If your backyard is feeling more “blah” than “block party,”Ben and Erin Napierhave a few game-changing ideas to turn things around — just in time for late-summer hangs. While Ben and Erin may be known for their interior restoration onHome Town, they also have some pretty insightful ideas for backyard transformations that lean into cozy gazebos and smart landscape swaps.We’ve got Erin’s insider tips to bring your backyard blues to a full-blown summer paradise.
Ben and Erin Napier Reveal ‘Home Town’ Backyard Transformations
While backyards don’t typically trend onHome Town,this past season changed things for the Napiers.The couple helped their longtime friends,Adam and Lily Trest, bring their dream backyard to life. Despite some issues along the way, Ben and Erin were able to give the family a pool that looked like it had been there forever, and a gazebo, which is Laurel talk for a cabana.The project was a massive hit, but it was a rare breed for the couple. What they’re better versed in revolves around landscaping and greenhouses.
Known for embarking on major endeavors, Ben surprised his family by building a greenhouse and garden.He shared with Southern Living, “We both want our kids to grow up with a love of gardening. We want them to know how to do all the stuff our parents and the generations before them did. It was a big part of growing up and feels like something that has been lost in the last couple of decades.” Keeping sustainability in the forefront, Ben considered every element of this project, which included channeling his inner Erin so it wasn’t just a “thrown up shed with windows and called it a day.” With history and storytelling woven into every detail — from railings salvaged from the filmTitanicto New York City park benches honoring the couple’s honeymoon spot —Ben’s top tip is to infuse your project with personal meaning.Sentimentality is a great conversation starter when you invite your friends and family.
For Erin,her biggest tips come in the form of landscaping maintenance. Having experienced overgrown vegetation and greenery, untamed yards can lead to a distraction of potential beauty. Her biggest tip is to start from scratch with a clean slate. Though it can be a daunting task, it’s best to pursue it as it will be beneficial in the long run. From there, Erin says, put in a salad garden!Speaking to Southern Living, she shared that her Mississippi garden includes romaine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, dill, and more.Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it’s a healthy and sustainable option.
Erin Napier Would Be Unstoppable if She Partnered With This Influential HGTV Icon
Erin Napier and Jenny Marrs are cut from the same HGTV cloth.
Ben and Erin Napier’s ‘Home Town’ Friends Have Backyard Tips
Of course, the Napiers aren’t the only ones who have some summer tips and advice for upgrading your backyard space.Jim and Mallorie Rasberryhave been seen working alongside Ben and Erin onHome Townandhave been a major factor in helping to beautify Laurel throughtheir own tips to bring a rustic backyard to life.
While discussing their getaway cabin, they said character can help tell a story and bring out the nostalgia in the project,using board-and-batten siding and a metal roof to give the exterior an “ode to the old cabin.“To help add even more charm, they said to consider rustic finds, like vintage metal signs, from antique malls. From there, lighting is key so you’re able to keep the festivities going all through the night.
Of course, no summer is complete without a cookout. A grill is a necessity for any backyard, big or small. But one unique element that not every home can handle is a pass-through window. It’s an incredible and accessible way to help the workflow both inside and out. This upgrade may not be for everyone, but can make fast clean-up a reality. Finally, don’t forget about outdoor decor. Give your backyard that rustic, country feel with farmhouse-inspired tables and picnic plaids, and you’re good to go! With tips coming from all theHome Townsuperstars, no one is going to want to leave your backyard. As they say,“You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”
Home Townis available to stream on Max.
