allows for precise replication of turned pieces, supplementing other techniques such as measuring with calipers, using a contour gauge, or employing a lathe duplicator. Napier humorously debated his "favorite tool," acknowledging the lathe as his "favorite new toy" while also expressing an affinity for a flooring installer's pneumatic nailer, highlighting his versatile interest in tools and their applications. #BenNapier #HomeTown #DIYHomeDecor #Woodworking #ReclaimedWood #CustomFurniture #HomeRenovation #HGTV #DesignHacks

Erin and Ben Napier, known for their HGTV shows 'Home Town' and 'Home Town Takeover,' are often seen traveling with their young daughters, Helen (6) and Mae (3), to various renovation sites. This practice has prompted questions and concerns from viewers regarding the well-being of their children amidst the demanding schedules and travel associated with their reality television work. While the Napiers are engaged in extensive renovation projects that can span across different states, they emphasize that their family's unity and the children's welfare are their utmost priorities. 'Home Town' focuses on renovating historic houses in Mississippi, while its spin-off, 'Home Town Takeover,' expands this concept to entire small towns across the United States. This spin-off involves larger teams and more significant logistical challenges, necessitating the Napiers to be away from their primary residence for extended periods. Despite the scale and intensity of these projects, Erin and Ben have consistently made decisions that allow their daughters to accompany them, ensuring the family remains together. The Napiers have addressed viewer concerns by explaining the deliberate measures they take to ensure their children's comfort and safety during these work trips. Ben Napier, in an interview with People magazine, stated that they approach these trips as vacations for their girls, incorporating activities like swimming, fishing, and educational excursions to local attractions such as orange groves. This strategy aims to create an enjoyable and enriching experience for Helen and Mae, rather than having them perceive the trips solely as work-related travel. Erin Napier further clarified that managing their demanding TV schedule while prioritizing their children's needs requires substantial support. They rely on an extensive network, including traveling grandmothers and a dedicated team, to assist with childcare and ensure the girls' daily routines, including school, are not disrupted. This intricate planning allows them to balance their professional commitments with their parental responsibilities, ensuring that their daughters are not only present but also thriving in these unique environments. Their commitment to keeping the family together stands in contrast to some narratives in reality television where professional demands can strain family relationships. The Napiers intentionally demonstrate a different approach, where the success of their shows does not come at the expense of their family bond. This dedication resonates with audiences, making their series even more appealing, as it highlights a conscious effort to integrate work and family life in a healthy manner. The Napiers illustrate that it is possible to pursue ambitious professional goals while maintaining strong family ties through careful planning, a robust support system, and a clear set of priorities. #HomeTown #HomeTownTakeover #ErinAndBenNapier #FamilyTravel #RealityTV #HGTV #RenovationShow #ParentingOnSet

This article features Brian Bice, a new tour company owner, and his journey to establishing BFAB Tours, which specializes in walking tours of Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Bice shares his diverse background, starting with his birth in Hawaii to an American military father and Japanese mother, followed by a childhood in Wisconsin. His early career involved teaching English in Japan and working as a tour guide in Guam, before transitioning into luxury retail. Over a decade, he worked for prominent brands like Louis Vuitton in various international locations, including Hong Kong, Paris, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, before a role with Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver. He then became the East Coast Regional Manager for Bottega Veneta, which brought him to New York City. Bice also held the position of Retail Director at The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a significant development on the west side of Manhattan. After being laid off from his position as VP of Guest and Retail Experience for American Dream in New Jersey, Bice decided to leverage his past experience and passion for connecting with people to create BFAB Tours. His initial offering is a walking tour of Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood he deeply appreciates for its creativity, energy, diversity, history, and grit. Bice believes that understanding Hell's Kitchen provides insight into the authentic New York City. The article details two memorable "New York minutes" for Bice: an unexpected encounter with former designers from *Project Runway* while living at Gotham West, and performing with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus at the 75th Tony Awards, where he met Bernadette Peters and was in close proximity to Lin-Manuel Miranda. The article also highlights Brian Bice's favorite places in Hell's Kitchen. These include Schmackary’s, a cookie shop he likens to the “Ben & Jerry’s of cookies,” appreciating its founder's Broadway-to-baker narrative as a symbol of reinvention in the neighborhood. He also mentions BUF Training, a personal and intimate fitness studio; Queen of Queens Nails & Spa, valued for its friendly owner and quality service; and Valla Table, a Thai restaurant praised for its authentic and beautifully presented “elevated Thai cuisine.” For social outings, Bice enjoys FLEX, an unpretentious and welcoming gay bar in a neighborhood known for its diverse gay nightlife. He also frequently visits All Seasons Body Work for affordable and effective foot and back massages, a routine he picked up during his time in Hong Kong. Fountain House + Body is another significant mention, not only as a cafe/store but also as a social enterprise providing transitional employment for individuals with serious mental illness, whose handmade products are sold there. Lastly, Bice recommends Molyvos for Greek food, particularly their pita and dips, and the Little Pie Company for its namesake dessert. He offers a discount to readers for "The FABulous Hell’s Kitchen Tour" through the end of August. Bice also shares a personal detail about his tripod dog, Peggy, whom he rescued and often takes on walks through Hell's Kitchen, noting her love for attention. This profile provides a comprehensive look at Brian Bice's personal and professional life, his deep connection to Hell's Kitchen, and his new entrepreneurial endeavor. #BrianBice #Hell'sKitchen #BFABTours #NewYorkCity #WalkingTours #Entrepreneurship #CommunitySpotlight #LocalBusiness #WestSideStories

Ben Napier, co-star of HGTV's "Home Town," has continued his fitness journey, revealing that he gained 20 pounds of muscle after an initial 95-pound weight loss. The initial weight loss was an unintended consequence of shoulder surgery in March 2023, which left him unable to perform upper body workouts for eight or nine months. Napier expressed dissatisfaction with his physique during this period, feeling "very skinny in my arms and shoulders and chest" due to the loss of upper body muscle mass. His wife, Erin Napier, noted his self-consciousness about his appearance. Following his recovery, Napier made a concerted effort to regain his strength and muscle mass by returning to the gym. He shared that he has since put on approximately 20 pounds of muscle and is fully recovered from the shoulder surgery, enabling him to lift weights and objects overhead without difficulty. He now feels content with his physical appearance. To maintain his fitness, Napier works out daily in a home gym he built himself using equipment purchased affordably from Facebook Marketplace. He also incorporates intermittent fasting into his routine, which he describes as skipping meals or eating smaller portions. A humorous dilemma for Napier involves a closet full of expensive suits that no longer fit him after his significant weight loss. These suits are now "way too big," and while he considered discarding them, Erin advised against it, suggesting he ensure the weight loss was permanent first. Napier admits he's close to donating or auctioning them off. The couple also discussed their strategies for healthy eating, especially during the holiday season. Erin confessed her weakness for "Christmas party cheese ball," while Ben finds homemade baked goods irresistible due to the effort put into them. They prioritize family time, often walking trails in Laurel, Mississippi. They've adopted a "kid dinner" approach to meals, where Ben cooks smaller portions of what their daughters, Helen and Mae, desire, such as a single steak to be shared among the family. Erin and Ben Napier, who recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, are returning for "Home Town" season 8, premiering on Sunday, December 29. The show will continue to document their lives as they balance their home renovation business with raising their two daughters. The couple cherishes the unique opportunity their careers provide to spend almost all their time together, fostering a deep connection that many married couples might not experience. #BenNapier #HomeTown #HGTVStars #WeightLoss #MuscleGain #FitnessJourney #ErinNapier #HomeGym #FamilyLife

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

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.

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