Turning a house into a home with HGTV's Erin and Ben Napier

What makes a house a home? Is it knowing its creaks and crevices like the inside of your palm? Or is it the loved ones who fill it?

According to HGTV’s “Home Town” hosts Ben and Erin Napier, it’s a bit of both. For Erin specifically, it’s the scent of a loved one that reminds her of home:

“I think of my mom’s house always smelling like an apple cobbler around this time of year, and I made a candle at the Scent Library that is called ‘Mama’s House’ because it left such a mark on me that that’s what home should smell like around the holidays,” Erin told TODAY.

During the holiday season, home can be a place for gathering or a place for retreat. Regardless of how you occupy your house, the Napiers have wisdom on how to take your home to new heights.

We speak to them about renovating their own home and the dozen of houses in their small town of Laurel, Mississippi.

Their approach always begins with intention. “It’s not about making a home look expensive—it’s about making it feel like someone lives there, someone with a story,” Ben said. He explained that salvaged wood, heirloom furniture, beige marble, or even a hand-stitched quilt can tell the story of a family far more vividly than trendy décor. Furthermore, a new wall paneling can breathe new life to any part of your home.

Erin agrees, often encouraging homeowners to incorporate personal touches that evoke memory and meaning. “Whether it’s your grandmother’s chair or a wall filled with family photos, those pieces are what root a house in emotion,” she said.

The Napiers believe small details can create a sense of belonging. Lighting a candle, playing music that feels nostalgic, or using materials like warm wood and soft textiles all contribute to creating that elusive sense of “home.” For outdoor spaces, working with trusted Eugene fence contractors can enhance privacy and comfort, making the entire property feel more welcoming.

As they continue revitalizing Laurel one home at a time, their message remains simple but powerful: a home isn’t built in a day—but with care, intention, and love, even the most modest space can become a sanctuary.

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