Friday, June 14, 2013

Paige Davis on Home Made Simple, Emmys and Gifts for Dad

Photo Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Most DIY-ers know Paige Davis as the host of TLC's Trading Spaces back in the early 2000s. The show popularized the DIY genre and made Paige a household name. But Paige had been a working actress for quite some time before hitting the Trading Spaces jackpot. A trained singer and dancer, Paige was on the road for two and half years playing the Babette the feather duster in the National Touring Company of Beauty and the Beast. She has also appeared on Broadway in Chicago and has toured in The Vagina Monologues and Sweet Charity.

On TV Paige went from Trading Spaces to Home and Family before settling into her current post as host of Home Made Simple. She joined the cast in 2011 when the show moved from TLC to OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Paige, along with the experts, Jesse Brune, Ceci Carmichael, Kristan Cunningham, Tracy Metro, Brooks Utley and Kenneth Wingard offer tips and advice for creating a home that's clean, fresh and completely you.

This year Paige has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/Travel program. The Awards will be handed out on Sunday, June 16. We caught up with her to find out how she feels about the nomination and to get some simple Father's Day gift ideas.

How does it feel to be nominated for an Emmy for Home Made Simple?
"I feel really validated for the work I've done as a host for the past 10 years. It's a nice nod. It means a lot to me."

Why do you think Home Made Simple appeals to viewers and critics alike?
"Because it has useful, creative information distributed in a fun, touching and entertaining manner. The show is really enjoyable. Plus, you can get detailed instructions for anything you see on the show by going to www.HomeMadeSimple.com, so the follow-up is accessible and easy."

What set's it apart from other DIY shows?
"Its heart."


Can you give us a few fun and easy DIY Fathers’ Day gift ideas?
"Remind Dad of special places or a family vacation, or inspire him to travel by framing a map. He’ll think of you every time he looks at it hanging in his office or bedroom."

"New tools and accessories are great for Dads who are into home improvement. Survey his work area and see what he doesn’t have or buy him extras that are always handy, like extension cords."
 
"Personalize a chef’s hat with screen printing or tuck grilling tools into a new apron if Dad is the grill master in the house."

What's the best surprise anyone has ever done for a dad on Home Made Simple
"I liked when we created a special corner to hold a Dad's war medals and honors. He was deeply moved. We were all crying."

What do you enjoy most about hosting Home Made Simple?
"That's a hard question to answer because there's no one thing. The simple, most straightforward answer is that I love helping people. The gratitude we see is very satisfying and touching. I also love witnessing the marvels that our experts pull off in every episode. Our designers and organizers and chefs are talented and awesome. I often stand back and wonder, 'How on earth did you think of that?!'"

You've been doing home improvement shows for a long time, have you seen it all or are you still surprised by new projects and ideas?
"Believe it or not, YES! You'd think it's all been done, but our peeps can knock your socks off."

You spend so much time helping other people fix up their homes and do projects. Do you ever have time to do projects for yourself?
"Hahaha! I probably have the time, but it's a little bit 'the cobbler's kids have no shoes.'"

You've appeared on sitcoms, done Broadway theater and hosted numerous DIY shows — such a varied resume — which aspect of entertaining are you most passionate about?
"Well, I know this is an interview about 'Home Made Simple,' but in truth my deepest passion is dance. It has been and probably always will be. So, even though I enjoy hosting very much, my heart sings the most when I'm on stage in a musical."

What are out most passionate about in your life?
"My husband, my dog, my family and my friends. Nothing in life is ever as important. What you do in life changes. Who you spend it with is what gets you through."

If you could be one pop culture icon from all time and walk in their shoes for one day, who would you choose and why?
"Duh! Oprah! Her perspective, her creativity, her connection, her grounded approach to life. She is my idol."

Watch Home Made Simple on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. EST/8 a.m. Central on OWN. And for step-by-step instructions for making Paige's Father's Day Gifts, visit the Home Made Simple website.


For related stories check out:
Home Made Simple's Ken Wingard: 10 Kid Friendly Decorating Tips
Stuart O'Keeffe Shares His Hearty but Healthy Culinary Perspective

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