| Home renovation and decorating TV shows are everywhere. Want proof? Look beyond American hits such as Trading Spaces and While You Were Out and the Canadian smash The Designer Guys, and you’ll find many off-the-beaten track offerings, like Much in Your Space, a series airing on MuchMusic that features surprise room make-overs to give young music fans a living space that reflects the spirit and attitude of their favourite recording artist.
Now added to the ever-growing roster of home design programs is the made-in-Calgary offering Open Homes. Produced by the acclaimed White Iron Pictures, this series recently hit the air on Prime TV, the CanWest Global network known by many as the channel with all those M*A*S*H* and All in the Family reruns. Like Trading Spaces, Open Homes features the make-over of two residences in each episode, but series producer, writer and director Peter Hays is quick to point out that his show is different.
"The thing that really distinguishes this show from others is the realty hook we have," he says.
Indeed, that’s realty – not just reality. While the make-overs on Trading Spaces are done simply to freshen up a room, the one-day, $1,000-budget revamps on Open Homes are geared towards upping a home’s resale value. And to add a competitive element, the home with the most improved value during the course of the show gets a coveted Golden Hammer award. Yeah, the shiny hammer is nice, but the extra jack in the homeowner’s pocket when they unload their digs is the real prize.
The evaluating duo of straight man Calvin Buss and wise-cracking Bill Brooks is just part of the large ensemble cast in each episode of Open Homes. Having six on-air regulars also sets this show apart from its TV peers – and may be the key to its success as it creates the opportunity for audiences to form endearing sitcom character-like bonds with each member of the crew.
"The particular trick for us has been to find people that are really exceptional in their fields, but also can manage being on TV," says Hays.
This feat has been accomplished. Although occasional moments of on-air awkwardness do crop up in early episodes, the viewer is still treated to a strong collection of camera-friendly, local how-to experts. There’s the confident everyman appeal and wide-ranging knowledge of builder Randy Hiebert, the homeowner-humbling, razor-sharp honesty of interior designer Jerilyn Wright and the boundless enthusiasm of gardener Carol Blackwell (familiar to some for her gardening segments on Global Calgary’s weekend morning show).
Is there really room for yet another home design show in the hearts of viewers? Open Homes host and former local TV news personality Shelly Swirski thinks so.
"I like the concept of our show as opposed to others because it makes things a little more realistic," Swirski says, referring to the often outlandish make-overs on some of the most popular programs. "Trading Spaces is so far out there – it almost becomes more of a comedy-type show as opposed to a helpful show. Whereas on our show, we are doing dramatic changes to the homes, but they are realistic things that the people can do themselves."
While it’s yet to be seen whether the practical premise of Open Homes will catch on with audiences, the show looks every bit as sharp and polished as the many home design series produced in our nation’s largest city – a satisfying achievement for Hays.
"It’s important to me because I personally don’t want to live in Toronto, so to be able to do this sort of thing and do it here is a dream come true," he says.
Open Homes airs four times a week on the Prime TV network (Channel 49 on cable). Check your local TV listings for broadcast days and times. |
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