Carter Oosterhouse: The Man Behind The Tools And The Smile

When Carter Oosterhouse first walked onto the set of Trading Spaces back in 2003, it was clear he wasn’t your average carpenter. Sure, the guy had a modeling background, but what really set him apart was his undeniable charm and unmatched craftsmanship. Fast forward to today, and Carter, now 45, is juggling multiple roles—TV personality, winery owner, and father—all while maintaining his roots in Traverse City, Michigan, where he and his wife, actress Amy Smart, enjoy a life full of outdoor adventures. "We're all about hiking, biking, and anything that gets us outside," Carter shares with Closer. "Being on the water, whether it's boating or stand-up paddleboarding, is our kind of heaven." And that’s not all—Carter also co-owns a Michigan winery named Bonobo with his brother Todd, and together with Amy, they’ve launched an eco-friendly home furnishings brand called SmartHouse.

Winter Coziness: Tips from the Master Craftsman

So, Carter, what’s your secret to keeping your home cozy during those long winter months?

Here’s what Carter has to say: "First things first—music. A great playlist can completely transform the vibe in your house. It’s like setting the stage for coziness. Then there’s the fireplace. There’s nothing quite like the warmth and crackle of a fire to make a space feel inviting. Lighting plays a huge role too. Think soft, diffused lighting. It’s all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a good book."

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Winter Projects: The Perfect Time for a Fresh Start

With winter being the ultimate season for indoor projects, what advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their space?

“Winter, especially January and February, is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your living space. Out with the old, in with the... well, not necessarily new, but definitely refreshed. Depending on where you live, the cold weather might keep you indoors, so why not use that time wisely? Tackle your closets, declutter those old clothes you haven’t worn in years. It’s all about creating a clean slate, giving yourself a fresh start for the new year. Plus, it feels great to get rid of stuff you no longer need.”

From Rock Star Dreams to TV Stardom

When you were younger, what did you dream of becoming?

“Oh, man, I wanted to be a rock star! Picture this: long hair, guitar in hand, belting out tunes on stage. That was the dream. But, as you can see, life had other plans for me. Sure, I’ve got a little long hair going on, but not quite the rock star length I imagined. And while I do play guitar, singing? Let’s just say I’ll leave that to the professionals. Life has a way of changing your plans, doesn’t it?”

The Hollywood Dream: A Family Affair

How did your parents react when you decided to chase a career in modeling and acting?

“Interestingly, my mom grew up in LA, so the whole Hollywood thing wasn’t as foreign to her as you might think. My journey into the world of home improvement TV happened pretty quickly. My background was in building homes, and before I knew it, I was on camera. My parents were thrilled, and they still are to this day. It’s been an incredible ride, and they’ve been there every step of the way.”

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The Big Break: Trading Spaces

What moment in your career stands out as your big break?

“Without a doubt, it was Trading Spaces. That show changed everything for me. It’s crazy to think that we’re still talking about it today, almost two decades later! I thought I’d be on the show for a year or two, then maybe move behind the camera or go back to building houses. But things took a different turn, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all worked out.”

Trading Spaces: A Look Back

What’s your fondest memory from your time on Trading Spaces?

“The camaraderie among the cast was something truly special. We all became great friends, and that connection has lasted over the years. We still hang out, send each other Christmas cards—it’s like a little family. Those were some of the best days of my life, and I’m grateful for every moment.”

Building on Passion: The Love for Carpentry

Do you still find joy in working on houses and building things?

“Absolutely! There’s something so satisfying about creating something with your own hands. Whether it’s building furniture or remodeling parts of my home, I love it all. Right now, we’re working on a big project at our winery, and I’m right there with a hammer in hand. Building is where I find my true joy, and let’s be honest, a little frustration too. It’s where my emotions come alive. I’m a pretty calm guy, but when it comes to building, that’s where you’ll see the real me.”

The Great Christmas Light Fight: A Holiday Tradition

You recently co-hosted The Great Christmas Light Fight. Will we see you back for another season?

“Absolutely! We film a year in advance, which is awesome. We’re already looking for homes to feature in the 2023 season. It’s such a fun show, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.”

Life Beyond the Camera: Philanthropy and Family

When you’re not in front of the camera, how do you spend your time?

“I started a nonprofit called Carter’s Kids back in 2006. We build playgrounds for communities across the U.S., and it’s been an incredible journey. To date, we’ve built around 100 playgrounds. It’s a huge part of my life, and the fundraising efforts that go into it are something I’m incredibly passionate about. In fact, I’m actually on the phone right now from a playground site!”

The Joys of Parenthood

Speaking of family, you and Amy have a daughter named Flora. How does she fit into your busy life?

“Flora is the center of our world. She keeps us on our toes, that’s for sure. Between chasing her around and keeping up with everything else, life is always exciting. But it’s all worth it. She’s an absolute joy and brings so much happiness to our lives.”

The Secrets to a Happy Marriage

What’s the secret to a successful marriage, in your opinion?

“It’s all about patience and respect. Amy and I just passed our 10-year anniversary, and I can honestly say we’re happier now than we were when we first got together. It’s about working together, supporting each other, and being there when things get tough. If one of us is feeling frustrated, the other steps in. It’s a beautiful partnership, and I feel so lucky to have her by my side.”

Advice to Younger Self

If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?

“I’d tell my 20-year-old self to relax and trust the process. Life can feel overwhelming at times, but looking back, everything has worked out perfectly. I’m a firm believer in timing. Sometimes things happen when they’re meant to, and that’s okay. Enjoy the ride, and don’t stress too much about the future.”

Supporting Dreams: A Father's Perspective

Would you be supportive if Flora wanted to pursue a career in acting?

“Absolutely. We recently attended her first play, and it was adorable. She and her friends even memorized their lines! As a kid, it’s all about exploring interests, but as she grows older, if acting is something she’s passionate about, we’ll fully support her. It’s all about following your dreams and doing what makes you happy.”

Spirituality and Family Values

How does spirituality play a role in your life?

“Growing up, I attended Catholic school, and now our daughter is following in those footsteps. My wife has a guru she looks up to, and when we got married, we had both a guru and a priest at our ceremony. It’s important for us to instill those spiritual values in Flora, especially at a young age. It’s all about finding meaning and purpose in life.”

A Bucket List Filled with Family Adventures

Do you have a bucket list?

“My bucket list is more about experiences with my family. It’s about traveling, exploring the world, and creating memories with Flora. Whether it’s teaching her to ride a bike or swim without a life jacket, it’s all about those small, meaningful moments. It’s like reliving my own childhood, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”