Homeworthy is coming to do a home tour video shoot on Tuesday, and I am thick in the midst of getting ready! Today I am taking a little break from the prep work to share some peeks at all that is going on here — cleaning, styling, weeding, planting, painting, and yes, even my first experience with a pressure washer!
Homeworthy
Are you familiar with Homeworthy?
I know I have shared them at least once here on the blog.
If, somehow, you haven’t heard of them, you are going to thank me.
You are welcome!
Homeworthy is a media platform that features interior design video tours of homes from around the world.
Their tagline is “Every home has a story.”
The neat thing about these tours is that there is no professional script or styling. They are just an informal tour by the homeowner, sharing what they love about their home.
Homeworthy was founded in 2019 by Emmy award-winning producer Alison Kenworthy as “a way of showcasing how homes shape peoples’ lives.”
I think it is truly a unique — and very personal — spin on the traditional design “show”. A fun look at real homes and the people who live there.
I have to admit I have become a bit addicted.
So, I definitely encourage you to check out some of the over 300 home tours on the Homeworthy website!
To get you started, here are a few of my favorites:
Co-Founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine Opens Her NYC Townhouse
A Converted Boathouse Becomes a Beautiful Home on the Island of Nantucket
A Bright and Airy Apartment in Newport Beach, California
Inside a Gut-Renovated 115-year-old Victorian Home in California
Cottagecore Interior Design From California to New York
Interior Designer Sean Symington’s Traditional Victorian Terrace in Bath, England
A Colorful & Chic Home in Palm Beach
The Country Home and Gardens of Interior Designer Bunny Williams
Grab a drink and settle in for a watch marathon!
Oh, but wait!
First, please finish reading my blog post!
Prep For My Shoot
The shoot
I was, of course, thrilled when Homeworthy reached out way back in March.
I suggested a June date, because, well, you all know how I feel about spring here in Maine…
Plus, that would give me time to get some projects done around the house.
And now, all of a sudden it seems, June is here.
And the shoot is on Tuesday.
I am excited, of course.
But also kind of terrified.
You probably understand that I am much more comfortable behind the camera. Behind the scenes.
But this is an amazing opportunity, and I am honored to have been invited.
I also realize how important it is in retirement to continue to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone.
But still, there are the surface worries. What am I going to wear? And how to style my hair? How much makeup is too much and how much is not enough?
And then the deeper fears and insecurities. How awkward will I be? What if I forget my words? Will the house look okay? Is my home truly “worthy”?
All the other homeowners appear so put-together, poised, and well-spoken and their homes look perfect.
It will be me and the videographer here on Tuesday, with someone directing the whole tour remotely.
I just need to pretend that you, friend, have come for a visit and I am showing you around!
I can’t wait to see you!
But please, also send positive and encouraging vibes my way!
The prep
And then there is all the prep work — cleaning, styling, and a few small projects I have wanted to knock off for a while.
It is always nice to have some impetus…
I had expected to have some help getting the gardens ready. But the woman who had agreed to do the work, suddenly ghosted me.
I haven’t heard a peep from her since early May, despite my reaching out several times. That happens around here.
So I have been playing in the dirt. Weeding, planting, and trimming.
And I have to say, most of it is looking pretty good!
Last weekend I painted the ceiling in the mudroom to match the wall color. I love how it makes the small space feel more cohesive.
Will anyone who watches my tour notice?! Most likely not…
Then yesterday I had my first experience with a pressure washer. It started with a few tears when my just-out-of-the-box new washer kept tripping the GFCI plug for some unknown reason.
But ended in success — all the mildew and lichens that grow on things here on the coast miraculously washed clean from the guest cottage porch. A wonder tool!
This weekend I will take it to some areas of the main house.
I have hung buoys and stitched a lampshade slipcover.
Filled the pots on the deck with flowers.
Placed bright green ferns in baskets on the two patios out front.
