Hallmark+ is inviting audiences into a world where nostalgia meets fresh beginnings with Home Is Where The Heart Is, a heartwarming home renovation series starring beloved Hallmark actor — and skilled woodworker — Luke Macfarlane. Partnering with interior designer Olivia Westbrooks, the duo embarks on emotional home transformations, proving that a house isn’t just a structure—it’s a story waiting to be retold.
Celeb Secrets caught up with Luke and Olivia in New York City last week to hear all about the new show, and if their passion for the project tells us anything, it’s that this isn’t your average home renovation series.
Known for its feel-good storytelling, Hallmark is taking its signature warmth beyond holiday movies and into the realm of home design. But according to Macfarlane, it was important to keep the essence of Hallmark while stepping into new territory.
“Hallmark has a really strong brand identity,” Macfarlane told Celeb Secrets. “So the thing that was at top of mind all the way through was how we could continue to reflect that brand while we move into this new space, which is home renovation. And I think we achieved that.”
Westbrooks agreed, emphasizing that the magic of the show lies in the families chosen for each episode. “We were very deliberate about picking families that had great stories to tell,” she said. “The houses had a lot of history, and that’s what made this project special.”
Each episode of Home Is Where The Heart Is features a family with a deeply personal connection to their home. Whether it’s an inherited space or a childhood residence, Macfarlane and Westbrooks work to preserve the memories while updating the design to meet the homeowners’ needs.
That delicate balance, however, doesn’t come without its challenges. “It’s a lot of debate,” Westbrooks admitted with a laugh. “Do we move this? Can we change that? There were definitely some emotional moments, especially when deciding what to keep. There’s one episode where we had to decide what to do with a bookcase built by a father who had passed—it was tough because his hands had touched that wood.”
Macfarlane chimed in, noting that every change was made with the utmost care. “Very few people actually come into our homes, right? They’re intimate spaces, and we were all up in people’s houses,” he joked. “So we wanted to make sure they were happy. No ‘I hate it’ moments!”
While fans know Macfarlane from Hallmark rom-coms, they may be surprised to see him getting his hands dirty in the workshop. A passionate woodworker, Macfarlane was thrilled to showcase another side of his creativity.
“I’ve worked with Hallmark for many years, and they’ve always been adaptive to me,” he shared. “The idea that I get to share another part of myself is thrilling. As an actor, you always want to keep growing and showing what you’re interested in.”
His latest woodworking challenge? A custom chair for his daughter. “It took way too long, and she’ll probably be too big for it soon,” he laughed. “But it was a fun challenge.”
At its core, Home Is Where The Heart Is is more than just a home makeover show—it’s an emotional journey. From empty nesters embracing a new chapter to siblings preserving childhood memories, the series is bound to tug at heartstrings.
Both Macfarlane and Westbrooks recalled moments that reaffirmed why they took on this project. “Keisha’s reaction really hit me,” Macfarlane shared. “She moved into the house her late father left her, and when she walked in after the renovation, she had this deeply emotional response. It was everything.”
Westbrooks agreed, adding that many of the homeowners were simply overwhelmed with gratitude. “A lot of these families wouldn’t have had this opportunity otherwise. We didn’t just give them a new space—we honored their past and made it meaningful to them.”
And, of course, there were some lighter behind-the-scenes moments. “Luke was shirtless all the time,” Westbrooks teased. “It was Georgia in the summer, okay?” Macfarlane defended. “Very hot.”
When asked what message they want viewers to take away from Home Is Where The Heart Is, both stars had simple but powerful answers.
“Take a little more time for yourself and your home,” Macfarlane said. “Give it the love it deserves.”
Westbrooks added, “Don’t be so concerned about what’s trendy. Who cares? Design a space that reflects you and what you love. That’s what matters.”
With its mix of heartfelt storytelling, stunning design, and Hallmark’s signature warmth, Home Is Where The Heart Is is set to be a must-watch. So grab your tissues — and maybe your toolbox — because this show is about to bring all the feels when new episodes drop every Thursday on Hallmark+.
Watch our full interview with Luke and Olivia below, and don’t forget to let us know what you think of Home Is Where The Heart Is by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
