Kirstie Allsopp's Vintage Home
By David Woodward
I am a big fan of Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer who have made a quite a career in the UK and Australia as popular joint presenters on a number of home-buying TV series like ‘Location, Location, Location’ and ‘Relocation, Relocation, Relocation’. They have even expanded their concept to a holiday TV show ‘Vacation, Vacation, Vacation’.
Kirstie and Phil have a magical chemistry when they appear together (often displaying an almost brother-sister relationship). It is unfortunate however that, when they have appeared in their own solo ventures, the absence of this chemistry has been their downfall.
Phil in particular has struggled a bit with his rather one-dimensional ‘Secret Agent’ TV series. Kirstie has had marginally more success with her ventures like ‘Homemade Home’ and ‘Handmade Britain’ TV series.
So it was interesting to view Kirstie’s latest outing ‘Kirstie’s Vintage Home’ which is newly released on DVD.
This two-disc edition includes five episodes in which she mentors several couples to inject some style into their homes by creating handmade treasures and shopping for chic vintage furniture.
‘Vintage Home’ is similar to her other ‘Handmade’ TV series. However, going into the couples’ homes to view the before-and-after stories almost creates a direct link with the ‘Location, Location, Location’ formula that has been a winner in the past.
You almost expect Phil Spencer to pop his head around the corner. In fact, he actually makes a brief appearance (albeit a clip from one of their joint TV series).
I especially liked the two additional themed ‘special’ episodes. The first is a Wedding Special creating a couple’s dream vintage wedding on a budget, and the other is a Christmas Special creating a Christmas at home with handmade treats and treasures. This latter special is the most reminiscent of Kirstie’s work with Phil.
Having said that I quite liked Kirstie Allsopp’s work in ‘Vintage Home’, I must say that I find her a little bit overpowering on her own. She needs to be able to bounce off the witty charm and sarcasm of Phil Spencer to perform at her best.
But in the absence of recent joint Kirstie and Phil programs on our TV screens, ‘Vintage Home’ will fill the void!
Conclusion: Movie 60% Extras: N/A
