This Year’s Celebrity Guest for the Philly Home and Garden Show Answers Our Most Pressing Design Questions

Christopher Knight, known to many for his role as Peter Brady in the Brady Bunch, is also the founder of Christopher Knight Home, his line of home décor that has become a part of millions of homes and is now one of the most recognizable online brands of home furnishings in the U.S. He got involved in the Philly Home and Garden Show because the show was a natural fit for his growing home decor line. Here, he answers our questions about his personal approach to home and garden design.

What project are you currently working on?

Christopher Knight Home continues to flourish, with aims to soon expand into brick-and-mortar retail.  Of course, I’m still teamed up with Barry Williams (my “Brady” brother) doing “The Real Brady Bros” Podcast, our weekly episodic recap and retrospective of our classic Brady Bunch episodes.

When you design a room, what is the most important interior design advice you give?

Less is more. Be mindful of scale! Take measurements and give at least four feet of space around furniture that serve as traffic areas.

I’ve learned that not all people are able to think in an imagined three-dimensional space. As a result, some have a hard time anticipating the fit and flow of a room. Finding the balance between too little and too much is sort of a “Goldilocks” zone, and important to consider thoroughly.

Are you a plant fanatic?

Yes! I love plants. I love how they soften linear features of all construction.

I do have a “green thumb” when time allows. A green thumb requires a consistent connection to your greenery. My current lifestyle challenges that connection.

I’ve begun to incorporate quality artificial trees and plants for those spaces where a large live specimen is impractical. I’ve found that some artificial plants and trees are astonishingly lifelike and completely acceptable. I love the idea of maintenance-free!

Do you have some tips for making a big impact in terms of curb appeal?

I would have to say lighting. Good exterior lighting can add a magical quality to a home. It infuses your home with drama and architectural depth. It can be cleverly used to emphasize your home’s architectural strengths, while drawing attention away from any shortcomings.

What is one project you tell people not to do as DIY?

Doing your own hazardous material remediation. I also don’t recommend doing your own hot tar roofing if your job calls for it.

What’s an outdated home trend you hope doesn’t come back?

I’m hoping, as I imagine everyone does, that the sprayed acoustic ceiling we commonly refer to as “popcorn” ceiling never makes a comeback of any kind.

What’s your favorite paint color?

I’ll have to go with taupe as my favorite paint color currently. I love it because it can go warm or cool and has such modest, reliable, and practical qualities.

What home gadget or tool should every homeowner own?

Compact cordless rechargeable screwdriver. Hands down, the most useful under $30 tool purchase for the home.

In your opinion, what’s the most underrated tool in your toolbox?

Tape measure. Simple, easy and essential. Needed more than you expect and ignored far too often.

Best home purchase for under $100?

Best home purchase for under $100 is a video doorbell like RING. It is a simple, cost-effective way to boost your sense of security. From knowing who’s entering and leaving your home, to seeing packages arrive and (in some cases) disappear from your porch, to avoiding unwanted solicitations, video doorbells are an easy way to improve your awareness of your surroundings.

Wire up for more than just a door cam. Whole home surveillance technology today is affordable. Of course, it’ll cost more than $100, but it’s well worth the sense of security you can provide your family.

Tell us about your pets.

We have two majestic adult cats and an adorable puppy. Titus and Grayson are our cats. Stella is our puppy. Both cats were recues–Titus was a feral kitten and Grayson a sheltered one-year-old. Grayson appears to be a Maine Coon and Titus, a Turkish Van. Stella was a new addition during COVID. She’s an irresistible three-and-a-half-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

When we brought Stella home, she was an eight-week-old, barely four-pound puppy. Titus and Grayson are big fifteen-plus-pound cats. We couldn’t be sure if the cats’ interest in tiny Stella was simple curiosity or the result of a hunting instinct. Stella was so small. Titus, the alpha, always hovered near her. Soon enough it became clear, he was lording over her–overseeing her as part of his pride. We now refer to him as Mufasa. We are one big multi-species family.

What’s your next home project?

My wife Cara and I are on the front end of a remodel of our kitchen and primary bathroom. As part of the kitchen remodel, we are also looking to reimagine the flooring in our living and dining rooms and kitchen. Our dark floors, though beautiful, have proven to be impractical.

At the same time, we’re also going to overhaul our landscaping and refresh the home’s curb appeal. We’re in the early stages with our imaginations still running wild. Specifics are still to be settled on.

To purchase tickets, and to see the celebrities stage schedule including Christopher Knight, click here: phillyhomeandgarden.com/show-features/speakers-celebrities.

 

This is a paid partnership between Philly Home and Garden Show and Philadelphia Magazine