Hooked on Homeworthy
(And a Fairhope House Tour!)
My hot entertainment for the moment is the YouTube decorating fix, Homeworthy. It’s a runaway success that has surpassed the likes of old-guard design shows on HGTV and PBS. Airing on social media platforms instead of traditional television, it provides a format for everyday people to give tours of their houses, and in doing so, have reached over 1 million viewers.
The casual home tours begin with a smiling homeowner opening the front door and a friendly greeting to, “Come on in and let me show you around my house.” Some hosts are professional decorators while others just have a knack for style, be it bold and contemporary or traditional.
It’s fun to see how other people live while wearing your jammies. There’s no housewarming gift needed and you can press the pause button to take notes on wallpaper sources and garden designs that may come in handy someday. Who knows? It’s the show of dreams. The downside for me is that there is little editing and some homeowners want to talk on and on about insignificant aspects, like their dog’s fluffy-wuffy-lil’ bed or a ten minute explanation of their child’s baby toy given to them by a 2nd cousin, that inspired a tiger themed playroom. It makes it real, but I prefer to stick to the basic paint colors and kitchen design. “Show the pantry!” is what I say.
The tours feature neat-as-a-pin homes, with no erupting laundry baskets awaiting a wash or peanut butter smeared countertops. The homeowners aren’t professionally trained TV personalities, which can sometimes be irritating when they “umm- umm” and “like, ya’ know” us to death, but it keeps it real, ya’ know? That’s when the fast-forward button comes in handy.
Modern, traditional, artsy-funky or mid century modern, there’s something for everyone, and even if you aren’t a fan of their individual style, you can appreciate their passion for creating a home they love. Isn’t that what everyone longs for?
Speaking of a passion for home, my own obsession with pretty houses will be fed on April 11th with The Eastern Shore Art Center Spring Homes Tour in Fairhope, Alabama.
Although I’ve already been in a few of the houses, it’s always good to see them again and like Homeworthy, the tour homes that are new to me will be a fun surprise. Grab loveliness while you can, because it will be nice to stroll and see the works of local architects, decorators and artists. The ticket price funds outreach programs for children and at-need populations in our community, and it’s a lovely way to spend the day. Ticket information can be found at esartcenter.org.
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