Home Town - General Discussion

[psychoticstate]

Season 1 is over already?  Darn!  I was wondering why my DVR didn't pick up a new episode last night.  

[WildPlum]

In the last episode I saw (I think I am 2 or 3 behind, at least), Erin drew a pattern for wallpaper, which I really liked (except I would have liked a bit more green and less blue). I was pleased to see what a great job she did on that, because sometimes I look at her "house" drawings in the beginning and think "hmmm, call it American Primitive and let it go."

[MoreCoffeePlease]

Loved the episode with the craftsman-style house with the big front porch for the singer.

The bathroom tile has me obsessed!  This is what I am talking about with tile instead of using white subway tile everywhere.  Stunning!  And the tub was gorgeous. I'm surprised that the porcelain lady doesn't do the exterior of the tub too, but Erin did a great job.  When they were at the resale place looking at tubs, I saw sinks there.  I love big, old vintage sinks.

Kitchen was super cute.  Nice oven.  There was a little too much stuff around the whole place, but it did really seem to suit her and the house.

Erin and her hubby were cute (they usually are) when talking about hanging out in the backyard with the homeowner. Foot-stomping fun!

I wonder what is across the street from this house.  I thought I saw multiple cars parked ... is her house right in town across from a business?  That would be a concern for me.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 6/2/2017 at 11:56 AM, MoreCoffeePlease said:

wonder what is across the street from this house.  I thought I saw multiple cars parked ... is her house right in town across from a business?  That would be a concern for me.

Just thinking this same thing! Here and on FU, you occasionaly see apartment buildings, parking lots, commercial-looking structures, etc., in very close proximity (or even in sight lines) and I have to wonder if the property values on the re-done homes are going to keep up as well as they would if the homes were in a neighborhood of similar dwellings.

Then again, for all the extras the lucky participants no doubt get for free, or at a greatly reduced rate, a little less appreciation is probably not a terrible trade-off.

[Sarnia]

On 02/06/2017 at 6:56 PM, MoreCoffeePlease said:

Loved the episode with the craftsman-style house with the big front porch for the singer.

 

I loved this house! It had so much personality and seemed to suit the owner very well. I really like to see that Erin has a variety of design style and can think of what the owner would like (looking at you, JoJo). It is quite a pleasant show altogether, very refreshing and the couple looks genuine.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

I am inordinately delighted to report that according to Erin's blog on LaurelMercantile.com, shooting is sbout to start for the next season. 

It surprised me to read her description of shooting as "grueling," not once but twice, because the couple do seem to be enjoying themselves in their talking-head shots.  But I'm sure between that stinky summer weather and everything that goes into making it all look easy, it is hard, hard work.

Which brings up another neat blog entry, in which Lauren acknowledges the fairly sizable team that supports the efforts from way before the cameras roll. Figuring out affordable plans for the houses, etc.  I mean, obviously by the time L&B walk a couple into a house and start talking about possibilities, LOTS has gone into it -- but sometimes I forget about that.

But then I'm one of those people who LOVES "making of" features about movies and tv. To get a "making of" insight into the show AND the house redo is catnip to me!!!!

[Gam2]

I think you meant Erin and Ben in Laurel.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 7/5/2017 at 0:50 PM, Gam2 said:

I think you meant Erin and Ben in Laurel.

Thank you!! I think you're right! 8-D

Today I talked with 2 customer service reps and kept calling both of them Erin.  I'll be fine once the summer heat passes. ;-)

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 5/18/2017 at 7:09 PM, Gam2 said:

As you read through Erin's blog, you'll see the progress of their lives. It's so interesting to see how their lives have changed but Erin and Ben haven't. They still have the same families, same friends (plus some new fun ones), same house, same town and same values. I've been so happy to see their successes as they grow in their lives. I'm also glad that so many seem to like and embrace their show on HGTV and have found Erin's blog. They seem like the kind of people I'd like for my neighbors. 

Goodness, yes! I've started reading Ben's memories of meeting Erin and am blown away by his articulate style. So different from Chip Gaines -- sorry, I can't help but compare & contrast -- and so enjoyable. 

They both come from industrious families and have skills far beyond buying & selling. I like 'em!!

