Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design
Episode: How Alison Kenworthy Built Homeworthy Into A Must-Watch For Interior Design Lovers
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett (Jess) and Suzanne Hall (Suzanne) engage in an enlightening conversation with Allison Kenworthy, the visionary founder of Homeworthy. Allison shares her journey from a successful career in television production to creating a groundbreaking media network that has become a staple for interior design enthusiasts worldwide.
Allison Kenworthy’s Background and Journey
[02:10] Allison Kenworthy
"Homeworthy is the intersection of storytelling and design."
Allison Kenworthy, a three-time Emmy award-winning television producer, founded Homeworthy in 2020. With a background at ABC’s Good Morning America, where she covered high-profile events like the Met Gala and the Golden Globes, Allison leveraged her storytelling prowess to create a platform that showcases extraordinary homes and the unique stories behind them. Growing up in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., Allison developed a deep-seated passion for homes and decor, which eventually led her to establish Homeworthy.
The Genesis of Homeworthy
[03:20] Allison Kenworthy
"I never envisioned being a CEO or a founder, but I wanted to combine my passions for storytelling and design."
Reflecting on her career transition, Allison explains how a persistent inner voice guided her to merge her love for storytelling with her passion for interior design. This fusion birthed Homeworthy, a media network dedicated to highlighting the personal narratives and design choices of homeowners. From its inception, the platform emphasized authentic, long-form content, allowing homeowners to narrate their own stories within their living spaces.
Content Creation and Rapid Growth
[06:38] Allison Kenworthy
"Our team has grown from me filming on an iPhone to 120 dedicated producers, videographers, and editors worldwide."
Allison attributes Homeworthy's extensive content library—over 1.2 billion minutes watched annually—to her strong background in high-paced television environments. Initially, Allison managed productions solo, utilizing her iPhone to film episodes like the highly popular Bunny Williams feature. Today, Homeworthy boasts a robust team of around 120 professionals globally, enabling them to produce diverse content across various regions efficiently.
Unique Storytelling Approach
[09:00] Allison Kenworthy
"We disarm people by not showing up with a large production, allowing for more authentic storytelling."
A distinguishing factor of Homeworthy is its focus on genuine narratives. By keeping production teams small, Allison ensures that homeowners feel comfortable and authentic while presenting their spaces. This approach fosters deeper connections between the audience and the featured individuals, as viewers gain intimate insights into the lives and stories that shape each home.
Favorite Episodes and Memorable Stories
[24:05] Allison Kenworthy
"Profiling Joe Minton, a 90-year-old interior designer living in a former English castle in Texas, was unforgettable."
Allison highlights several standout episodes that have significantly contributed to Homeworthy's reputation. Notable mentions include:
- Eric Motley’s House: Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Eric shares his vast collection of rare books and art pieces.
- Miles Red and Alex: A delightful conversation between two collectors that showcases their passion for accumulating unique items.
- Ruth McKinney’s Farmhouse: A series chronicling Ruth and her husband's restoration of a dilapidated farmhouse in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
- The Paris Project: Following interior designer Garo Kedigan as he renovates a stunning Parisian apartment.
- Joe Minton’s Texas Castle: A spontaneous episode featuring a 90-year-old designer living in a grand castle-like home.
These episodes exemplify Homeworthy's dedication to featuring a diverse array of homes and personal stories, making each episode a unique viewing experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Expansion
[31:02] Allison Kenworthy
"Expanding globally presents challenges in finding local crews and authentic stories."
As Homeworthy continues to flourish, Allison acknowledges the challenges of scaling the platform internationally. Establishing local teams and sourcing genuine stories from different cultures and regions remains a priority. Strategies include leveraging social media to identify potential homeowners and collaborating with local talents to maintain the authenticity and quality of content across diverse locales.
Defining Luxury in Modern Homes
[33:25] Allison Kenworthy
"For me, luxury is a hot shower and a good night's sleep—a quiet night at home."
Allison offers a heartfelt perspective on luxury, emphasizing that it transcends expensive designer items. She believes true luxury lies in the simple comforts of home and the ability to create a personal sanctuary. Homeworthy reflects this ethos by showcasing homes that embody both opulence and everyday coziness, highlighting that luxury is subjective and deeply personal.
Audience Engagement and Community Building
[20:38] Allison Kenworthy
"We encourage people everywhere to share their stories, whether they're in Tulsa or Tokyo."
Allison emphasizes the importance of community engagement for Homeworthy. By inviting homeowners from all walks of life to share their spaces and stories, the platform fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. Allison encourages listeners and viewers to submit their own homes for feature considerations, ensuring that Homeworthy remains a dynamic and expansive repository of human-centric interior design narratives.
Closing Thoughts
Jess and Suzanne express their admiration for Allison's accomplishments and the impactful work done by Homeworthy. They highlight the platform's ability to offer an authentic glimpse into diverse lifestyles and design philosophies, positioning it as a modern-day equivalent of traditional design magazines but with the intimacy and depth of video storytelling.
[37:17] Jess
"We are huge fans of what you're doing. Thank you for coming on."
Allison reciprocates the gratitude, reiterating her commitment to expanding Homeworthy and continuing to share compelling home stories with a global audience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Allison Kenworthy on Homeworthy's Essence [03:20]:
"I think that you could create something that combines your two passions of storytelling and design." -
Allison on Content Creation [06:38]:
"We've got about 120 producers, videographers, editors all over the world." -
Allison Discussing Authentic Storytelling [09:00]:
"We could show up with a soundtrack... there's something about having a small footprint that gives you more authentic answers." -
Allison on Defining Luxury [33:25]:
"Luxury is a hot shower and a really good night's sleep at this point for me." -
Allison on Community Engagement [20:38]:
"We want to hear from people because maybe there's a fabulous home and an incredible story in Tulsa, Oklahoma."
Final Takeaways
Allison Kenworthy's journey from television producer to the founder of Homeworthy exemplifies the power of combining passion with storytelling. Homeworthy stands out in the interior design media landscape by prioritizing authentic, personal narratives over glossy, staged presentations. This approach not only resonates deeply with viewers but also democratizes the concept of luxury, making beautiful home stories accessible to a broader audience.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Homeworthy across various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring beloved personalities and their unique abodes.
Discover More About Homeworthy:
- YouTube: Search for Homeworthy
- Instagram: @Homeworthy
- TikTok: @homehomeworthy
- Website: Homeworthy.com
Thank you for tuning into this summary of the Dear Alice podcast episode featuring Allison Kenworthy. For more interior design insights and inspiring home stories, be sure to listen to the full episode and explore Homeworthy.
