Ben and Erin Napier, the dynamic duo behind HGTV‘s hit show Home Town, recently turned heads with their latest renovation project. In an episode that aired on January 5, the couple breathed new life into a historic century-old house in laurel, Mississippi, transforming it into a vibrant space for the Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center. While the renovation itself was remarkable, it was a subtle design choice that sparked a lively discussion among fans.
For the first time, the Napiers decided to display books on a bookshelf with their spines facing outward. While this might seem like a minor detail, it marked a meaningful departure from their usual style. Typically, the couple arranges books with their spines hidden, a signature design choice that has become synonymous with their aesthetic. This unique approach has been highlighted on their Laurel Mercantile website and in numerous episodes of Home Town.
when the Napiers shared photos of the renovation on Instagram, one fan quickly noticed the change, commenting, “This may be the first time you haven’t turned all the books around, hiding the spines.” the playful remark underscored how closely fans follow the couple’s design decisions. Another follower chimed in, suggesting that displaying the book spines made perfect sense for the space, especially since it was intended to serve as a library.
the decision to showcase the book spines also reflects a broader trend in home design. In recent years, hiding book spines has gained popularity among homeowners aiming for a minimalist or cohesive look.Tho, as one fan pointed out, the ability to see and easily access books remains a timeless practicality that many still value. this episode of Home Town serves as a reminder that design choices often strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
This particular renovation not only highlighted the Napiers’ remarkable talent for transforming spaces but also ignited a conversation about the small details that make a house feel like a home. Whether it’s a bold design choice or a subtle nod to tradition, Ben and Erin continue to inspire viewers with their thoughtful and innovative approach to renovation.
Home Town airs Sundays at 8/7c on HGTV.
How to Submit a Letter to the Editor for the Fort Myers news-Press
If you’re looking to submit a letter to the editor for The News-Press, here’s a breakdown of the key guidelines to keep in mind:
- Word Limit: Letters should be 250 words or less.
- Personal Facts: include your full name and the city or community where you reside.
- Content: Ensure your letter is relevant, concise, and respectful. Avoid personal attacks or offensive language.
- Submission: You can submit your letter through the publication’s designated platform or contact them directly for more details.
Based on examples from the publication, such as a letter discussing Donald J. Trump, it’s clear that The News-Press welcomes a wide range of opinions on current events, politics, and community issues. If you have specific questions about the submission process, feel free to reach out for further assistance!
Why did Ben and Erin napier choose to display the books spines outward in the Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Centre renovation?
archyde Exclusive Interview: Ben and Erin Napier on Design Choices, Community Impact, and the Power of Books
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
In the world of home renovation and design, few names resonate as strongly as Ben and Erin Napier. The beloved hosts of HGTV’s Home Town have become synonymous with revitalizing historic homes and breathing new life into small-town America. Their latest project,a renovation of a century-old house in Laurel,Mississippi,for the Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center,has once again captured the hearts of fans. but it was a subtle design choice—displaying books with their spines facing outward—that sparked a wave of conversation among viewers.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Ben and Erin to discuss this decision, their design ideology, and the deeper meaning behind their work.
Archyde: Ben and Erin,thank you for joining us. Your latest project for the Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center has been a huge hit. What inspired you to take on this particular renovation?
Erin Napier: Thank you for having us! This project was really special to us because it’s not just about creating a lovely space—it’s about creating a space that serves a purpose.The Unlimited dreams Christian Learning Center is a place where kids in our community can come to learn,grow,and dream big. When we where approached with the idea, we knew we had to be a part of it.
Ben Napier: Absolutely. Laurel is our home, and we’re always looking for ways to give back. This center is going to be a game-changer for so many families, and we wanted to make sure the space reflected that sense of hope and possibility.
Archyde: Let’s talk about the design choice that’s got everyone talking—the bookshelf with the spines facing outward. This is a departure from your usual style of hiding the spines. what prompted this change?
Erin Napier: (laughs) We knew this would get people talking! Honestly, it was a very intentional decision. Typically, we hide the spines to create a more uniform, cohesive look. But for this space, we wanted the books to be front and center—literally. Books are such a powerful symbol of learning and discovery, and we wanted to celebrate that.
Ben Napier: Yeah, it’s about more than just aesthetics. This is a learning center, and books are at the heart of what they do. By displaying them this way, we’re sending a message: knowledge is something to be proud of, something to showcase. It’s a small detail, but we hope it inspires the kids who come hear to pick up a book and dive in.
Archyde: That’s such a beautiful sentiment. Your work often goes beyond just design—it’s about storytelling and community. How do you balance those elements in your projects?
Erin Napier: For us, design is never just about how something looks. It’s about how it feels and what it means to the people who use the space. every home, every building has a story, and our job is to honor that story while making it functional and beautiful for the people who live or work there.
Ben Napier: And community is at the core of everything we do. Weather it’s a family home or a project like this learning center,we’re always thinking about how the space will impact the people who use it. It’s not just about creating something pretty—it’s about creating something meaningful.
Archyde: Speaking of community, Laurel has become a bit of a star in it’s own right thanks to Home Town. How has the show impacted your town, and how do you feel about being ambassadors for small-town America?
Erin Napier: It’s been incredible to see how the show has put Laurel on the map. We’ve had people from all over the country—and even the world—come to visit, and that’s brought a lot of economic growth to our town.But more than that, it’s shown people the beauty of small-town life. there’s a sense of community here that you just can’t find in bigger cities.
Ben Napier: We’re proud to be from Laurel, and we’re proud to share its story. Small towns have so much to offer—history,charm,and a sense of belonging. If our show inspires people to appreciate that, then we’ve done our job.
Archyde: what’s next for you two? Any exciting projects or plans on the horizon?
Erin Napier: We’ve got a lot in the works! We’re continuing to film new episodes of Home Town, and we’re also working on some exciting collaborations and product lines.But our main focus is always on Laurel and finding new ways to give back to our community.
Ben Napier: And of course, we’re always looking for the next big project that lets us tell a great story through design.whether it’s a historic home or a community space like the learning center, we’re always up for a challenge.
Archyde: Ben and Erin, thank you so much for your time. Your work continues to inspire, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
erin Napier: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to share our journey.
Ben Napier: And thank you for shining a light on the importance of community and design. we’re grateful for the opportunity to do what we love.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more exclusive interviews and stories that matter.
