After 100+ Episodes, Erin Napier Reveals That HGTV Nearly Shut Down This Big ‘Home Town’ Renovation
The Unexpected Challenge Behind a Heartfelt ‘Home Town’ Renovation
For fans of HGTV’s beloved series Home Town, the journey of Erin and Ben Napier renovating homes in Laurel, Mississippi, has been a comforting constant for more than 100 episodes. Each project typically follows a familiar pattern: meeting clients, understanding their needs and budgets, transforming homes, and unveiling emotional reveals. However, one renovation broke this mold and nearly never made it to air.
This special project was not a house, but the maternity wing of the South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel—a place deeply woven into the Napier family’s history. Erin Napier revealed that this renovation was much more than a design challenge; it was a personal mission to honor a space where countless life-changing moments had occurred for her family and community.
A Sacred Space with Deep Personal Roots
Erin’s connection to the maternity wing runs generations deep. She shared that she was born there, as were her children, friends’ babies, nieces, and nephews. This single room in the hospital had witnessed the arrival of many new family members, making it a “small town within a small town.” The emotional weight of this space made the renovation project sacred to Erin.
“It was where I was placed after surgery, where I gave birth, and where my grandmother held her great-grandchild during one of her last lucid moments,” Erin explained. The maternity wing wasn’t just a medical facility; it was a place filled with love, comfort, and hope. For Erin, renovating it was about more than aesthetics—it was about honoring the incredible nurses, doctors, and families who had made it a haven during vulnerable times.
HGTV’s Hesitation and the Fight to Make It Happen
Despite the profound significance of the project, HGTV was initially hesitant to approve the maternity wing renovation. The network was concerned because the project deviated from the show’s usual format of home makeovers. Erin had to advocate passionately for the project, emphasizing its importance beyond typical renovations.
“I had to beg HGTV to let us do it because it’s not a house, it’s not a garden, but it was so important,” Erin admitted. The couple worked closely with hospital staff and the CEO, who wanted the facility to feel like a five-star experience—not just for mothers and babies, but for the families who gathered there.
The renovation included thoughtful design choices such as residential-style sconces and lighting in restrooms designed to make mothers feel beautiful and comforted. Erin’s emotional connection to the space was so strong that she cried twice during filming, underscoring how deeply meaningful the project was.
How This Renovation Reflects the Heart of ‘Home Town’
While the maternity wing project was a departure from the typical home renovation format, it stayed true to the core mission of Home Town. The series has always been about community, history, and creating spaces that feel like home. This hospital wing was no different—it was part of the fabric of Laurel, Mississippi, and the Napier family’s story.
By embracing this unconventional renovation, Erin and Ben demonstrated that “home” extends beyond walls and roofs. It’s about the memories, milestones, and people who make a place special. The maternity wing renovation brought warmth, comfort, and a personal touch that resonated deeply with viewers and locals alike.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ‘Home Town’ Renovations
The success of this unique project opens the door for more diverse and meaningful renovations on Home Town. It shows that the series can evolve while maintaining its heart and authenticity. Fans can look forward to seeing the Napiers continue to honor their community in new and unexpected ways.
As Erin and Ben have shown, sometimes the most impactful renovations are those that touch lives beyond the physical space—those that celebrate family, history, and the spirit of home.
Conclusion
Erin Napier’s revelation about HGTV nearly shutting down the maternity wing renovation on Home Town highlights the challenges and triumphs behind the scenes of this beloved series. This project was more than a renovation—it was a heartfelt tribute to a place that holds generations of memories and love. Thanks to Erin’s dedication and passion, the maternity wing now shines as a symbol of comfort and community care.
If you’re inspired by stories that blend design with deep personal meaning, don’t miss the latest episodes of Home Town airing Sundays at 8:00 pm on HGTV. Dive into the warmth and heart of Laurel, Mississippi, and see how every space can tell a story worth sharing. Subscribe to HGTV’s newsletter for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and updates on upcoming projects!
