Eva Amurri is proving that the future of home design content is streaming—and yes, her vision includes beachy wood and smart-home vibes.
With cable networks canceling fan-favorite design series left and right, it’s clear we’re entering a new era of real estate content. Leading the way is Eva’s new YouTube series, The Westport Project. Following a seemingly traditional format, the show follows the actress and lifestyle tastemaker as she joins forces with construction expert Chris O’Dell to build a dream-worthy custom smart home in Westport, Connecticut. But here’s the twist: Episodes drop in real time giving viewers a look at what it really takes to build from the ground up.
We sat down with Eva to talk about her inspiration behind the series, her signature style, and why building a home should always start with the people who’ll live in it.
What inspired The Westport Project, and how did the idea first take shape?
After I had worked with The O’Dell Group on my own home renovation project seven years ago, I did some marketing work for the company. Chris saw firsthand what my brand, Happily Eva After, is all about and was interested in joining forces to create a spec home one day—and using our areas of expertise to create a really interesting and new kind of product. After years of searching for the perfect home for this, we finally found the property at Compo Beach!
How did you decide to release episodes in real-time? What kind of response have you gotten from viewers so far?
We thought it was an important and new way of getting viewers invested in the process. What’s cool about doing it this way is that the future owners of this home can watch their house being built and see what goes into it. We’re also getting input from viewers throughout the process, which has been fun to see. Everyone has been really excited by this, both within our Westport community and abroad!
What's been your favorite design decision (so far) in building your custom smart home?
The way that the windows and balconies really play off of the unique Compo Beach water views has been both a challenge and such an exciting accomplishment. Having a female architect on this project who both knows the area so well, and is a seasoned mom with experience of how families actually live in and interact with their spaces has been a huge plus!
For someone dreaming of their own custom home, where should they actually start?
Find an architect who really understands the way you want to live in your home, and is open to working with you and not just recreating what they always do for clients. Also, finding honest, experienced builders who will stick to the budget and be communicative along the way is not easy, but so essential! We’re so lucky on this project to have both of those things, and it’s going to show in the final product.
What's one design trend that you’re loving right now and one you hope we leave behind?
I’m loving blonde, beachy wood! I hope we leave the ‘70s throwback in the past.
What’s your go-to advice for turning any space—no matter the size—into a sanctuary?
Don’t rush the decoration/design process. It’s tempting to want to “finish” a space, but choosing details and decor that really feel like you and are unique to you can take a while! Having your home feel relaxing and safe has a lot to do with it feeling authentically aligned with who you are as a family. Also, throw parties! I’m a firm believer that gathering in your spaces with loved ones creates amazing energy that lasts.
