Genevieve Gorder, once a prominent figure on MTV, swiftly rose to fame as one of the nation’s most beloved interior designers after transitioning to TLC. She gained widespread recognition during her six barefoot seasons on “Trading Spaces,” an American adaptation of the BBC’s “Changing Rooms.” Additionally, she showcased her design prowess on “Town Haul” and provided advice to viewers on 78 episodes of “Dear Genevieve.”
Gorder’s career extended beyond these shows; she served as a judge on “HGTV Design Star,” hosted the seasonal special “White House Christmas,” and even opened her personal life to cameras on “Genevieve’s Renovation.” But what has she been up to in the last decade? From a Moroccan wedding to teaching, venturing into video games, and battling health issues, here’s a glimpse into the recent life of this Minneapolis native.
Ventures and Achievements
Netflix and Airbnb Makeovers In 2018, Genevieve Gorder joined the streaming revolution with her own home renovation show on Netflix titled “Stay Here.” The twist? The properties being renovated were Airbnbs, not traditional homes. Gorder traveled across various locations, from Austin and California to New York and Seattle, helping rental owners attract more clients. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many homeowners reporting increased bookings and higher rates. Inspired by the success, Gorder and her future husband, Christian Dunbar, invested in a short-term rental property in Savannah. However, despite the positive reception, Netflix decided not to renew “Stay Here” after just eight episodes.
Marriage in Morocco Five years after her divorce from Canadian TV host Tyler Harcott, the father of her only child, Bebell, Genevieve Gorder married furniture designer Christian Dunbar. The couple celebrated with a “super sexy dinner party” in Morocco with their closest friends and family. Gorder revealed that she was introduced to Dunbar, who had admired her for years, by a mutual friend. Their relationship blossomed through a series of hour-long phone conversations, leading to an engagement within 12 months of meeting. Dunbar, known for his blend of industrial and organic furniture designs and modeling for Grey Goose, has often praised Gorder, noting how she has transformed his life for the better.
Return to “Trading Spaces” In 2018, Genevieve Gorder briefly returned to “Trading Spaces” alongside Paige Davis, Carter Oosterhouse, and Ty Pennington. However, she did not appear in the show’s second season due to a scheduling conflict with a then-secret Bravo project, later revealed as “Best Room Wins.” Gorder expressed her regret for not being able to participate, emphasizing her close bond with the cast and the importance of managing their careers.
Online Teaching In 2018, Gorder expanded her talents to online teaching, partnering with T.J. Maxx to launch a free course aimed at helping people unlock their interior design potential. Unlike traditional design courses, Gorder’s approach focused on fostering creative freedom rather than imposing her own ideas. She encouraged participants to think outside the box and explore their unique design styles.
Video Game Design In 2019, Gorder ventured into the video game world, collaborating with publisher Jam City on “Vineyard Valley.” This game blends mystery, world-building, and DIY elements, allowing players to virtually step into Gorder’s shoes and renovate a rundown winery named Tangled Vine and other properties. Gorder played a crucial role in shaping the game’s aesthetic, aiming to bring real-world design elements into the virtual experience.
Health Battles Gorder has been open about her health struggles, including a decade-long battle with Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness. She revealed her diagnosis in 2019, expressing initial fears for her life. However, she has since managed the disease and hopes to provide comfort to others facing similar challenges. Additionally, in 2021, Gorder disclosed her COVID-19 diagnosis, emphasizing the severity of the Delta variant and the importance of vaccination.
Infomercial Hosting and Product Design Beyond television, Gorder has partnered with major lifestyle brands, designing wallpaper for Tempaper, rugs for Capel, and children’s furnishings for The Land of Nod. She also collaborated with Scotties to redesign tissue box packaging, making everyday items more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, Gorder has hosted TV infomercial breaks on “America’s Steals and Deals.”
Hosting “Best Room Wins” In 2019, Gorder hosted “Best Room Wins” on Bravo, a show she likened to “Project Runway” but focused on interior design. Contestants were given $25,000 to create high-end looks, judged on aesthetics, client satisfaction, and budget management. Despite its promising premise, the show lasted only one season.
Lifestyle Show on Crackle In 2023, Gorder launched her lifestyle show, “At Home with Genevieve,” on the free streaming platform Crackle. The show featured famous guests discussing entertaining and home decor, reflecting Gorder’s inclusive approach to design and lifestyle content.
Recent Projects In late 2023, Gorder appeared on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” offering holiday season tips. She continues to work on new projects, including an upcoming series titled “Better Living with Genevieve,” produced by Al Roker Entertainment, which aims to share practical life hacks and home tips.
Genevieve Gorder’s journey from an MTV personality to a multifaceted entrepreneur and designer showcases her adaptability and passion for interior design and lifestyle enhancement. Despite facing health challenges and the ebb and flow of television success, Gorder remains a prominent figure in the design world, continually seeking new avenues to inspire and educate.