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

Not sure if I'm permitted to make a "Home Town in the media" topic so I'll just leave this here:

http://aplus.com/a/erin-napier-responds-to-comment-introvert?no_monetization=true

 

My comment: Aww! Sweet. 

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 6/1/2017 at 6:27 PM, WildPlum said:

In the last episode I saw (I think I am 2 or 3 behind, at least), Erin drew a pattern for wallpaper, which I really liked (except I would have liked a bit more green and less blue). I was pleased to see what a great job she did on that, because sometimes I look at her "house" drawings in the beginning and think "hmmm, call it American Primitive and let it go."

Saw on their website where she's going to be doing more of a pen & ink sketch this season.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

http://journal.laurelmercantile.com/2376-season-2/

Looks like there's a little less of Big Ben -- this is good. He was looking pretty huge there for a while. 

[Oldernowiser]

This has been on HGTV all day and I dunno. The husband seems like a sweetie and maybe she is as well but I just keep wanting her to stop talking.

Like all of these HGTV shows...more house, less mouth. Please?

[seacliffsal]

I  watched my first ever episode today and was really disappointed in the show.  Then I came here and read everyone's posts and so have decided to give the show another chance; perhaps I just caught a weaker episode.  So, I shall try again.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 8/8/2017 at 6:48 PM, Oldernowiser said:

This has been on HGTV all day and I dunno. The husband seems like a sweetie and maybe she is as well but I just keep wanting her to stop talking.

Like all of these HGTV shows...more house, less mouth. Please?

Love it! They say Erin's an introvert  so maybe the chatter is her nervous way of compensating? In any case, I can live the rest of my life quite happily without her screaming like an eagle when Ben uncovers hardwood floors.

 

OTOH when about jumped his bones at the reveal of a gorgeous table he'd handcrafted, I was tickled. It seems like A genuine moment of her being just absolutely bowled over by the craftsmanship of the man she loves.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

Interesting invitation on Erin's journal from yesterday, saying they need a couple more homes to redo. I'd have thought they had all the marks lined up before starting!

[useryikes]

On 08/08/2017 at 8:17 PM, seacliffsal said:

I  watched my first ever episode today and was really disappointed in the show.  

Just tried to watch an episode.  Not crazy about this couple.  They don't really appeal to me - I prefer Fixer Upper.  May try it again.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

The Napiers are expecting their first child, a daughter to be named Helen, late this year. She just announced it on the Laurel Mercantile blog. 

[Tanichka]

I like the houses that they have redone, but I'm not that keen on the hosts.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

Looks like I’m talking to myself here, but I even had worse conversations! Just wanting to say I’m liking Erin a little less, here & there: she’s decorating the baby’s room in the same general tones as the rest of the house. She says, “they’re only babies for a little while, so I'm going to make her room look like the rest of the house.”

I don’t get it, and while I understand that she’s another generation, a whole different set of talents and outlook from my own, I’m starting to anticipate the new season with really mixed feelings. If I don’t like one of the hosts, I’m not sure the fun of the reno’s will still be yhrrr. Guess we will see!

[zoomama]

i just found this forum and now i am here to join you. i DO like ben and erin -- they seem cute to me. as for her having a baby, i just learned that via the christmas special.  i m so excited for them. 

[zoomama]

baby helen was born!!!   

[Ocean Chick]

I like them both.  They seem to really enjoy each other.  I'm happy for their new addition.  

[Automne]

On 12/29/2017 at 5:57 PM, BckpckFullaNinjas said:

Looks like I’m talking to myself here, but I even had worse conversations! Just wanting to say I’m liking Erin a little less, here & there: she’s decorating the baby’s room in the same general tones as the rest of the house. She says, “they’re only babies for a little while, so I'm going to make her room look like the rest of the house.”

Nah, I get it and definitely respect it. You see so many people go overboard with baby and small child bedrooms without realizing that you’ve got maybe a few years of mileage out of it before the child outgrows it. How many people have the wherewithal and finances to repeatedly renovate/redesign a child’s room? If you do, more power to you. But I definitely get keeping a baby’s room neutral because they’re small for only a short time. Especially when they hit the “That’s for babies/little kids” life stages. 

