An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (2024)

Most Home Town viewers know Mallorie Rasberry as the creative DIY-er and Erin’s best friend. She is indeed both of those things in real life, but her roles and list of various titles doesn't end there. She’s a co-owner of Laurel Mercantile Co.; an AirBnb Superhost; a speaker to Main Street organizations across the U.S.; and most importantly, a wife and a mom to two precious girls, Lucy and Lottie.

Since moving to Laurel after college, she has worked alongside a team of friends to make Laurel all that it can be. All the while creating lasting memories that make the blood, sweat and tears of revitalizing a small townworth it.

It's no secret that Mallorie’s most outstanding quality is the way she extends hospitality so naturally. The Rasberry home is the backdrop to many Laurel Mercantile photos,gatherings and just...well, life in Laurel.She shares their home with others intentionally and often, and even CBS Sunday Morning and Country Living Magazine have reaped the benefits of their front porch. No big deal, right? Actually, yes, it’s a huge deal.

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (1)

In the spirit of hospitality, Mallorie is letting us get a peek into the home that has captured the hearts of all who catch a glimpse of its green, Cape Cod-Esque glory.

So consider this your virtual invitation— let's take a look around!

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (2)
Exterior
“This house has always been green. Right after we moved in, we were doing some touch-ups around the exterior so I needed to color match the paint. We were surprised to learn that the color is Sherwin Williams' Laurel Woods. Pretty serendipitous, right?! So it’s just going to be that color forever and ever, Amen. Even though 15 other shades of various colors would be beautiful on this house, it doesn't matter. When something is historic and iconic, you don’t mess with that."

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (3)

“Because we are limited on the color of the house, I wanted to have a little fun with the front door.I'm pretty crazy about all things lemon so I chose a really fun mustard yellow. It's bold and sunny and lovely and welcoming....all the things a front door should be."

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"The family that built this home back in 1907, The Gilchrists, really loved to entertain and you can tell by their thoughtful layout and generous size of each space. Even though it was pretty overwhelming and intimidating at first, we hope we continue that legacy and it definitely plays a huge role in our decision making with each project around the house." An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (5)

"My style revolves around functionality and comfort. I wanted the porch to be a space that’s informal and comfortable, but dynamic for entertaining large groups. We have a big family and framily, and we love that our house has becomea soft landing place and ground zero for functions."

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Interior

"I've always loved antique shopping and collecting sentimental things. Well, I like to shop, period. When I'm out looking for good deals, my eye drifts towards anything blue and white, specifically ginger jars. So you'll see those everywhere in my house— on the shelves, on tables, in the kitchen."

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An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (8)

"The "window room" is where we spend most of our time. It has the best natural light and it feels like you're outside on those perfect spring and fall days. What I love most is how much the girls enjoy this room. There are toys everywhere in here but we don't mind a bit. We love living in the pink chaos!"

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (9)

Dining Room

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An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (11)

"I grew up on a dairy farm. So you'll see a lot of cows, chickens and farm animals around the house. Ilike having those details playfully scattered throughout the house. They're great conversation starters!"

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Entryway/Keeping Room

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"Since the moment I saw this painting of this gorgeous lady I knew I had to have her. She reminds me so much of my grandmother, and I think of her when I look at it along with her blue and white plates on the wall."

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"These other found portraits were just fascinating to me. I've always been drawn to old oil portraits...when I find a good one, I scoop it up! I've got a pretty good collection coming together. Jim's been a great sport about it. God love him. He puts up with my obscurities and rolls right with it."

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"When we moved in, we just let everything sit for a moment. I mean, we didn't rush to hang things up or buy new furniture. We didn't know how we'd actually use these rooms until we lived in it for awhile. This room was originally our dining room, and then we eventually figured out that it was better as a sitting/music room. This house has taught me to not rush the process and rooms can evolve throughout the seasons of life."

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Jim's Bourbon Room

"This is our go-to room for hanging out with company. A lot of late nights...but also early mornings...we get our morning coffee and watch CBS Sunday Morning religiously in here every Sunday. I'm not sure why but that trumpet just sounds better in this room!"

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"This room is naturally a little more masculine. We took our time and waited until we found the right pieces. I tend to buy the things I can't live without and be content to live with blank spaces until I found the next, right thing. I guess that's why I'm still putting this house together 5 years in!"

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"This shelf was originally a doorway. One of our most popular Home Town hacksis to make a useless doorway into a bookshelf...or a bourbon shelf in this case."

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An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (20)

"When we found out that Season One had been ordered, we loaded up and went to Texas. We stopped at a random gas station on the way home and were really inspired by the Texan mentality! When Jim found thesehumongous horns, he had to have them. We piled themin the trunk and headed back to Laurel.Now we always remember that trip and have proof that statement pieces can be found literally anywhere."

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"This was Jim's childhood t-shirt that I found in family storage. He and Erin have nostalgic memories about the Holidome Holiday Inn in Navarre Beach. They talk about it all the time. For last year's Father's Day, I got it framed. Jim and his mom both got teary. It was a really sweet moment. The best artwork doesn't have to be "art" at all. Just loved."

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (22)

Upstairs

"The upstairs is still a work in progress, but we knew that it would take a while to get it where we wanted it to be. It's been so much fun bringing life to each space and making each room work for our family."

