Ben and Erin Napier Break Tradition with Forward-Facing books in Latest Home Town Renovation
In a surprising twist during their latest Home Town renovation, Ben and Erin Napier showcased a rare design choice that left fans buzzing. The couple, known for their signature backward bookshelves, opted to display books with their spines facing outward in a recent episode of the HGTV hit show.
The episode, which aired on January 5, featured the transformation of a century-old house in Laurel, Mississippi, into the new home for the unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center.While the renovation itself was a masterpiece, it was the bookshelf that stole the spotlight.
Typically,the napiers place books backward on shelves,a design choice seen on their Laurel Mercantile website and in previous episodes of Home Town. this time, however, the spines were proudly displayed, sparking curiosity among viewers.
“This might potentially be the frist time you haven’t turned all the books around, hiding the spines,” one fan commented on Instagram. Another speculated,“I’m guessing they do that for copyright reasons…? Either way,yes,it’s cool to see the actual books!”
Erin herself chimed in,clarifying,“Somehow,we got permission from the legal folks!” This rare exception to their usual practice was likely due to the room’s purpose as a library,as another fan suggested.
The backward book trend, often attributed to copyright concerns, has been a staple in HGTV shows. Betsy Ayala, a former senior vice president of production and development for HGTV, explained in an HGTV Insider post that this practice not only avoids legal issues but also ensures homeowners aren’t judged by their book choices.This episode marks a refreshing departure from the norm, offering fans a glimpse into the Napiers’ creative flexibility.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Renovation Project | Century-old house in Laurel, Mississippi |
| Unique Feature | Forward-facing books on a bookshelf |
| Fan Reaction | Surprise and curiosity over the design choice |
| Erin’s Response | “Somehow, we got permission from the legal folks!” |
The Napiers’ ability to blend tradition with innovation continues to captivate audiences, proving that even the smallest design choices can make a big impact.For more insights into their design ideology, check out their Laurel Mercantile blog or tune into Home Town on HGTV.Have you ever noticed that bookshelves on HGTV shows like Home Town and Hidden potential often feature books with their spines turned inward? It’s not a design trend or a secret styling hack—it’s all about copyright. Jasmine Roth,the star of Hidden Potential and Help! I Wrecked My House,revealed the surprising reason behind this quirky design choice in a 2022 blog post.
“It’s a really simple answer: copyright!” Roth explained. “That’s right, this isn’t some breakthrough of a design trick.… It’s because the network would have to get copyright clearance from every single title to display them. and that’s not very realistic, considering each design could have at least 10 books in them!”
This behind-the-scenes detail highlights the complexities of television production. While viewers might assume the backward books are a stylistic choice, the reality is far more practical. HGTV avoids the legal hassle of obtaining permissions for every book title by simply flipping them around.
Interestingly, Roth noted that this practice has inspired a real-life trend.“It had become pretty popular for people to hide the book spines on their bookshelves at home,” she shared. Apparently,displaying books with their spines visible is now considered outdated. Who knew?
Why Backward Books Are Everywhere on HGTV
Here’s a fast breakdown of the key reasons behind this design quirk:
| Reason | Clarification |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Copyright Issues | HGTV would need clearance for every book title displayed, which is impractical. |
| Legal Simplicity | Flipping books avoids potential legal disputes over copyright permissions. |
| Aesthetic trend | The backward look has become a popular design choice in real homes. |
The Rise of the Backward Bookshelf Trend
While the backward bookshelf trend might seem counterintuitive—after all, how do you find your favorite book?—it’s gaining traction. Roth’s observation suggests that this HGTV-inspired style is making its way into living rooms across the country.
For fans of Home Town and other HGTV shows, this quirky detail adds a layer of intrigue to the design process. It’s a reminder that what we see on screen often involves careful consideration of legal and logistical factors.
Tune In for More Design Secrets
If you’re curious to see this trend in action, don’t miss home Town, airing Sundays at 8/7c on HGTV. And for more insights from Jasmine Roth, check out her blog post where she dives deeper into the world of TV design secrets.
What do you think about the backward bookshelf trend? Would you try it in your own home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