[Kemper]

Have to admit that I like this show in spite of myself.  I like the couple...like the results of their renos.  They are understated, low-key.  Plus, they don't push the "family" thing as much as the Fixer Upper couple did. Then again, it is early days and she is expecting.  But....

Like a lot of shows on HGTV, I noticed a marathon today...or maybe it was yesterday.  That will certainly kill any fondness I have for the show and the hosts.  It's not their fault that the network runs the shows into the ground.  Property Brothers, Fixer Upper, Love it or List it, any "Flip" show (hate all of those).

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

7 hours ago, Automne said:

But I definitely get keeping a baby’s room neutral because they’re small for only a short time. Especially when they hit the “That’s for babies/little kids” life stages. 

Mm, yes; on reflection it makes some sense.  I think that Erin’s reason for being - artistic expression - informs her decision.  While I enjoy puttering with home decor, I and my kids (now grown) have way more tolerance for colors that could be called juvenile. And no, we didn’t go overboard with anything. 

You know, I also think my reaction had to do with Erin's house Colors. I’m not personally a muted kind of person. I’ve got coral, turquoise and rosy mauve thruout the “public” rooms of my home. 

Thank you for your response! You got me thinking.

May I ask, how did you like the chinoiserie wallpaper on the bookshelves in S2E1? Against all I just said: I didn’t like ‘em At All !!!  

Like the pop of color, but the pattern: Too busy. 

[chessiegal]

I like this show, and am glad they have a second season. They seem like a sweet couple (with the emphasis on seem, hope that doesn't change). I've been watching HGTV for hours this evening, and they are promoting Hometown almost every commercial break. Are they hoping it will replace Fixer Upper since FU is in its last season?

Edited January 15, 2018 by chessiegal

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

7 hours ago, chessiegal said:

I like this show, and am glad they have a second season. They seem like a sweet couple (with the emphasis on seem, hope that doesn't change). I've been watching HGTV for hours this evening, and they are promoting Hometown almost every commercial break. Are they hoping it will replace Fixer Upper since FU is in its last season?

I figured they were just promoting the tar out of all the series that are starting up this month — another one being the exes flipping Nashville, TN.

My guess is that HGTV isn’t going to replace FU, per se, because it’s been such a juggernaut. The network may have a stable of shows with the “cute couple, redoing houses, in the South” formula rather than look for another tent pole like FU turned into.

Just my total guess, though.

[Tanichka]

OK - I was lukewarm about this show, but their renos are beautiful.  I just saw The Jones House (?), the woman with 11 grandkids.  Gorgeous house!  Love neutrals/earth tones.  Didn't care for the blue outside, but I could live with it.

On 14/01/2018 at 6:06 PM, Kemper said:

Property Brothers, Fixer Upper, Love it or List it, any "Flip" show (hate all of those).

So sick of the Property Brothers.  They are EVERYWHERE.  I like Masters of Flip, but their decorating is very bland and all the same.

[SunnyBeBe]

I like this couple okay.  I prefer them over Fiver Upper, because, I've grown tired of all the juvenile banter on that show.  Enough is enough, so, I'm glad that one is leaving.  

I do think this designer has some good ideas.  I think her husband is pretty crafty, but, one thing that I don't care for are projects that are too rugged.  I'm not big on re-purposed items that still have old paint on them or look beat up.  I know it's trendy, but, I don't care for it.  I can barely stand reclaimed wood accent walls either.  I just think they are too trendy and will be out of style before too long.  Plus, it takes me back to 70's decor and isn't that appealing, imo.  

I've only seen a few episodes, but, it seems to have potential.  

Edited January 23, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[pasdetrois]

Thanks SueBee for letting me know about this forum. I somehow missed it when I searched.

I've just discovered Home Town and am catching up on seasons and episodes. With family all over MS I'm loving it. I used to take the Southern Crescent train to Laurel (as a youngster!), where various uncles and aunts would pick me up and drive me to our own MS home town. A distant relative's house was one of those featured as options for the homeowners on this show.

I really enjoy Ben - he's kind and gentle and patient and very skilled. I think Erin might be a bit of a martinet under stress, but as long as they are happy, who cares? She has a good eye.

