Ty Bennington It has been entertaining homeowners for decades. From shouting “Move that bus” in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to his latest series “Ty Breaker,” America’s favorite carpenter has plenty of experience under his tool belt.
So it makes sense that these days, he’s doing a mentorship role on the popular HGTV show “Battle on the Beach,” which airs on Sundays.
This is his second season directing rookie restorers, facing teams led by reality TV hosts Alison Victoria And the Tania Nyak While they repair identical beach houses in Surfside Beach, Texas.
We checked in with Pennington to hear some backstage dirt from this latest round of “Battle on the Beach.” We also learn about the upgrades he added to his house – which might inspire you to follow in his footsteps.
The first season of “Battle on the Beach” was a huge success. What can we expect from the second season?
Things are going horribly wrong. I’m not kidding! I would say even from the start, we’re getting to an even bigger level. The competition is fierce, and the teams are really competitive. The fight is really real this year.
I think the fun thing about design is that you have a lot of surprises, sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes hideously ugly. But in the end, these homes turned out really amazing! I think everyone has taken it to a whole new level. We shared a lot of tears, and the rooms definitely speak for themselves. I think every episode will be shocking.
Once again, you’re mentoring a rising team. What does that look like, rather than doing the work yourself?
It’s really hard to be a guide because I can’t tell people what I want. I have to suggest what to do. but people [in the past] It gave me a chance to show my creativity. So, as a guide, I wanted to do the same – take the reins and let them run a bit and see how we do it, all the while doing my best to keep the ship going in the right direction.
(HGTV)
Are there any beginner mistakes that restorers should look for, especially when doing home at the beach?
You have to remember the items, especially if you are doing anything outside. Just know that wind, salt, and water will spoil everything. Whatever you add will look really different in a year.
So you have to think about that because the wear is really big. However, with a beach house, sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most to me, you know, like a bucket of water to stick to your feet before you walk in the house to remove all the sand. It’s the little pieces that make your home a special place.
(HGTV)
Last season you were planning a “Baywatch” moment of a red swimsuit with Tanya and Alison, and they left you hanging.
Yes, season one, I found myself running on the beach alone. Then this year they said to me, “Well, this year we’re going to make it happen.” I’m like, “Making what’s going on?” And they’re like, “We got a red speedo! Do you have yours?” I’m like, “Always!”
You do your own projects in Savannah and Atlanta. Do you have a favorite feature yet on either property?
I would say with my home in Savannah, I love the way we’ve turned it into some sort of villa, whether it’s a French, Spanish or Italian villa. It’s just so beautiful. I think it’s kind of important to make your home a place that feels like you’re on vacation regardless of whether it’s a single room or the entire space.
I’m also very excited about this project that I’m doing in Atlanta. It is located in an old warehouse area and we have started rebuilding an old building. There are wonderful old reclaimed floors that were part of an old furniture factory. So it’s interesting because it has all the modern feel of a luxurious loft but using materials, bricks, already reclaimed floors and arched windows. I just wanted to get that historical feeling, too.
(HGTV)
Do you have any tips for people who are renovating their homes and may not know where to start?
There is a lot of advice I can tell people – don’t do this, spend your money on that, such and such and such. But I would just say, if you are renovating your home, make sure you spend your money on something that will give you instant gratification, whether you feel like you’re in some European city or if it’s a new rooftop that takes you to the outdoors, a new kitchen or a new bathroom.
Make sure it’s a place that will put a smile on your face and that it’s something more than a new roof or driveway. Make sure it’s something that makes your home the kind of destination you can’t wait to get to. I think that’s the one thing the past two years have taught us, that our home should be a sanctuary. Transform your place into that, and make it as special as possible.