Catching Up With Kortney Wilson

Kortney is engaged! On March 17th 2022, Kortney Wilson announced on her Instagram that Ryan popped the question on a ski trip to Whistler. In her blog, she wrote that the two met on Match.com (where she used a fake first name) during one of Toronto’s lockdowns. Kortney wrote that the two had their first date at Jack Astor’s, a local bar and grill, and she invited him over to her house to do a puzzle together. The rest as they say, is history!

Congratulations Kortney!

Kortney is a proud Mom to three kids: Jett, Sullivan and Lennox. When it comes to raising a strong and confident daughter, Kortney says that she’s learned the importance of giving Lennox the space and opportunity to be herself. “I always try to give her an outlet to communicate openly and honestly. All little girls need to know that her feelings are validated.”

Related: 10 Interesting Ways Motherhood Changed Sarah Baeumler’s Approach to Decorating

After the first waves of the pandemic, Kortney has even become more passionate about exterior design. “We’ve all learned about the importance of having our own outdoor spaces these days, whether it’s a great backyard or even just a little balcony. I can see people spending more time focusing on creating functional outdoor spaces in the future,” she says.

Check out some more fun ideas to spruce up your own balcony and front porch.

Speaking on her design must-haves of the moment, “Wallpaper and light wood cabinets are some of my favourite design trends right now,” Kortney admits. If you also want to transform your space with wallpaper, you’ll love these 20 bold print wallpaper ideas.

When it comes to describing her new co-host, Kenny, one word quickly comes to mind, “Genuine,” she says. “He’s just really genuine.” Kortney also admits that she loves how kind and sensitive he is since she also has a more sensitive personality. We can’t wait to see the two team up and work their magic in the new season of Making It Home with Kortney and Kenny, premiering Wednesday, September 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada.

Watch: Making It Home with Kortney and Kenny – SEASON 2 PROMO

Out of all the Hollywood starlets, there are two iconic celebrities who Kortney would love to help with either design or renovation projects. “J-Lo, absolutely,” she says with a laugh. “Also, Gwen Stefani. That would be so much fun.”

Related: Gwen Stefani’s Expansive Beverly Hills Estate Back on the Market for $35 Million

“My taste in music is all over the map,” Kortney reveals. “My latest favourite song is Love Like This by Ben Rector.” When asked about her go-to karaoke jam, Kortney answered right away. “Either When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss or Broken Arms by Journey,” she replies.

Related: Facts You Didn’t Know About Kortney Wilson

Whether she’s at her lakehouse in Kentucky or visiting Toronto, Kortney loves to be by the water. “A trip to Toronto is incomplete without visiting the Beaches community,” she says.

Born in Canada and now living in the US, Kortney says that one of the things she misses about life up North are the cool summer nights. “We don’t get much relief from the hot days in Nashville, and I miss being able to throw on a sweater or my favourite jeans for summer evenings out,” she explains.

Related: 15 Affordable Places to Buy Vacation Properties in Canada

After going through a lot of change in her personal life over the past few years, Kortney is looking forward to checking off one of her biggest bucket-list trips: a visit to Africa. “I’ve always wanted to go there and visit South Africa and Mozambique,” Kortney says, explaining that she sponsors kids in the region. “I also want to visit some orphanages through an organization called Ordinary Hero, which a friend of mine runs. I want to get my hands dirty and help.”

2020 was a whirlwind year for us all. Looking back, Kortney says that one of the most important lessons she’s learned throughout the pandemic is all about respect. ” Varying opinions can really stand between people and their relationships,” she says. “I think the lesson here is that we all need to show a little grace.”

Related: How the Global Pandemic Has Made Us Rethink Every Room in Our Homes

“Right now, I’m reading a book called Perseverance through Severe Dysfunction, which is written by my friend (Reggie D. Ford). It’s all about his experience as a Black person growing up and attending private school,” she explains. “We had a book signing for him at my house. I’m in the middle of it right now, and so far, it’s an amazing read.”

Catch Kortney Wilson on this season of Making It Home with Kortney and Kenny. New episode every Wednesday at 9PM e/p starting September 1.