I love seeing a MS small town featured on my TV. I love the charm of the old houses and have been slowly restoring my own modest Craftsman bungalow for many years. All around me it's "tear it down and put in an insanely expensive McMansion." The suggestion that old materials be saved or repurposed is met with a snooty, disdainful snort by contractors.

I'm wildly jealous of property costs down there. I do note that they only renovate a portion of the house, so there would be extra costs to renovate other bedrooms and baths. Surely there are the mechanicals' costs - maybe production pre-selects houses whose heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, etc. have already been modernized. I wonder if production covers any of the renovation costs.

I also notice how mild the Southern accents are. The accents that my mother and her family had are slowly disappearing.

Most MS towns have significant areas of poverty and decay. Most of the state is rural or small town. Jackson and Hattiesburg have enjoyed some growth. Sad fact: Post-Katrina there was a temporary jobs explosion. People stayed in MS and commuted to New Orleans to do recovery work. Interesting fact: At one time the Choctaw tribe was the largest employer in MS. No not casinos - manufacturing.

Here's hoping the Napiers don't lose their heads and turn into another obnoxious, fake reality TV couple.

Edited January 30, 2018 by pasdetrois

[chessiegal]

It's fun seeing places you're familiar with on TV. We live outside DC. I hate to fly, so to visit my step-daughter and family in NOLA, I convinced my husband to take the Crescent from DC to NOLA for 4 years (theoretically 26 hours, but usually late by 2-4 hours). I thought the Laurel train station was so cute.

I too hope the Napiers keep it real. I like their work and find the show refreshing.

[SunnyBeBe]

Are the furnishings included in the renovation budget? I'm not sure how much is staging and how much is left for the homeowner.  I would imagine that the furnishings and accessory costs add up.  I mean, one simple vase may cost $100. Then you have a number of pieces just sitting around. Plants and flowers in the living area....costly.   So are they just for presentation to the homeowners and go when the cameras come down?

Edited January 25, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[netlyon2]

 @SunnyBeBe, I’ve also been wondering if (and how much/often) they use . . . gasp . . . the homeowners’ actual furniture. There have been a couple of times when Erin’s mentioned things belonging to the owner. That would be yet another refreshing aspect of the show: using people’s actual belongings instead of staging.

I really, really enjoy this show, for most of the reasons articulated by you all. The Napiers seem like good, sensible people who aren’t acting super “on” for the cameras. Erin is up to the challenge of designing for a variety of tastes and styles—which keeps things fresh and interesting—and Ben’s woodworking is just straight-up competency porn. I find that the rare episode that annoys me is due to the homeowners rather than the Napiers, which is just the nature of the beast, I guess.

(*whispers* also, Ben is very attractive)

Edited January 26, 2018 by netlyon2

[kimberussell]

I love blogs, so I started reading hers from post 1 (it's taken me a LONG while to get to the point where they film the first season) and the way this all happened for them seems so organic and genuine. For example, one day she decided to do a watercolor of her childhood home and then started painting others' homes as a hobby.  Something will cost too much money, so they'll make it themselves.  I love it and I think it's really gotten me into the show even more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a season 3.

[SunnyBeBe]

On 9/17/2017 at 8:41 PM, useryikes said:

Just tried to watch an episode.  Not crazy about this couple.  They don't really appeal to me - I prefer Fixer Upper.  May try it again.

I like the couple just fine. It's the styles that I struggle with.  I have to accept that not everyone has my taste. lol 

[3 is enough]

I like the show and Ben and Erin , but last night's episode drove me crazy.  Since they got rid of the laundry room, did they find another spot for the washer and dryer?  I cannot imagine spending that kind of money on renovations and not having a functioning washer and dryer.  

Also, when they were laying the carpet on the stairs the paint job looked really sloppy.  I hope it got touched up.  I would have preferred stained wooden steps to match the floor but I guess it was not in the budget.

[ButterQueen]

On 4/16/2017 at 2:48 AM, WildPlum said:

They seem to be a nice couple, I like the houses and yet I am lukewarm on the show.

