Hometown HGTV Homes - A Look At Laurel's Charm
There's something truly special about a place where old homes tell stories, where history whispers from every porch, and where a couple dedicates themselves to making those tales sing again. That's pretty much the magic you find with Ben and Erin Napier and their beloved show, "Home Town," which has certainly put Laurel, Mississippi, on a lot of people's maps. It's not just about fixing up houses; it's about helping a whole community feel proud of its past and excited for what's to come, all through the warmth of preserving what's already there.
You know, it's really something to see how much love and care they pour into each project. They have this knack for finding old things and giving them a fresh purpose, like using salvaged bits and pieces or beautiful old fabrics to keep the true spirit of these classic homes. It makes you think about how every house has its own personality, and how important it is to honor that while still making it a comfortable place for folks to live today. It's a style that feels very real and, in a way, just right for what people are looking for in a home.
The show, which first popped up on HGTV back in 2016, has really become a big favorite, more or less a regular thing people tune into. It shows how much folks appreciate seeing old buildings brought back to life, especially when it's done with such a personal touch. The Napiers, with their passion for their small Mississippi community, have helped so many people find their own dream spots, turning what might have been forgotten structures into homes that truly shine. It's a wonderful thing to witness, honestly.
Table of Contents
- Who Are the Napier Folks Behind Hometown HGTV Homes?
- What Makes Home Town So Special?
- How Do They Pick Those Hometown HGTV Homes?
- The Napier Style - What Makes It Tick?
- Is Home Town as Real as It Seems?
- Beyond Laurel - Expanding the Hometown HGTV Homes Reach
- Watching the Magic Unfold
- A Final Thought on Hometown HGTV Homes
Who Are the Napier Folks Behind Hometown HGTV Homes?
Ben and Erin Napier are, in a way, the heart of the "Home Town" series. They are a husband and wife team who have made it their business to restore old houses, mostly in their small community of Laurel, Mississippi. Erin, who started out in graphic design, brings a thoughtful, artistic eye to the projects, often sketching out ideas and paying close attention to every detail. Ben, on the other hand, is the one who handles the building and the hands-on work, often creating custom pieces of furniture or fixtures for the homes. They are, you know, quite a pair, working together to make each house feel just right.
Their love for their community and for older buildings is pretty clear in everything they do. They don't just fix things up; they try to keep the original feel and history of the place. This dedication to preservation, along with their friendly, down-to-earth way of being, has really made them popular with viewers. They also have two little ones, Helen, who is six, and Mae, who is three, which, you know, adds another layer to their story as a family working together in their hometown.
Ben and Erin Napier - A Little About Them
| Names | Ben and Erin Napier |
| Known For | Hosts of HGTV's "Home Town" |
| Hometown | Laurel, Mississippi |
| Children | Helen (6), Mae (3) |
| Show Premiere | January 24, 2016 |
| Show Producer | RTR Media (Canadian company) |
What Makes Home Town So Special?
The appeal of "Home Town" seems to come from a few different places, honestly. For one, it's about seeing something old get a fresh start, which is pretty satisfying. The Napiers have a knack for taking houses that might seem a bit tired or forgotten and giving them a whole new lease on life. They really try to honor the original character of these places, which is something a lot of people appreciate. It's not just about making things look new; it's about making them feel loved again, in a way.
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Another big part of it is the focus on Laurel, Mississippi. It's not just a backdrop; it's almost like another character in the show. You get a sense of the community, the history, and the local pride. The Napiers are very open about their love for their small town, and that genuine connection really comes through. It makes the show feel more personal, less like just another renovation program. It's about how homes fit into a larger story of a place and its people, you know?
Then there's Ben and Erin themselves. They have a very easygoing, relatable way about them. They seem like the kind of folks you'd want to hang out with. Their banter, their shared passion, and their commitment to doing good work make them very likable. This personal touch, combined with their skill at making houses beautiful, is probably why the show has become such a big hit, consistently bringing in viewers since it first started airing.
How Do They Pick Those Hometown HGTV Homes?
When it comes to choosing which homes get the "Home Town" treatment, it seems like there's a real focus on finding places that have a story to tell, or ones that could really benefit from some tender loving care. The show often features folks who are looking for a historic house, maybe one with a big porch or lots of green space around it. For instance, there was a time when a couple wanted a classic mansion that needed some work, and another instance where a photographer friend of the Napiers was hoping for a traditional home but with a little bit of a modern touch. It's about finding that right fit, you know, between the people and the property.
They also seem to pick houses that allow them to show off their particular skills and their way of doing things. Sometimes it's a home from the 1940s that needs to become someone's small-town dream spot, or a cottage that has a unique feature like a "banquette dreams" episode. The goal, it seems, is to find houses where they can truly bring out the best, making sure the changes honor the original structure while also fitting the new owners' wishes. It's pretty cool how they manage to do that, honestly.
