'Curb Appeal Xtreme' Full Cast List: Meet John Gidding and other stars of HGTV show
When selling the house or looking for a way to increase the value of the property, most homeowners end up focussing a lot on redesigning and redecorating the interiors of the home. But if you were to ask a real estate agent for their advice on how to go about it, most top agents would immediately tell you to focus on the exteriors- aka the "curb appeal" is what makes or breaks the potential buyers or renters from quickly grabbing the listing.
Unlike the interiors, a fresh coat of paint, or moving around things won't cut it while renovating the exteriors of your house. You will need the professional help of designers, architects, and landscapers to help you beautify the outdoor space of your property. Luckily, for you HGTV's newest offering 'Curb Appeal Xtreme' might give you some ideas on how to spruce up your outdoors. On 'Curb Appeal Xtreme' designer John Gidding, Horticulturalist Jamie Durie and Carpenter Rachel Taylor join forces to dramatically overhaul the front and backyards of homes. They tackle the most challenging and extreme exterior projects to maximize any property's potential. Read on to know more about the hosts of the new HGTV show.
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John Gidding
Longtime HGTV fans might immediately recognize John Gidding as the host of the classic HGTV show 'Curb Appeal'. Gidding is all set to make his big comeback to the small screen with 'Curb Appeal Xtreme'. Born in Istanbul, Gidding attended American schools in Turkey and Switzerland before entering Yale University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture. An enthusiastic art and math student, he also earned a master's degree in architecture from Harvard's Graduate School of Design.
The popular architect and interior designer shared his expertise by consulting for some major projects such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Union Square in New York, the campus plan for Carnegie Mellon University and a pavilion for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Thanks to his good looks, Gidding also briefly walked the runways for Armani and Gucci. His stint on television as the host of some hit HGTV shows like 'Designed to Sell', and 'Curb Appeal', further accelerated his career leading to him setting up his own firm called John Gidding Design Inc. On 'Curb Appeal Xtreme' Gidding will be helping the clients with designing their outdoor spaces.
Jamie Durie
Durie isn't a stranger to the world of HGTV shows, prior to 'Curb Appeal Xtreme', Jamie hosted shows like 'Backyard Takeover', 'The Outdoor Room', 'House Rules', 'Backyard Blitz' and others. He has authored 11 books on subjects like garden designing, lifestyle, and architecture. He is also the founder and director of his international design firm Durie Design established in 1998.
Jamie's love for the outdoors can be attributed to his Australian roots. Born and brought up in northern Sydney, Durie developed a deep connection with nature which helps and guides him in creating some of the finest outdoor living spaces. He is also very passionate about the environment and climate change. He trained with former Vice President Al Gore as a Climate Change Ambassador and regularly participates in environmental lectures around the world.
Rachel Taylor
Taylor will be making her big debut on HGTV with 'Curb Appeal Xtreme'.She will be helping the clients with custom carpentry and furniture for their outdoor living spaces on the HGTV show. Prior to getting into the carpentry business, Taylor worked as a consultant and professional banana bread-maker. After teaching herself how to design and build custom furniture, she opened her own carpentry business in Los Angeles, California.
In an Instagram post, she described filming for 'Curb Appeal Xtreme' as 'experience of a lifetime' while reminiscing how she grew up watching HGTV. She wrote, "Filming Curb Appeal Xtreme for @hgtv is an experience of a lifetime. I remember binge-watching HGTV 20 years ago, wondering how all those designers got to do what they love for a living AND on TV. Turns out, it takes a lot of hard work, bravery, sacrifice, and a stomach to take big risks...and dreaming to the extreme! My grandma used to say, be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. I got it."
'Curb Appeal Xtreme' premieres on September 8 on HGTV.