Now there remains last minute tidying, cleaning, and styling.
I need to wash some slipcovers.
Maybe touch up the paint on the doors.
Buy some flowers.
And then take a deep breath.
But I still haven’t decided — what will I wear??
This Week Into Next
After next Tuesday, I am looking forward to sitting back and relaxing a bit.
Maybe I will watch a few Homeworthy episodes while enjoying a glass of wine.
School is ending here for the summer, so that means I also get a vacation from my weekly volunteer work with the food pantry. I am passionate about feeding our local school children as part of the Weekend Meals Program, but it is a significant time commitment each week. It will be nice to have a break, especially with summer guests starting to arrive soon.
But first…
Next Friday I head to my niece’s wedding in Milwaukee, followed by a several-day cousins reunion in Chicago. When we were young, the cousins all spent most of August at our grandparents’ outside Chicago.
It will be fun to once again spend some time together!
And yes, I would love to make August-in-Maine a tradition with our grandchildren!
My dress hunt
Speaking of what to wear, finding a dress for my niece’s wedding turned into quite the ordeal.
We don’t have a lot of shopping options here in small-town Maine, so I spent hours scouring the internet for that perfect dress.
Except I didn’t really have a vision of what that looked like.
I finally ordered one that I thought might work. When it arrived, I excitedly opened the package only to find that they had sent the entirely wrong (and might I add inappropriately short and frilly) dress. So back it went.
I ordered another dress that I was very excited about. Though I loved it, it just didn’t fit well. It went back too.
I spent time looking at Rent the Runway without any success.
On a whim, I popped into my favorite local boutique, 412 in Rockland.
And walked out minutes later with the perfect dress.
Now why didn’t I go there first??
Blog posts
TBD if I will be posting next Saturday.
I need to see how I feel after Tuesday and before I leave on my trip.
On Thursday this week, though, I published a bonus blog post: Box Pleated Lampshade Slipcover Step-by-Step Tutorial. In it I also shared tips on painting an inexpensive candlestick lamp to get a designer look, plus shopping links if you don’t feel like sewing your own shade cover.
And last week’s post was a comprehensive guide Shedding the Light on Lampshades.
I promise I won’t write about lampshades again for a while here.
A short post this week! Time for me to get back to my prep work.
Wish me luck on Tuesday, friends!
Love your house and property. You’ve got this.
Thanks so much, Diane! I appreciate your vote of confidence!
Good luck for Tuesday Molly. You won’t have anything to worry about. Yourself, your house, your garden and surroundings will be lovely.
Thank you, Suzi! To be honest, I am most worried about how I will do. But then this is what I love about Homeworth tours — they are given by the homeowner. We will see!
On Molly I love Homeworthy and cannot wait to see your tour. Please let us know when it airs. If you didn’t do another thing to prep your home it would be perfect as is. So many good things coming your way, and I believe August at Mim’s will be a tradition. Safe travels and again congratulations on being selected for Homeworthy.
Hi Julie! Thanks so much, as always, for your support and confidence in me. I am feeling good about the house. How I will do is another matter, ha.
I’m very excited to see your Home Worthy episode! I recently discovered the site and love receiving their weekly emails with new home tours. Can’t wait to see yours!
Good luck with your final prep; I’m sure your place will be perfect!
Thank you, Kathy! Yes, like I said I have become a bit addicted to Homeworthy! It is truly an honor to have my home featured.
I’ll be watching! I love Homeworthy! Good luck!
Thank you, Janis! Homeworthy is such a fun site!
Wow Molly so exciting I can’t believe you never mentioned it! LOL Can’t wait to see what you do, do you know how soon it will air? Heading your way today, happy Saturday!
Thanks, Ann! I guess I never mentioned it because even though I knew they would be comeing, it wasn’t scheduled until just 1 1/2 weeks ago. I think the turnaround time on them is pretty quick! Don’t know if I will be able to watch it myself, ha. Such beautiful weather in Maine this weekend!