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An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (24)

"The Gilchrist Family enjoyed this home for generations and really invested in making the home friendly and accessible to all. We are so thankful for that. If you ask Lucy, the working elevator is one of the coolest things about the house. Naturally, I dressed it up with some paint, a rug and this thrifted dog print."

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"Most of our roomshave an underlying inspiration, and our guest bedroom has been one of my favorites to decorate. It's all Americana. Vintage flag, old quilts, red gingham, blue toile, random corner sink....yes, please!"

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An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (27)

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (28)

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (29)

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (30)

"My biggest hope is that people feel welcome and comfortable when they walk through our doors. That's what hospitality and home mean to me. To leave feeling better than when you came."

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Thanks for stopping by, friend!

P.S. — If you're looking for a place to stay during your visit to Laurel, be sure to check out the Laurel Cottages, hosted by Mallorie and Jim.

An Interview & House Tour with Mallorie Rasberry (2024)

FAQs

How is Mallorie Rasberry related to Erin Napier? ›

In addition to her DIY expertise and home decorating skills, Mallorie, an accountant, also owns the firm Rasberry Financial Services with her husband, Jim Rasberry. Jim is Erin's first cousin. Mallorie and Jim met for the first time at an art exhibit Erin created in Oxford, Mississippi, and hit it off.

Is Josh related to Erin on Home Town? ›

Who Is Josh Nowell From 'Home Town'? Josh is one of Erin and Ben's college friends who helped launch their Laurel Mercantile Co. business as one of the co-owners. His wife, Emily Nowell, is also in business with Erin and Ben and has been a huge part of their successful home renovation journey.

Where is Erin and Ben Napier's house? ›

Erin and Ben Napier launched their design careers while restoring historic properties in Laurel, Mississippi. The HGTV couple will always have a special connection to the town since it's where they purchased their first home after their 2008 wedding.

How much are Ben and Erin worth? ›

It's been reported that Ben and Erin's net worth is hovering around $5 million per various sources, although there isn't a great deal of information available at this time. Catch new episodes of Home Town every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV.

How much weight did Ben Napier lose? ›

In November 2023, Ben revealed that he had lost 95 pounds by continuing to exercise and change up his diet. "We're all trying to be healthier and trying to live better and trying to live longer," he told Entertainment Tonight. "I started just [because I knew] I needed to take some weight off.

Is Jesse really Ben Napier's brother? ›

Jesse, Ben's youngest brother, met Lauren on the dance floor at a wedding and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

Do Ben and Erin actually live in Laurel? ›

Erin and her husband, Ben, proud residents of Laurel, Mississippi, recently bought a country house for their growing family. The 1930s Tudor got a complete renovation, and Erin added her trademark style while staying true to the home's roots.

Why is Randy no longer on Home Town? ›

Randy left Home Town and is now working in customer service for Blue Delta Jeans. He continues to live in Mississippi but started his new job for the denim company, based in Tupelo, Mississippi, in January 2023. He is also a lifestyle and brand photographer, a job he's been doing since 2018.

Do Ben and Erin really live in Laurel? ›

Erin and Ben currently live in Laurel with their two daughters, Helen and Mae. In addition to their 1920s cottage, they also own a second country home in Mississippi.

What happened to Ben Napier's truck? ›

A truck stolen from a Mississippi celebrity has been located. According to WDAM, Laurel police officers recovered the vintage Chevrolet Blazer belonging to Ben Napier of the hit HGTV show “Home Town.” The gold and cream-colored classic car was taken from his carport early Thursday morning.

Why are houses in Laurel, Mississippi so cheap? ›

Are Homes expensive in Laurel Mississippi? No they aren't expensive. Homes in Laurel, Mississippi, are generally considered affordable when compared to national averages. The city's lower cost of living, stable economic landscape, and historical charm contribute to reasonable housing prices.

Do Ben and Erin have a nanny? ›

“You've got to have great grandmothers,” she said. “And we have an awesome nanny — it was my babysitter when I was little,” Erin explained, noting that “she's like family to us.” She also mentioned that she and Ben set clear boundaries when filming “Home Town.”

How many people work for Ben and Erin? ›

The short video introduces a few of the company's 128 employees, all of whom have a hand in making local goods sold like cast iron skillets. "At Laurel Mercantile, we sell heirloom wares and durable goods that are made in the U.S.A.," a man says in a voiceover in the clip.

Are Ben and Erin still married? ›

HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier have been married for 15 years. They're the parents of two young children, and they work together renovating old homes.

How are Erin and Mallory related on Home Town? ›

Mallorie is also on the team for the Rasberry Producer Group, and co-owns Rasberry Financial Services with her husband, Jim Rasberry. Fun fact — Jim is actually Erin's first cousin! So Erin and Mallorie are technically related thanks to Mallorie marrying Jim!

Who is Erin Napiers' brother? ›

The HGTV show Home Town focuses more on the Napiers' renovation work than their family life, but Erin Napier does have a sibling — a brother named Clark — whom she has blogged about a few times before.

Who is Erin's uncle on Home Town? ›

Erin's uncle, Danny, likes to go big when it comes to restoring old houses, and he's not concerned about the budget. Together with his son, Jim, Ben and Erin try to convince him that bigger isn't always better in a historical home renovation.

What country singer are Ben and Erin Napier friends with? ›

Their show has brought them some surprising friendships like one with country star Chris Stapleton. They were at a Chris Stapleton concert 2 years ago when Stapleton's wife's parents spotted them in the crowd and recognized them.

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