On January 15, 2024, Napier posted on Instagram to celebrate the successful renovation of a spacious residence in Laurel, Mississippi, which she and her husband Ben Napier had undertaken in the episode. The post not only highlighted the accomplishment of the transformation but also delved into the “toughest” aspects of the entire process.
The homeowner, artist, and retired civil engineer Mike Terrell, had acquired the property previously owned by Gwen and William Burton, aiming to modernize the interior and convert the back deck into a contemporary retreat featuring a stainless steel hot tub. Alongside inspiring unique artistic elements, the project encountered hurdles, notably the theft of the luxurious hot tub intended for installation on Terrell’s back deck, as revealed by Erin Napier.
Erin Napier Says Hot Tub Theft Caused Long Delay in Filming
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Adorning Terrell’s back deck as the pinnacle of outdoor upgrades was a stainless steel hot tub, a striking feature that required precision placement through the use of a crane, hoisted over the home and carefully positioned within a cutout in the deck. However, the hot tub showcased in the episode was not the original one intended for that space.
Erin Napier, in her Instagram update, revealed, “The original hot tub was stolen en route to delivery, and the truck driver ghosted us! The one we installed came weeks later, and Mike was such a good sport about the delay.”
Stainless steel hot tubs, as highlighted by Diamond Spas, offer a luxurious choice for homeowners seeking durability and eco-friendly materials. Described as “highly sanitary” with “superior resistance to bacteria” by the specialized company, these qualities were crucial for Terrell, who expressed his aversion to the idea of using a hot tub with potential germs or bacteria from previous owners.
During the episode, Ben and his co-worker were seen testing Terrell’s new hot tub, prompting concern from fans in the comment section of Erin’s post. One person humorously remarked, “He wanted a new hot tub that hadn’t had other people in it yet you put other people in it 😂,” while another questioned the permission aspect, stating, “came here to see if they got permission because he was clear he didn’t want to use other peoples jets. I figure they did or wouldn’t have done it and put it on TV.”
Despite Erin responding to various comments about the episode, at the time of publication, she had not addressed questions regarding Ben’s immersion in the hot tub.
Modern Home Inspired Ben & Erin to Try Multiple New Design Elements
While the previous owners of the residence leaned towards a traditional design and decor, Terrell had a strong preference for a modern aesthetic, a departure from the Napiers’ usual expertise. Accommodating his taste posed a challenge, as Erin openly acknowledged.
In her Instagram post, she shared, “That’s maybe the hardest part of making #HGTVHomeTown. It’s actually my hometown, and I have personal connections to the families who designed these homes that were once their pride and joy.”
During the show, Erin mentioned her inclination to preserve the kitchen’s existing design, but Terrell sought a sleek, contemporary update featuring “waterfall” countertops—a first for “Home Town.” However, venturing beyond their comfort zone turned out to be a source of inspiration for the Napiers, leading them to explore new design elements.
Innovatively enhancing the outdoor space, Ben crafted a wooden and copper bar cart for Terrell, facilitating the easy transportation of beverages and snacks from inside to the deck. The cart seamlessly accommodated a removable tray, readily available at the Napiers’ Laurel Mercantile.
As the episode aired, Ben disclosed that the concept for the custom piece struck him in the middle of the night. He tweeted, “Y’all, I dreamed about that cart. I woke up at 2:00 am and drew the cart. And the tray was an afterthought because we already make them!!”