“Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford, pictured with Jill Waage, of Better Homes and Gardens
“Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford, pictured with Jill Waage, of Better Homes and Gardens
  • [skipto time=0:43][0:43][/skipto]: Jill Waage talks about consumer trends
  • [skipto time=1:48][1:48][/skipto]: Danny compares the economic downturn of 2008 to the current pandemic
  • [skipto time=4:45][4:45][/skipto]: Danny & Jill discuss the trends they followed 10 years ago and how they are still relevant
  • [skipto time=6:36][6:36][/skipto]: Meet the kitchen desk: a place for a computer, to pay bills and homeschool
  • [skipto time=8:06][8:06][/skipto]: Danny talks about a recent THTV show that featured a closet turned into an office
  • [skipto time=10:54][10:54][/skipto]: Hardwood floors are still in style, but many people are choosing luxury vinyl tile
  • [skipto time=13:05][13:05][/skipto]: Discussing trends in outdoor living
  • [skipto time=15:44][15:44][/skipto]: Danny & Jill talk about how much they miss going to trade shows

In this special episode of the Today’s Homeowner Podcast, I’m talking with Jill Waage, Editor-in-Chief of Traditional Home at Better Homes & Gardens.

We’re discussing the 10th anniversary of the Kuppersmith Project along with outdoor living trends featured in Traditional Home.


“Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford, standing outside the Kuppersmith House in Mobile, Alabama

“Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford, standing outside the (then) under construction Kuppersmith house in Mobile, Alabama, while taping a 2011 series.

The Kuppersmith Project’s 10th Anniversary

The Kuppersmith Project was a renovation of a 1926 English Tudor-style home in Mobile, Alabama. The entire effort was captured in 13 television episodes of “Today’s Homeowner” that you can find here.

In this podcast, we talk about a number of home enhancements from the Kuppersmith Project that are still relevant today — like the “drop zone” when you first walk into a home.

The term “drop zone” was new to us at Today’s Homeowner, but it makes a lot of sense. You need a place where you can drop everything (like mail, keys and even shoes) before walking further into the home.

With a little bit of remodeling and work, you too can make the entrance or exit of your home beautiful!


College dorm essentials including a desk, chair on rollers, desk lamp, clock and books
Homeowners tight on space have had to add a desk wherever they could squeeze one in, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (DepositPhotos)

Adding a Desk to the Kitchen

In the past year, the need for workspace at home has been at a record high due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A small desk area in the kitchen has gradually returned as a popular, functional fixture. Many homeowners have dedicated a small section or a whole other addition for a computer area or for kids to be homeschooled.

And homeowners tight on space have found multiple purposes for rooms — one such example is the closet that doubles as an office, or a “cloffice.”


Shiny wood floor in an empty room
Many homeowners love the look of hardwood floors, but not the high price. (©Iriana Shiyan – stock.adobe.com)

Hardwood Floor vs. Tile vs. Vinyl

Hardwood floors are timeless, but many homeowners are looking for other materials that resemble traditional hardwoods — especially if the alternative is less expensive.

For instance, many homeowners are considering ceramic planks that look like wood. Luxury vinyl has become increasingly popular as well. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and easy to replace if it does get scratched or damaged.


Concrete countertop in an outdoor kitchen
Creating an outdoor kitchen is a popular way to extend living space beyond the home’s interior.

Remodeling Your Home’s Outdoor Living Space

Jill tells us that homeowners have really stepped their game up when it comes to remodeling outdoor spaces.

In fact, “Traditional Home” and “Better Homes & Gardens” published magazines last year focused on enhancing the backyard. They are packed with tips on smoothing the transition from indoors to outdoors.

Remember: For many people, your home doesn’t end with your back door. It extends to your backyard. Popular ways to make the most of that space include creating an outdoor kitchen and areas for sitting and lounging.



Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More