I think it's a couple things. I don't enjoy their relentless self-promotion of how brilliant they are when it seems more like their charm should be a more down-home, "aw shucks" thing. The houses seem like beautiful old charmers but some of Erin's ... embellishments are more miss than hit for me. I see some good work, particularly in regard to not just ripping entire sections of the house apart to make it an inappropriate modernist or "farmhouse" open space, but nothing with a real "wow, that's amazing" moment. Some of it seems downright goofy, like the piano-turned-desk.

Also, Laurel is a town of 18,000 - how many beautiful old houses in need of restoration being purchased by a couple with some real money to spend can there BE? Waco, TX and the surrounding have a population of around 235,000 and Chip & Joanna ran out of "worst houses in the best neighborhoods" at least 2 seasons ago.

I just watched my first show, and I agree with you.  I was actually bored.  

[stormy]

I've never watched this show never will. Erin grates on my every nerve. HGTV pushes this show down my throat a dozen times in a half hour

 When are they going to run out of episodes?

[chessiegal]

10 minutes ago, stormy said:

HGTV pushes this show down my throat a dozen times in a half hour

But not as much as they promote Fixer Upper which is thankfully in it's last season but will probably continue to be on reruns at least 12 hours a day - 12 hours I won't be watching HGTV.

I like Hometown. It's refreshing.

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 1/29/2018 at 8:21 AM, kimberussell said:

I love blogs, so I started reading hers from post 1 (it's taken me a LONG while to get to the point where they film the first season) and the way this all happened for them seems so organic and genuine. For example, one day she decided to do a watercolor of her childhood home and then started painting others' homes as a hobby.  Something will cost too much money, so they'll make it themselves.  I love it and I think it's really gotten me into the show even more. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a season 3.

I’ve read a lot of her blog but not all — after I read Ben’s story of their first few weeks together, I was smitten by the man’s heart and talent! I think that’s one of the reasons I like them so much — as you said, they are genuine. They’re workers, movers and shaker-uppers (Ben’s failed campaign for alderman) and that’s what it takes to be part of a downtown’s Renaissance, not to mention forays into retail, mail order and teevee!!

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

On 1/25/2018 at 11:50 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

Are the furnishings included in the renovation budget? I'm not sure how much is staging and how much is left for the homeowner.  I would imagine that the furnishings and accessory costs add up.  I mean, one simple vase may cost $100. Then you have a number of pieces just sitting around. Plants and flowers in the living area....costly.   So are they just for presentation to the homeowners and go when the cameras come down?

There’s a fan group over on FB e the where somebody associated w the show has said the homeowners can purchase items at a discount. 

Several years ago I had my Parlor (“formal” living room) redone by a lady who staged it gorgeously with knickknacks. She had sold me the reupholsteringbif my existing furniture and the construction of custom draperies. She also arranged the furniture and the aforementioned knickknacks. We took photos for her promotional materials and I politely handed her ALL the knickknacks she’d brought. They were beautiful and for an hour the room looked like HGTV “after” but I had my own preferred tchotchkes to display!

i imagine the same goes on with HT & the other shows 

Almost forgot! The HT production company, R and R Media out of Toronto, I think, have a webpage listing every item staged in every home  

And also, if you search AirBnB for Laurel, you’ll be able to see several HT properties listed, including current (I suppose) photos. I’ve been meaning to look into those but life keeps interfering. Heh

On 1/30/2018 at 11:15 AM, 3 is enough said:

I like the show and Ben and Erin , but last night's episode drove me crazy.  Since they got rid of the laundry room, did they find another spot for the washer and dryer?  I cannot imagine spending that kind of money on renovations and not having a functioning washer and dryer.  

Also, when they were laying the carpet on the stairs the paint job looked really sloppy.  I hope it got touched up.  I would have preferred stained wooden steps to match the floor but I guess it was not in the budget.

According to a source on FB they installed the laundry on the second floor. 

Rewatched and indeed, the sloppy paint on the stairwell baseboards was finished. Production can’t slwsys tape things in order, but I’ll bet anything they had Erin & Mal install the runner for the show, then removed it, painted and reinstalled it. I also don’t think the nail gun the women used would provide a permanent installation. But what do I know.  

