Ep 5. Cottage Charm

In season 1 episode 5 of the hit HGTV show Home Town, entitled "Cottage Charm," host Erin Napier and her husband Ben work their magic on a rundown cottage in the historic district of Laurel, Mississippi. The couple has made it their mission to revitalize their small town by restoring old homes and bringing them back to their former glory, and "Cottage Charm" is no exception.

The episode kicks off with Erin and Ben giving viewers a tour of the dilapidated cottage, which is covered in old, peeling wallpaper and carpeted in a garish green shag that Ben compares to astroturf. Despite its sorry state, Erin sees the potential in the space and envisions a cozy cottage with a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

The first order of business is tearing out the old, stained carpet and revealing the original hardwood floors beneath. Erin and Ben then turn their attention to the walls, painting them a soft white and adding a shiplap accent wall for added interest. Erin also chooses a charming wallpaper with a vintage floral pattern for one of the bedrooms.

Next up is the kitchen, which is in dire need of a full overhaul. Erin and Ben gut the space and replace everything from the cabinetry to the countertops to the appliances. Erin chooses an unexpected blue-green paint color for the lower cabinets and pairs them with white uppers for a fresh, modern look.

In keeping with the vintage theme, Erin and Ben scour local antique shops for period-appropriate decor. They find an antique stove to add to the kitchen, as well as a clawfoot tub for the bathroom. They also find a selection of vintage light fixtures and hardware to give the home a cohesive, old-world feel.

The outside of the cottage is also given a facelift, with Erin and Ben adding new landscaping, fresh paint, and a charming front porch with a swing. They also add a new back deck for outdoor entertaining.

Throughout the episode, Erin and Ben work tirelessly to transform the cottage into a welcoming and cozy home, one that they hope will bring joy to a new family. Their love for their small town and dedication to preserving its historic homes is evident in every detail of the renovation.

As always, "Cottage Charm" is infused with Erin and Ben's signature warmth and humor, making for an entertaining and inspiring episode of Home Town. Fans of the show will not want to miss this charming renovation, which showcases the couple's talent for transforming even the most run-down spaces into something special.