There have been cases, apparently, where a house from the show ends up back on the market, like one from season one's "Homecoming" episode. This just goes to show that these are real homes for real people, and life happens. But the fact that these "hometown HGTV homes" get a chance at a new life and are often sought after speaks volumes about the work Ben and Erin do.
The Napier Style - What Makes It Tick?
The way Ben and Erin approach their renovations is pretty distinctive, and it's a big part of why people love watching "Home Town." They really focus on keeping the original feel of a place. This means using things like found items and old textiles to add personality and warmth. It's not about making everything look brand new and generic; it's about celebrating the age and the story of the house. They are, you know, very good at that.
They are also known for being experts at making a home's outside look inviting. The Napiers really understand how to make a house have great "curb appeal," which is that first impression you get when you see a home from the street. They can take any house and really make its exterior pop, which is pretty important when you think about it. It’s all about creating a welcoming feeling, right from the very first glance.
You often see them bringing in custom pieces, like the furniture Ben makes, or Erin's thoughtful design choices that blend old and new. They have this knack for creating spaces that feel lived-in and comfortable, but also fresh and bright. There was even a colorful home that was a favorite from a recent season, showing how they can really nail a renovation, even with a unique design choice. It’s a very personal touch they add to each of these "hometown HGTV homes."
Is Home Town As Real As It Seems?
A question that sometimes comes up with shows like "Home Town" is whether everything you see is, you know, completely true to life. People wonder if Ben and Erin Napier and the show are "too good to be true" or "how much is fake." Loren Ruch, who is in charge of content for HGTV, has talked about how their collaboration with Ben and Erin has really helped "Home Town" become so popular. This suggests that the genuine connection and work they do are a big reason for the show's success.
The fact that the show is produced by RTR Media, a Canadian company, doesn't really change the fact that the Napiers are working in their actual community, restoring actual homes for real people. The stories, like the woman who had trouble with a contractor and was left with an unlivable space, or the homes that are later put up for sale, suggest that these are real situations and real properties. It's not just a set; it's Laurel, Mississippi, and the "hometown HGTV homes" they work on are part of the community's fabric.
While all reality shows have a production process, the core of "Home Town" seems to be very much rooted in Ben and Erin's real passion for old homes and their community. They are, you know, actually bringing new life to these old buildings, and that's something you can really see and feel when you watch the show. It’s pretty clear their commitment is sincere.
Beyond Laurel - Expanding the Hometown HGTV Homes Reach
While Laurel, Mississippi, is certainly the main stage for "Home Town," Ben and Erin Napier have, you know, started to spread their mission a bit further. There's a spin-off series called "Home Town Kickstart" where they take their unique way of doing things beyond their own community. This show sees them helping other struggling towns across the country get a boost, bringing their brand of renovation and community renewal to new places. It's a way for their ideas about revitalizing small towns to reach even more people.
This expansion shows just how much impact their original show has had. Their approach to changing old houses into dream homes, and their pride in their community, has resonated with so many viewers. It's not just about one town anymore; it's about the idea that every small town can find its own way to thrive by celebrating its history and giving its buildings a fresh start. They are, you know, really making a difference.
HGTV has shown a lot of faith in the Napiers, too. They've given "Home Town" the go-ahead for 32 more episodes, which means 32 more properties in Laurel will get that special Napier touch. Plus, Ben and Erin have signed a new, exclusive deal with the network, which suggests they have a bright future ahead, continuing to bring their unique charm and renovation skills to viewers everywhere. It’s pretty exciting for fans of "hometown HGTV homes."
Watching the Magic Unfold
For anyone who loves seeing old homes get a new lease on life, or just enjoys a good story about community and creativity, "Home Town" is pretty easy to find. The show has been a regular part of the HGTV lineup since 2016, and the eighth season started airing in January 2024. You can also catch it on Discovery+, which is handy for those who like to stream their favorite shows whenever they want. It's pretty much always available for a good watch.
The show has celebrated some big milestones, too. In April 2023, Ben and Erin marked their 100th episode, which is quite an achievement for any television series. That means a lot of houses have been transformed, and a lot of stories have been told over the years. It just goes to show how much people enjoy seeing the work they do and the way they connect with the people they help. It's a show that, you know, really sticks with you.
Whether it's seeing a 1968 house featured in an episode like "So Long Loft, Hello Home" get a total makeover, or watching them help someone who's had a tough time with a renovation, the Napiers seem to always bring their best. They're known for never missing a beat when it comes to making a renovation just right, often creating colorful and memorable homes that become favorites from the season. It’s pretty clear they put their heart into every single one of these "hometown HGTV homes."
A Final Thought on Hometown HGTV Homes
The journey of "Home Town" with Ben and Erin Napier really highlights how a love for history, community, and thoughtful design can make a big difference. From bringing new life to old buildings in Laurel, Mississippi, to expanding their mission to other towns, their work shows the power of preserving character and creating beautiful, welcoming spaces. It's a testament to how passion and hard work can truly transform both houses and the spirits of the people who live in them.
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