Farmhouse Fixer

Was so unpleasantly suprised to see the episode from 5-7-24. I adore Jon Knight and have watched him faithfully since his first series began. He is one of the only featured stars who actually restores and preserves historical treasures. He is very skilled and generally displays so much talent and good taste. Since Christina has gained more control of the design concepts, I have been less impressed. She is lovely and they both treat people so kindly and respectfully, however, she has been making unpleasant choices. The farmhouse featured on this episode was gorgeous before any renovations began. It looked far worse when the show ended. Why would the original front door be ignored as an entrance to open in to a closet. The color choices and horrific wallpaper made me shudder. If it were my home I'd detonate a bomb inside.

I love Jonathan and I what he's doing restoring old houses but I've yet to watch an episode where I was blown away by the design. Most of the time I'm saying no, no, no! Nothing seems cohesive in the design. These people spend close to 200 grand or more and I'm wondering where it goes. I hate to say this but I agree with a lot of the other reviews that say that the designer is not up to par. She just put a small blue hexagon tile in the entry way and mud room and then chose a dark gray larger hexagon tile in the kitchen and the rest of the first floor was refinished hardwood. Too many flooring styles on the same floor which made it seem even more chopped up and not cohesive. She also used a garish blue color for trim in the kitchen(with dark green appliances, which could have and should have been gorgeous) and dining room. Top this off with the most heinous, busy green print wallpaper in the office(same floor) and you see what I mean about not having a cohesive design. They spent 200 grand and were expecting a new laundry room with a small addition and they got a small laundry closet(no room to fold, hang items or even store laundry items) I would have been so let down by this and I got the feeling the husband wasn't impressed. I'm not impressed with any of her choices from paint color to flooring to light fixtures or anything quite frankly. Like I said, I just love Jonathan and his mission to restore old houses but I feel the designer has got to go.

The hosts really seem to genuinely care about the stories behind these beautiful old homes and do their best to breathe new life into each one.

The host is fun to watch as he gets excited about all aspects of the renovation. I love the desire to honor the history of the homes while making them livable for a modern family.

I've read multiple complaints about the designer. Actually I think her work is overall good. Although there have been some unfortunate choices (beautiful exterior trim with no visible contrast to the wall color, large neon light of words in bedroom, stark modern black/white painting in otherwise cozy dining room), most of her designs have been attractive and clearly what the homeowners want/in their style.

Happy homeowners should be more important than striving to cater to the varying tastes of viewers. I think the homeowners being pleased consistently will be a strong factor in the shows success, in addition to the likeable host and quality work.

P. S. You hear that some of these shows are fake, with hosts not actually doing the work portrayed. Haha, after watching 3 episodes, I find myself really hoping he is legitimately that involved.

I need a BFF like him, he cares about what he does.