HGTV Home Town controversy: Ben Napier responds to Fans Outcry.

In the recent airing of HGTV’s Home Town, Erin and Ben Napier, the dynamic design duo, embarked on a groundbreaking project. For the very first time, they decided to demolish an irreparable house and construct a tailor-made new one for a newlywed couple. The couple’s vision was for an “eclectic, English apothecary style” residence brimming with cottage charm.

Following the episode, Erin faced criticism regarding her decision to opt for a green-and-white striped awning instead of the architectural team’s proposed wooden arch for the front stoop. In response, Erin took to Instagram to provide clarification.

The crux of the matter lay in the budget constraints. With a modest $150,000 budget, Erin and Ben not only had to build a 793-square-foot home from scratch but also infuse it with the warm embrace of historical charm. While the episode’s editing left some details ambiguous, it was revealed that the wooden arch would have incurred an additional cost of approximately $3,500. This expenditure would have necessitated sacrificing intricate woodwork details and interior trim upgrades. For Erin, the decision was unequivocal.

 

 

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“Our inaugural new build came with a tight $150k budget, but we spared no effort in infusing it with timeless allure. I understand some of you were disappointed with my choice of the striped awning over the arched porch.

What wasn’t aired was the revelation that the arch would have cost us around $3500, leaving us little room for the intricate woodwork and substantial trim we envisioned for the interior,” shared the HGTV design luminary and best-selling author on Instagram, alongside a carousel showcasing the final masterpiece.

“The trade-off didn’t seem justified to us—after all, millwork is what sets apart new constructions from historic homes, particularly in terms of interior aesthetics. With LVT floors, we were determined to preserve every ounce of character indoors,” she elaborated. “I’m thrilled with the delightful awning, and it seems our clients are too. 😄 #HGTVHomeTown (a big shout-out to our exceptional architects @lakeandlandstudio, masters at crafting new homes with old-world charm!)”

We tuned in to catch the latest episode, titled “Old World, New Build,” and we must admit, Erin and Ben’s work was undeniably impressive. From the unique engraved wood knobs adorning the green kitchen cabinets to the delectable wall color described as “creamy, taupe-y, yummy goodness,” every detail was carefully curated. (By the way, if you’re seeking a similar paint color, we recommend Benjamin Moore’s Monroe Bisque.)

And let’s not overlook the ingenious small space decorating with those custom range covers doubling as cutting boards – a stroke of genius!

However, despite Erin’s detailed explanation, some fans remained unconvinced.

“The awning looks cheap and would be better off left out altogether! Just saying! Huge letdown! Maybe you could have cut costs on those pricey kitchen appliances,” one fan expressed with candor.

This sharp critique prompted Erin to reply, “You’re entitled to your opinion, just as we are on our show, which I believe surpasses yours in every aspect.”

“Snap,” responded another fan, tagging the original commenter. Many chimed in to applaud Erin’s response, while others voiced their preference for quality appliances – a must for the homeowner who loves to cook.

Some voiced their preference for the arched entrance but also acknowledged Erin’s design choice. “I was disappointed when the arched doorway didn’t make it, as I felt it would elevate the home to another level. However, it turned out to be such a beautiful and charming home. Once again, you knocked it out of the park,” remarked one viewer.

Another comment that caught our attention was: “We were shouting at the TV, ‘keep the arch’ 😂 then discovered this couple were Tolkien fans, and I nearly lost it… an arched doorway equals the perfect Hobbit house ❤️ I adore this episode. The color palette. The custom knobs. The mushroom knobs. Bathroom mirror. Simply perfect!”

Some viewers noted that the homeowners could opt to add the arch later if they desired.

Amidst the praise, the homeowner themselves chimed in, expressing their love for the project: “We adore it more than anything and feel incredibly blessed to call it our home 💛 can’t thank you enough.”