Ben Napier Shares How Erin's Childhood Inspired the Design of Their Daughter's Crib
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HGTV's Ben and Erin Napier are the latest design duo to appear on the cover of
Country Living's June issue, which will feature dreamy backyards and celebrate dads when it hits newsstands on May 11, just in time for Father's Day. Knowing a thing or two about fatherhood himself, Ben shared the special story behind the crib he built for his three-year-old daughter Helen.
As the Home Town (and now Home Town Takeover) star tells it, he didn't officially begin woodworking and building furniture until college, where he studied history. He quickly became enamored with the stories behind antiques and how the furnishings reflected the way people lived and worked at different times. "On our TV shows, I get to design pieces I hope people will keep and pass on, so when my wife, Erin, and I found out we were having our daughter, Helen, I wanted to make a crib that would become a family heirloom," he told the magazine. When building the crib, he incorporated an element that honored his family and linked back to a different era.
"It was a culmination of the love I have for my wife, of becoming a father, and the chance to check a new type of furniture off my bucket list," he said of the final product, which was inspired by a nostalgic piece of Erin's childhood. Growing up, the soon-to-be mom of two had what is unofficially called a Jenny Lind bed. This iconic piece of furniture was named after the Swedish singer, who was said to have slept exclusively on beds with bobbin turnings while on tour. "Meaningful details can add character to furniture," said Ben, who opted for bobbin turnings on the crib's legs. While this detail nods to Erin's childhood, it also highlights an unexpected surprise: "Her favorite movie is The Greatest Showman, which is, funny enough, about Jenny Lind."
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Ben and Erin revealed the exciting news that they were expecting a girl last month on an episode of Home Town. Following the announcement, Ben told HGTV that baby number two would be moving into Helen's nursery. While the three-year-old has since graduated to her own room with a big-girl bed, she makes frequent visits to the nursery. "Helen checks the crib daily to make sure it's ready, that there's a stuffed animal in there waiting," he shared with the network.
So sweet! It looks like Ben's custom-made Jenny Lind-inspired crib will soon receive its second occupant, adding to its beautiful story. You can catch Ben and Erin on new episodes of Home Town Takeover every Sunday at 8 pm CT on HGTV. You can also stream new episodes on discovery+ the day of.
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