Molly! How exciting! For you and for us. I cannot wait for your Homeworthy episode to debut. But in the meantime I wish you the best … no luck needed, your home is a masterpiece and you, as its creator, will be a wonderful presenter. I have every confidence you’ll nail the what to wear (looks like you’ve got a good handle on that), makeup hair and otherwise. You’re going to hit this ball out of the park and I can’t wait. As for the wedding, I’m so glad you found the perfect dress close to home. Funny how that works out. Have the best time with your cousins and friends. xoxo
Hi Juliet — I so appreciate your vote of confidence. I have it in my home, but not so much in me, ha! I am a true introvert… But as I said in my post, it is good to step outside my comfort zone. I am trying to channel you with my outfit — you always wear just the right thing. What would YOU wear?! Looking forward to getting away afterwards!
As I was reading about your quest for a dress to wear to the wedding I was thinking “why doesn’t she just go to Rockland to that shop 412”……………bet they would have one she would love. When I went to Maine I would always stop there to just look and always came out with something adorable..good luck with your shoot! You got this!!!!
Hi Linda — Don’t know why I didn’t head there first. It is my go-to local store. I guess I was initially looking for something inexpensive, but ultimately it was best to get something that I love and feel comfortable in that I can wear forever. And that is exactly what I ended up with!
I am so excited for you! You will be a natural on Tuesday and I will look forward to seeing your episode!
Thanks, Debra! I, unfortunately, am not a natural in front of the camera. I just need to pretend I am talking to a friend, and not the camera… Thanks for your support!
So excited for you Molly. I have never heard of Homeworthy. I will wait for your home to post before watching any of the other homes. Don’t be nervous. Your home is stunning and I know you will do a great job. It is evident that your home is a labor of love and now more folks will be able to witness the fruits of all your hard work.
As my beloved Mom used to say, “ just be yourself”. All will be well.
Hi Suzie — Thanks so much! Don’t wait for my episode — there are so many great home tours waiting for you on Homeworthy now! Thank you, I will try to relax and take your mom’s advice!
You are going to have one exciting week! The outfit in the photoshoot is lovely. You are such a thoughtful and articulate person; I am sure you will charm the pants off of them. You’re like Mom, a natural storyteller. I hope you have a lot of fun with it.
Thanks, Liss. I will try to channel Mom and I am so happy that her beloved blue and white will have a moment in the limelight!
Yay! Excited for you!! Please know that we your fans are looking forward to seeing you and the pups! Don’t sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the experience. Now I need to check out some of these episodes!
Hi Traci — Yes, I am trying not to sweat the small stuff. It will be comforting to have Cisco and Maddie by my side. And to know that so many of you are supporting me too. I hope you enjoy Homeworthy! Warning — it is addictive!
Can’t wait to see your video! You’re gonna do great! Your house is stunning and very calming to look at and thats the best it can be!
Thanks, Joan! Yes, I will have my home, the view, and of course Maddie and Cisco to calm my nerves!
I love your blog, Molly, and your take on Maine decor and will look forward to seeing how your present it on Homeworthy. Haven’t watched all the Homeworthy episodes you mention but did love Sean Symington’s Bath, England, Victorian terrace home and the Newport Beach apartment. Quite different homes but they seemed perfect for the occupants and that’s what your home is, perfect for you and your family! In some of the episodes the owners seem just a little too precious and full of themselves and it’s off-putting, just be yourself. Please don’t stress, enjoy the process, and let us know when the show will air.
Hi Martha — Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I loved Sean’s home. Did you notice he has a lampshade like the one I just made?! I had plans for it even before I saw that episode. And yes, I love to see all the different styles. That is what is so great about Homeworthy — the homeowner gives the tour. I will try to enjoy the process on Tuesday!
You will be great. Lots of luck anyway!
Thank you, Linda! I will take all the “luck” I can get!