Poll: What do you think of Kirstie’s Homemade Home?
April 24th, 2009 by Sian Meades
I’m shocked that people are reacting somewhat negatively to Kirstie’s Homemade Home. Yes, she’s very twee. And incredibly Sloaney. But my goodness the women talks sense. She’s got a great sense of style and she knows what she’s doing. So why don’t people like her?
Well, my thoughts are that we’re stuck in an Ikea generation. We like things that come in flatpacks. Stuff we know is sturdy! We play it safe when it comes to our homes. Buying something from an antique shop is risky. But on the other hand… it’s new, and it’s exciting! It’s fun! I’m making a career out of looking for unusual home stuff so I’m smitten with the woman and her new show.
But for some reason, some people aren’t buying Kirstie’s Homemade Home. She’s getting quite negative comments around the interwebs, so I thought I’d find out what you lot think. I wanted to wait a week until the show had settled in, but I really enjoyed last night’s episode, and I wasn’t expecting to be hugely inspired by bathrooms. What did you think? Love her or hate her? Tell us in the poll.
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April 24th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I’m enjoying the series and it’s really good to see more of a focus on handmade items and crafts. She’s got a great eye for interior design and what works well in a room, plus I’m loving the antique and market hunting for items (definitely the best way!).
However, I’m a teensy bit disappointed that there’s not more handmade things in it…partly as I’m a big crafty person myself, but also since ‘homemade’ is in the title (she only made one out of three red cushions and it’s a shame she doesn’t always finish off making the craft items herself, although I guess time could be an issue).
April 24th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Nice idea for a poll Sian! Although the show has been torn apart in some forums and by some critics, I have to say the viewing figures suggest that it’s a popular programme, while the web stats certainly indicate that people are keen to find out more and get into crafts.
I think it’s a bit of a marmite show, and while a lot of people do hate it (we’ve had some vehemently critical comments on 4Homes & the 4Homes blog!), far more people have got in touch with us to say that they love it.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I think my Kirstie bias is fairly well documented, but for what it’s worth I love this show. I think it’s a good mix of voyeurism (I loved looking at Cath Kidston’s kitchen, all the fabulous bathrooms etc) and you-could-do-this-too craft inspiration, and also I like the way it’s promoting British artisans. Plus, really, it’s just fun – who doesn’t like looking at pretty things, and who doesn’t like watching KA get excited over pulling someone’s old mirror out of a skip?
What I think is the best thing about it, however, is the idea that there aren’t actually any imaginary design rules we should all be adhering to – that, in fact, you should just put things in your house that you like, and that’s enough of a reason for them to be there.
April 30th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I am enjoying the series, but I do wish she’d chosen a more standard house to do up, i.e. a 2 or 3 bed semi or a new build in which the majority of “normal” people can only afford. Something that shows what can be done with the much smaller room sizes than her beautiful country pad.
April 30th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I’m enjoying the series and it’s really good. She’s got a great eye for detail and interior design and what works well in a room and I do like the shopping as well. It just goes to show what you can find once your prepared to do the research.
April 30th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
What do I think?
I think she’s arrogant.
Did you watch her on that brief series where a number of ‘celebrities’ were, I think, setting up some kind of a business venture/boutique?
Trying to rule the roost – Ms. knows-it-all.
No one knew what to do but her.
April 30th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I agree, the show is great, for goodness sake, we don’t rip location, location, location apart or respond so vehemently to 60 minute makeover! I love Kirstie, and the show is a breath of fresh air from all the same old, same old furniture people buy. Hurrah for Kirstie!
April 30th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I like Kirstie Allsopp. She talks sense, is successful, says what she thinks, is attractive and could be the girl next door. Result? People try to knock her. In a world where so called ‘celebrities’, whatever they are, have little or no interaction or relevance with and to ordinary people, Kirstie is a refreshing change. She has made a career out of talking to and helping the rest of us. What’s so wrong with that? Top girl. Thanks Kirstie.
April 30th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I think this show is a welcome change + I like Kirstie’s flare, character and the way she just ’says it how it is’ (I’ve been an avid fan of location, location, location for years). We should be supporting our local tradesmen/women before they are no longer there. Plus, people should be thinking twice before they get rid of/purchase new furniture, etc., as this country has become such a throw away society and alot of people are living beyond their means, just because they want to have the latest trends . Be individual, life is for living!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
I think she is great and certainly knows her stuff, just love the programme. All I can say is why watch a programme with someone you do not like – some people just love to moan and take a “pop”.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I agree with jani fox – not particularly relevant to the average viewer! is this actually her house that she intends to live in?? Quite a good ploy for getting it done on the cheap!Still she is quite “telegenic” so is easy to watch.
Chris Palmer