Home Renovation Trends Guided by HGTV Icons
In the world of home renovations and design, many individuals turn to HGTV stars for inspiration and direction. A significant trend currently gaining traction is the farmhouse chic aesthetic, largely popularized by Joanna Gaines and her show Fixer Upper. The terms “shiplap” and “barn doors” have become staples in our vocabulary, largely because audiences strive to emulate her style.
While designers often express their preferred style visions, they rarely discuss what they dislike in home design. HGTV shows typically focus on positive renovations, leaving little room to explain which choices are less favorable. To uncover what HGTV personalities dislike, we look to insightful interviews. For instance, Erin Napier, host of Home Town, has made it clear that she wishes designers would stop painting over natural wood.
Erin Napier Advocates for Natural Wood
In a 2018 interview with PopSugar, Erin Napier voiced her disdain for the trend of covering natural wood. She expressed hope that more people would embrace the warmth of unstained wood instead of opting for painted surfaces, proclaiming, “The organic movement in wood grain is art!” Over her seven seasons on Home Town and three on Home Town Takeover, Erin has consistently showcased a love for rustic home charm, often prioritizing the preservation of a home’s original beauty. Whenever they encounter natural wood—whether in flooring, paneling, or ceilings—Erin and her husband, Ben Napier, become excited to keep those elements intact.
While staining can occasionally be necessary, it’s not the same as painting. The Napiers’ rustic aesthetic is largely at odds with the notion of painting wood furniture, which is often seen in shows like Flea Market Flip, where old pieces are renovated with a fresh coat of paint. Though such transformations are popular, Erin prefers maintaining wood’s natural beauty. She believes doing so allows for a timeless quality, even as style trends shift back to classic and nostalgic designs. For those who favor modern elements, natural wood may not suit their vision, but that’s not Erin’s style.
Designing Like Erin Napier
Erin’s insistence on preserving natural wood ties closely to her mission on Home Town, which aims to revitalize her hometown of Laurel without erasing its historic charm. For Erin, this is more than aesthetics; it’s deeply personal. Painting over wood symbolizes a disregard for the past, which contrasts with her goal of honoring history while modernizing homes. This commitment is evident in her design methods, which she even shares with her daughter, teaching her to create vision boards that incorporate their unique design philosophies.
Now that you know to avoid painting over natural wood, consider adopting other elements of Erin Napier’s design style. She favors gallery walls, painted tiles, and advises that if you wish to enhance a home’s natural features, do it thoughtfully, especially with brick. Vintage touches in decor, furnishings, and wallpaper are also essential to her signature style. While not everyone might resonate with her “grandmillennial” aesthetic, it undoubtedly sets her apart.
Erin Napier’s philosophy embodies the idea that everything old can be made new again—just be cautious about inviting her over if you’ve painted your wooden furniture!
Catch Home Town on Wednesdays at 8 PM on HGTV, with all episodes available for streaming on Max.
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