A quarter of a century ago, life was very different. Back then popcorn ceilings were in, TV cabinets were the size of cars and a new television channel was airing for the first time in Canada. HGTV Canada hit the airwaves and has been making memories along with beautiful spaces ever since. Whether you’ve been tuning in since before smartphones were a thing or you’ve only recently discovered the joy of demo day, you must have your favorite shows, hosts and moments. In honour of HGTV Canada’s 25th anniversary, we reached out to a few familiar faces to hear their top memories and HGTV Canada design heroes.
Watch all your favorite HGTV Canada series on the Global TV App and STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, fuboTV, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream.
Farmhouse Facelift
We caught up with sibling duo Billy Pearson and Carolyn Wilbrink of Farmhouse Facelift, to hear what HGTV has meant to them. Like many of us, they grew up with a parent who watched the channel. It made seeing each home reveal a family affair. Watching reveals from hosts like Scott McGillivray and the Property Brothers let them feel as if they were a part of the flip.
Growing up on a farm inspired them to bring those same design elements out to the country. It encouraged Billy to create beautiful things himself, which naturally turned into a talent for craftsmanship that he uses both on the farm and on their hit show Farmhouse Facelift. For Carolyn that same love came about in the form of interior design. After purchasing her first home with her husband Craig, she loved decorating so much that she took night classes to pursue a career in design, and we’d say it definitely paid off.
Now that they get to create their own ‘aha’ moments, Scott McGillivray and the Property Brothers have stiff competition as Billy and Carolyn’s mom’s favorite flippers.
Making It Home with Kortney and Kenny
Many of the hosts are super fans themselves. For Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain of Making It Home with Kortney and Kenny, their best moments were those of first joining the HGTV Canada family. For Kortney, who got her start in interior design as a realtor and house flipper, the channel was a source of inspiration. People like Chip and Joanna Gaines and Sarah Richardson were an early influence. Even with a show of her own, she still watches and enjoys the next generation of designers.
Kenny found his passion for renovation through helping restore a friend’s cabin and home. After an eventful life, including fashion modeling and competing on the Big Brother Canada, he started his own business in carpentry. For him getting to work with those that had inspired him was a massive thrill. Keep up with Kortney and Kenny as they overhaul Nashville, one home at a time.
Trading Up with Mandy Rennehan
Mandy Rennehan of Trading Up with Mandy Rennehan, has always seen the value in a hard day’s work. Now a self-made entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and Blue Collar CEO, she values building up and supporting one’s own community. To her that’s what HGTV has always represented, bettering your home. Proudly hailing from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, she, and her talented team have been doing just that. With humour and infectious positivity, they bring a sense of pride of ownership to this small town. For HGTV Canada’s 25th anniversary she wanted to leave us, and you, with this special message.
Related: Celebrate 25 Years of HGTV Canada With These Design and Reno Changemakers
