restorer guy

My new favourite. Have you seen the Restorer Guy, the new show that premiered last week on TLC? It's my new favourite show. The guy -- his actual real name is Gable Painter -- specializes in restoring gorgeous historic properties in Richmond, VA. It's such a refreshing approach to renovation - a welcome antidote to the banal quick-fix or tear-it-all-out-and-put-in-new-stuff hideousness of most reno TV. Gable is filling that niche once occupied by Bob Vila and his carpenter buddy Bob Riley. I have missed them. Decorating and design is all well and good (also not that well represented on TV) but this is the real guts of great design -- it starts with the envelope. Oh yes, and he's super cute, too (this is TV after all)!