Summerville designer Gray Benko and her family members are on a quest to carry coloration and life back again to historic areas in the Charleston place. It truly is a feat they are carrying out head-on in a new Television set sequence identified as “Joyful to be House with the Benkos.”
In 6 episodes, Grey Benko groups up with her craftsman husband, Mike Benko, and her father, Joe “Grumpy” Highsmith, to renovate portions of six historic Charleston-place properties.
Every single episode characteristics a various household that dates back at the very least 100 years. The idea is to increase shade, texture and fun to each and every a single whilst breaking away from the “stereotypical farmhouse strategy that has been so well known for so extended,” mentioned Mike Benko.
Most of the renovated spaces are kinds the property owners ended up disappointed with. They have been possibly searching for a adjust, or the place wanted some type of structural or construction do the job.
The crew operates to salvage the integrity of every home’s background although introducing the aptitude of Gray Benko’s patterns. As soon as entire, most of the spaces are revived from floor to ceiling with model new design, vivid shades and patterns, antique home furniture and fixtures from community outlets.
The Tv series “Pleased to be Residence with the Benkos” follows Summerville designer Grey Benko and her family as they renovate historic homes in the Summerville and Charleston places. Grey Benko/Delivered
Each individual member of the trio has their very own rule in the renovations. Gray, who is also a photographer, is dependable for the models. Highsmith, a general contractor from Hilton Head Island, oversees the construction. And Gray describes her partner, Mike, as a renaissance gentleman who’s “like a jack-of-all-trades sort of person.” He completes a customized, special challenge for every single homeowner.
Grey, a Lowcountry indigenous, mentioned her family’s enthusiasm for this perform probable stems from residing in historic houses for so numerous many years. They have renovated their individual properties, “and which is form of how this entire items started off,” she mentioned.
“I did our properties, folks noticed it on my Instagram, loved it and then started out inquiring me for help with their residence,” she said. “And then it all turned into this full Tv set clearly show detail, and right here we are.”

“Content to be Property with the Benkos” airs on the Magnolia Community, which functions unique reveals curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of the strike residence renovation Tv series “Fixer Higher” and owners of the Magnolia dwelling brand. The show can be streamed on HBO Max and Discovery+, as well.
The Tv set sequence “Pleased to be Dwelling with the Benkos” follows Summerville designer Gray Benko and her loved ones as they renovate historic households in the Summerville and Charleston locations. Grey Benko/Offered
Since the Benkos make the most of neighborhood companies to support with the renovations, several Lowcountry faces are noticed on the present, much too, like Charleston upholsterer Kelvin Moultrie of Carolina Car Trim, seamstress Elizabeth Wheaton of Wheaton Whaley Residence and designer Sally Bennet of Mirth Studio, amid other South Carolinians.
The Benkos are presently using on new jobs in the Summerville and Charleston regions. Households that are designed in the 1920s or previously are desired.
“We are hunting for persons who are not afraid of color, of course, and who have renovations that they previously want to do,” Gray reported.
Those people who are fascinated should send an e-mail to [email protected].

Comply with Shamira McCray on Twitter @ShamiraTweets.
