Talk Shop: Alison Kenworthy // Homeworthy
ABOUT ALISON
Alison Kenworthy, founder of Homeworthy, is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and co-host of ABC’s travel show, “Out of Office.” She formerly worked at ABC’s Good Morning America, where she covered entertainment stories from the red carpet of the Golden Globes to the tennis courts of Wimbledon. She also traveled to small towns across the country filming heartwarming profiles of extraordinary Americans.
In 2019, she founded Homeworthy as a way of showcasing how homes shape peoples' lives.
Alison grew up in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. which is where she developed her love of homes and interior design. She now works in real estate and lives in Manhattan with her husband Michael. We loved chatting with this talented founder, and hope you do too!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Granny chic.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Growing up in a historic Georgetown townhouse had a massive influence on my appreciation of architecture and design. Living in Paris with a french family in college opened my eyes to the world and to travel--I was on a plane or a train every weekend going somewhere new. My wonderful mom and all her lovely lady friends I grew up around.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my media company, Homeworthy, a year and a half ago after a long career in television. I love interviewing and filming interesting people and getting a glimpse into their lives and their homes. It’s a privilege to tell stories of extraordinary people and the places they call home. Whether it’s a rent-controlled one bedroom apartment or a pre-war Park Avenue apartment--I’m equally fascinated by how people live.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I was producer at ABC’s Good Morning America for many years where I covered stories like The Met Gala, Wimbledon, and The Golden Globes. Most of my mentors are still in media and television--they are the ultimate storytellers.
What does your home say about you:
Nothing is too precious. It’s eclectic with classic touches.
Where do you find inspiration:
The subway, traveling, magazines and books, walking around New York City, talking to a stranger...I can find it anywhere, really.
Who are your style icons:
Lee Radziwell, Grace Kelly, Diana Vreeland, C.Z. Guest.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A meal you can make ahead of time so you’re not stressed! Something like Ina Garten’s beef bourguignon with a simple green salad and good crusty bread. Of course a fully stocked bar, beautiful place settings with place cards, loads of candlelight, fresh flowers, and good music. I’m a sucker for the oldies like Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.
Do you collect anything:
Vintage clothes
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@YolandaEdwards, @archdigest, @willowcrossleycreates, @serenacrawford, @RitaKonig, @beataheuman, @hillhousevintage, @AmandaCBrooks, @thefashionmagpie, and @theworldofinteriors.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I don’t follow any rules when it comes to design and I’m also not into matchy-matchy.
What are you working on right now:
A great Brooklyn home tour with Aya Kanai who is just the coolest. She was an editor at Hearst for 20 years working for publications like Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Teen Vogue. She’s now Head of Content and Creator Partnerships at Pinterest.
Wardrobe staples:
Good fitting Levis, Stubbs and Wooton loafers or Chanel ballet flats, lots of crew neck white t-shirts, and a closet full of vintage and colorful dresses.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
ANYTHING by de Gournay
Best interior advice you ever received:
Brian McCarthy once told me that arranging chairs in a room is like hosting a cocktail party--you wouldn’t want a room full of bankers or lawyers in the same way you wouldn’t want a room full of pairs of chairs. You want to mix things up and keep it interesting.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Splurge on wallpaper and window treatments. Find a good and affordable upholster so you can buy furniture from estate sales and vintage warehouses, and then get it recovered.
Your greatest extravagance:
A lazy afternoon having high-tea. I love a good tea sandwich and scone with clotted cream and jam.
Favorite places to shop for home:
William-Wayne & Co, John Derian, ABC Home, Chairish, Scully & Scully, but nothing thrills me more than getting an incredible deal at a vintage or junk shop.
Most prized possession and why:
My family. But in terms of material items, before my wedding to my now husband Michael, my mother-in-law gave me a gold bracelet that her husband gave to her on the occasion of Michael’s birth. The bracelet is engraved with his name and has little indentations on it from when Michael would bite on it as a baby. I wear it every day.
Your interiors motto:
More is more, and also buy what you love.
Your life motto:
Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Let it evolve organically.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Good pizza
Drink: French 75
Film: Something’s Gotta Give, You’ve Got Mail, Father of the Bride and It’s Complicated (mostly because I want Meryl Streep’s house in Santa Barbara)
Hotel: The Lake Palace in Udaipur, India.
City: New York City
Bedding: Sferra
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Latte with 2% milk and real sugar. My Nespresso machine is critical in the morning.
Playlist: Motown. I’m really an old lady trapped in a mid-30’s body.
Weekend Activity: I love a weekend with no plans with the possibility of spontaneous fun
Design Book: How They Decorated