Designer/handyman/heartthrob Ty Pennington has become such a hero as host of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” we half-expected his next project to be politics.
But he’s staying closer to home–or, as close as anyone who’s on the road constantly can–with his new Ty Pennington Style bedding, bath and tabletop accessories, as well as paint, for Sears stores.
“It’s awesome,” he said with the unpretentious enthusiasm that has become his stock in trade. “It’s definitely a line that I think is going to make people take a different look at Sears.”
With 270-thread-count sheets, some hand-stitched pillows and flatware that “has a nice chunky weight–not like anything else out there,” he said–his seven collections are grouped according to color palette and ethnic/natural influence.
Bali Hai sets graphic flowers against a sandy, beachhouse palette. Hip and loungey, Chocolatte combines browns and watery blues and uses some Ultrasuede. Asian in feel, Red Dragon’s white dishes are stamped, like tooled leather, with a black floral pattern.
“People will be able to do a modern makeover made easy,” Pennington said, “and it will be affordable.”
Complete bed sets are $119 to $199; sheets $29.99 to $79.99. For four place settings, flatware is $24.99 to $49.99 and dinnerware is $79.99.
Variations can be as simple as reversing the Plum Crazy bedding between a ’60s retro print and a tie-dye.
The more adventurous can mix and match between collections, he said, suggesting the Chocolatte sheets with the Bali Hai or Lemon-grass bedding.
“I enjoy being host of the show, but most important I’m an artist,” he said. “I’m stoked that Sears was able to let me do what I want to do. They let me be me.”
His own bed in Venice, Calif., proves it. When he gets a chance to sleep there, Caliente Stripe bedding warmly welcomes him home.
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More home guru growth
– At Target stores this spring, Rachel Ashwell’s Simply Shabby Chic line is adding furniture with the same flea market flair. Prices range from $29.99 to $239.99 for chests of drawers, coffee tables, end tables, bookcases, bath vanity tables and stools, all in an antique white finish.
– At Kmart stores, Martha Stewart Everyday is expanding into ready-to-assemble furniture such as dining tables, a sofa and beds.
