THROWBACK to 2019 Hip Daddy feature:
It’s Thanksgiving week here at Hip Daddy, and therefore entertaining and having the perfect festive home is important. So we went straight to the source…Design expert Vern Yip! One room at a time, Vern Yip is designing his way across America. From seasons spent on TLC’s Trading Spaces and NBC Home Intervention to HGTV’s Design Star and Deserving Design with Vern Yip, and more recent Live in Vern’s house, Vern is indeed the Man when it comes to all things design. Please enjoy this week’s exclusive Spotlight with yet another amazing Hip Daddy…
Tell us about your kids. What’s it like being a Dad?
I always wanted to have a family so I consider being a Dad and a Partner to be the biggest and
best aspect of my life. I really don’t think anything can adequately prepare
you for becoming a Dad…especially because each kid is different and unique
and you, as a parent, have to figure out the best way to nurture each one.
Our son Gavin is an outgoing and dynamic five year old who naturally veers
towards balance. He’s a stereotypical boy in so many ways but he can also be
sweet, sensitive, and thoughtful which is encouraging as a parent. Our
daughter, Vera, is only fourteen months younger which has fortunately forged
a tight relationship between the kids. She’s different from her older
brother in many ways but they get along well and I can see a long road of
love and friendship they’ll hopefully stay on. Vera has introverted
tendencies but blossoms around her brother or in one-on-one situations.
She’s a creative, sweet, and bright girl who’s equally comfortable playing
princess or warrior. At the end of the day, no matter what difficulties have
been thrown my way, I have to consider myself a very lucky man.
Talk to us about your parenting style.
Both my partner and I are very hands on with the kids and love to have equal involvement in all aspects of
their lives. We both agree that it’s far more important for us to serve as
their parents than their friends and come from the school of presenting a
united front. Neither of us takes on the role of primary caregiver or
principal disciplinarian. Balance is one of the keys to our house running
smoothly and the kids know that all the joking around and laughing that we
do doesn’t excuse them from cleaning up their toys, eating a proper dinner,
or brushing their teeth.
What’s the one thing you cannot live without as a Dad?
Hugs and sleep. There is nothing like getting a hug from your kid to bring everything into
perspective. It’s a total re-charge. Sleep also helps quite a bit. Today’s
dads probably multi-task more than previous generations. Between a full
plate of work duties and an endless cycle of housework, it’s important to
stay energized!
Hosting Thanksgiving or a Holiday gathering can be stressful. What ideas do you have for getting the kids involved in the process?
Our kids love the holidays and we take every opportunity to surround them with extended
family. They’re always so excited about having family over so we have them
help with creating elements to add to the table setting such as place cards.
They love being outside so helping to tidy up the yard is also a winner. Of
course, they help clear the dishes as best they can. We make everything into
a game if possible to show that any task can be fun with the right attitude
and perspective.
What are 3 things every Thanksgiving needs (besides the turkey and stuffing!)?
Family, Pie, and Loose Garments.
What are the must-haves for every Hip Daddy Household?
Dogs, Legos, a great Sound System, a great smelling candle or fragrance warmer, and a
reliable Vacuum Cleaner.
What are you thankful for during this Holiday season?
So much but first and foremost, I’m thankful for the love and health of my family.
What is your latest project that has you excited?
I’m excited to be launching my first ever home fabric line, Vern Yip for Trend, with Fabricut.
It will be available with a major brick and mortar fabric retailer in
January but I can’t say who it is at the moment! I’m also excited about my
home fragrance collection, available through gift and specialty retailers,
which launched earlier this year. A great smelling home is important when
you live with two kids and four dogs! And 2015 will see my first ever
lighting collection introduced to the world. I’m grateful to have these
opportunities!
For more on Vern, please follow him on Twitter here, Instagram here, and Like him on Facebook here.
photo credit: David Land