[MoreCoffeePlease]

Loved the tile above the cooktop, and the furniture look beneath the cooktop. Their kitchens are unique, which is refreshing on HGTV.

There are so many great houses in Laurel!  I actually preferred house #2, but it is neat to have the Italianate house.

I like Erin, and I think the 2 of them are sweet together.

[jonesingjay]

I enjoy the show. The couple/hosts don't bug me. The lack of heightened drama and only seeing the homeowners at the beginning and the end of the show is a breath of fresh air. 

I may not like all of the design choices, but the only thing that sort of bugs me in a 'You can't be serious' way. Is those drawings the wife presents at each potential home. It's cringe-inducing watching the homeowners fakely 'oh' and 'ah'. 

Edited February 3, 2018 by jonesingjay

[chessiegal]

I'd love to have Erin do a watercolor of my house. I'd display it proudly. I think it's touching.

[mojito]

I love Ben's talent and tongue-in-cheek humor. He makes kind of goofy comments and then forces himself not to roll his eyes. Erin bounces off him nicely. I like this show and Texas Flip N Move for the small town feel. (For those who don't get DIY, Texas Flip N Move is about people who purchase old homes for maybe $1100, move them, trick them out, and then sell them for maybe $55K. Most buyers plan to put them on some lot of land they have out in the country somewhere as either primary or secondary homes.) Both shows have a nice folksy, affordable feel. 

[suebee12]

I have been a bit slack posting in this thread but after last night's show, I have to post! I loved, loved, loved what Ben and Erin did with the house for the minister! It was absolutely beautiful and I thought that it was great that they got him the glasses that "fix" color-blindness.(Had to laugh when he said he couldn't wait to look at his wardrobe to see what colors it was). It was such a cute little house and I thought it was decorated just right...hope he gets to keep the things they added! The study will be used so much more than a dining room would have been and he still has a nice dining area in the kitchen. Now he has a place for all of collectibles. Moving the laundry inside was a great idea(it is so humid and muggy down here so an inside area is a good idea) and now he has a place to work on his plants. Ben is so handy designing things from what they have available. The front porch was the highlight for me. I love the show and Ben and Erin but I hate the open porches that everyone seems to want. I live two hours from Laurel and the mosquitoes are the size of huge planes! I want screens to protect me! I loved when the new owner pointed outside and said "Mosquitoes", and then to the porch and said "Me"! I wasn't sure I was going to like the colors on the outside but when done it looked great. Not sure about the walkway but I could live with it.  All in all, this was one of my favorite episodes ever and I have basically liked them all.

[AnnieHeights]

I have recently started watching this show and I adore Erin and Ben.  I agree about the minsters house, it was just so perfect for him and truly looked like a beautiful home and not just staged.  Did I also hear Erin mention she was able to use his antiques?  The homes E&B redo just seem so much more personal than Chip and Joanna's.      

[suebee12]

6 hours ago, AnnieHeights said:

Did I also hear Erin mention she was able to use his antiques?

Yes, you heard that. The kitchen table that she and her friend refinished was his and was just perfect for that kitchen. She said that he had lots of antiques in storage and he told them to use what they needed. We know that all of the things in his study in the built-ins were things he had collected so I am hoping some(lots) of the other pieces were from his things in storage also. Such a great renovation!

Edited to add:

Just found this on the Laurel Mercantile site.

"Erin & Ben wanted the living room to be an ode to Luke’s love for the outdoors and antiques. Erin noted that almost all of the furniture was his, as his family were antiques dealers and it fit his new home so well!"

 

Here is the link to the site with all of the photos! Really impressive!

https://www.laurelmercantile.com/blogs/journal/the-ponder-house

Edited February 7, 2018 by suebee12

[Kapaluakids]

Hi. It’s my first foray into the world of forums. I just wanted to say that I really like Erin and Ben. Such a breath of fresh air after Chip and Joanna. I like how they try to remain true historically to the houses rather than turning them all into open concept farmhouses. I recently discovered the Laurel Mercantile as well. I purchased a painting by artist Mandy Buchanan who’s work is often seen on the show. I like how Ben and Erin showcase local artisans.