HGTV's ‘Dear Genevieve' show films in Sparta — again

Sparta — Two months after she and her crew shot an episode of her upcoming HGTV show in Sparta, home decorating guru Genevieve Gorder was back in town for another shoot. This time she was at the home of James and Theresa Sellinger of 9 Stonebridge Road to make over their kitchen. The new series, called “Dear Genevieve,” will debut in early 2009 on the HGTV network and will feature homes in need of single room or specific area make-overs. In each episode Genevieve will recreate a different room and viewers can expect to see new bedrooms, bathrooms, dens, dining rooms, great rooms, and even back yard make overs. The Sellingers were overjoyed to learn they were getting a new kitchen. The couple, who bought their two-story home in Sparta five years ago, moved from a small apartment in Manhattan when their oldest child, Griffin, was only 2. Since then, sisters Devin, 5, and Allie, 3, have joined their brother, who is now 7. Theresa Sellinger is a gourmet cook and avid baker, and said she lived with the out-dated décor, cabinets, and counters of her kitchen since they bought the home. But when the appliances started to go, she knew she needed a complete kitchen overhaul. The Sellingers love to entertain and host large gatherings and the dysfunctional kitchen was no longer cutting the mustard. That’s when Theresa noticed a link on the HGTV Web site that said, “Be on HGTV.” With a click of her mouse she discovered the network was looking for problem rooms for Genevieve’s new series and decided to apply. Next thing she knew, someone came to scout out her home and a short time after that she learned her home had been selected. So, for her second shoot in Sparta, Genevieve and her crew set up shop in the Sellinger’s home to create a sleek and functional new kitchen. The final “reveal” of the project cannot be discussed until after the episode airs, but it’s safe to say the Sellinger’s kitchen, with all new counters, cabinets, and state-of-the-art appliances, is sure be the envy of their neighborhood. Theresa said the experience of working with Genevieve was wonderful and a learning experience too. Theresa said, “I learned practical things like, how to remove wallpaper, but also about the most important part of design, which is more than beauty. It’s about the function of a room.” Genevieve often says “function drives design” and that she works with homeowners to get a feeling for how they use the room she will make over. “Theresa is so passionate about what she does and spends 90 percent of her time in the kitchen.” There’s a good chance she’ll want to spend even more time there now that Genevieve has worked her magic. Genevieve began her career on the popular TLC network show “Trading Spaces,” which also launched the career of ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover” star and her good friend, Ty Pennington. With her new show, Genevieve plans to keep all shoots in New York’s tri-state area to remain close to her Manhattan home base. The other episode shot in Sparta involved an office/crafting space for the Arcuri home on Signal Hill Trace. Air dates for both episodes will be announced on HGTV.com.