Knock Down Walls & Open Up the Space

After demoing the walls and opening up the layout, Camryn, Milo, and the Bros saw just how much more space there was to work with. Taking advantage of this new flow, they replaced the old table with a striking new dining set that centered the room.

They also installed engineered hardwood floors to make for easier upkeep and a gorgeous new foundation for the renovated space.

Add In Some Contrast & Make It Bold

Moving into the kitchen, there are two zones. The contrasting light wood cabinets against the black countertops offer a sophisticated vibe. At first, Jonathan and Camryn were at odds with how this area should be designed. Camryn was hesitant about the striking contrast between the upper and lower cabinets.

But after seeing the vision come to life, Camryn was totally on board. In fact, Milo pulled his phone out to record her while she told the Bros, “It pains me to say this, but you were right!” followed by a Drew and Jonathan victory lap and a bunch of laughs.

Rework the Layout & Make It Functional

The second zone we see here is dedicated to Mia’s cooking workspace. Sun-soaked and bright, the white Carrara marble countertops beautifully complement the cabinetry and accents.

Lining the open shelving across the window is a creative, fun way to take advantage of the space and use it to its full potential. The creamy white range hood blends seamlessly into the wall, making for a more designer look.

Plenty of Cutting Boards

Letting the Light In Without Giving Up Function

Making Better Use of the Laundry Space

Small Touches Tie In the Dark Marble

A Clever Drying Rack

Ready to Dine

Greg and Jill’s outdoor dining area got a serious upgrade! Before, there was just a place to sit and eat together. But Laurence and the Bros gave it the 5-star treatment.

They refinished the patio with modern decking and implemented a stair to minimize the trip hazard. Then, they designed an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill and two fridges. They also installed two retractable fabric awnings to keep the space cozy and shaded in the hot summer months.

A Cozy Firepit View

Laurence, Drew, and Jonathan wanted to make the backyard the ultimate pool party destination for Greg, Jill, and their friends. Keeping with the tranquil vibe of the space, they decided to include a modern firepit and lounge area just across the pool.

The same decking was used here to match the decking in the dining area for a streamlined look. Along the walls behind the sofa, modern plants and greenery make the space pop.

Multiple Places to Relax & Unwind

This poolside oasis featured everything Greg and Jill needed to take their hosting to the next level. A stunning outdoor kitchen and dining area, high-top bar tables, a lounge area complete with a cozy fire pit, and chaises around the pool made for a picturesque new outdoor living space.

Greg and Jill were totally blown away by this surprise renovation! When they finally got a look at their completed backyard, Greg said, “I just feel loved, you know? I feel loved by Laurence, and I can tell that he made decisions that were all right on the money.”

A Culinary Host’s Custom Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen boasted some awesome features, like the huge grill and wine fridge. Because Lisa loves to host, Marlee and the Bros knew that they needed to take this zone to the next level. So this custom kitchen area had everything Lisa needed to cook in style and comfort. They also included pathway lighting for added visibility.

A Cozy Fire Pit & Hot Tub Near the Lemon Tree

Drew, Jonathan, and Marlee wanted to go above and beyond for Lisa, so they created the ultimate chill zone. Not only did they install a hot tub, but they also added a fire pit. This is going to make for countless nights of fun and relaxation in the summer months. Because the hot tub and fire pit areas lead into one another and both are rounded, conversation between the two will be a breeze.

Smart Additions to Make the Space Deaf-Friendly

The rounded quartzite countertop makes conversation easier. Now, Lisa can have all her friends watch her whip up her favorite meals and snacks for the crowd while still communicating with one another in the same space. Beautiful wooden barstools and a stone facade make this culinary area especially chic.

Two Pergolas and Four Zones for Multiple Hangout Options

Drought-tolerant grass and a gravel stabilizer system made Lisa’s new backyard easier to navigate and care for in the hot California sun. All in all, her new oasis had everything she wanted: A place to cook for her favorite people, a rounded table where she could eat and drink, a cozy fire pit and relaxing hot tub, and an area to sit and catch up with friends.

Lower Counters, Better Fixtures

Because of Liz’s more limited mobility and height, her old countertops were difficult to navigate. They were too tall for her, and it hindered Liz’s ability to prep, cook, and clean comfortably.

The Bros lowered the countertops to a comfortable height for Liz, replaced the outdated tile with striking white quartz, updated the hardware, and then added a pop of color to the new cabinetry. They also installed a new dishwasher for Liz in the empty spot where she was missing one.

A Cooktop Upgrade

The new quartz countertops along the stove run all the way up to the backsplash, making for a super chic cooking area, adorned with two matching gold double-light sconces.

Because she loves to cook, Drew and Jonathan even installed two pull-out spice racks for easy reach while prepping her favorite meals, as well as a pot filler next to the stove. The final look is cleaner, more sophisticated, and better fit for Liz’s style.

Organized Laundry Storage

The old laundry room was totally jumbled and rather uncomfortable for Liz to navigate. Even Drew and Jonathan had to reach up to get to those top shelves! There was also illegal electrical work that they had to fix, and less-than-sensible organization.

The Bros and Patricia decided to make use of closed storage with pull-down cabinet shelving to keep Liz’s laundry tools easy to reach, as well as a front-load washer and dryer and custom pull-outs for her laundry baskets.

Indoor Grow Garden and Comfy Seating

Liz absolutely loves to garden and care for her plants and flowers. So adding a chic indoor garden for her greenery right in the windowsill only made sense! Not only did the mini garden brighten up the space, but it also added a fabulous pop of color that Liz loves so much.

A better seating layout also made for an easier dining experience, where Liz could enjoy meals with a friend. Switching out the lighting and updating the window treatments made the space lighter, brighter, and more open.

Light, Bright, and Open

“Though her current kitchen doesn’t look bad at a distance, functionally, it’s just not working,” says Jonathan. In Zoila’s kitchen, there were some things that needed immediate addressing. One of the issues had to do with the wall between the kitchen and the rest of the home. With a baby in the house, Zoila was constantly worried about not being able to see Destiny while cooking. But by taking down the wall and replacing it with a beautiful, oversized peninsula, Sterling and the Bros were able to create a seamless flow between the rooms. Not only did this expand how large the kitchen feels, but it also made the entire floor look more cohesive.

A Functional Breakfast Nook

The dining area also received a gorgeous upgrade. Drew and Jonathan utilized the wall space to craft a banquette, which actually created more room on the opposite side of the table. They made use of the wall by installing open shelving above the bench, creating visual interest that moves the eye upwards. The natural wood from the cabinetry is also reflected in the ceiling woodwork. This creative nod back to Zoila’s personal design style is both subtle and impactful. Herringbone wood floors add a simple but effective contrast to the space while creating a smooth transition between both rooms.

Hidden Storage and a Large Two-Sided Peninsula

Sterling and the Bros made great use of the new kitchen island. Not only did they incorporate more seating for guests, but the cabinets on the peninsula offered more functional, hidden storage for Zoila’s coffee bar on one side, and a chic cocktail bar nook on the other. The breakfast bar will allow guests (as well as Zoila) to feel comfortable between the two rooms. It also opens the whole space up to conversation while Zoila cooks her delicious meals.

Hidden Storage for a Coffee Nook

The pocket cabinet doors in Zoila’s coffee nook are a subtle detail that actually saves a ton of space. She can close the doors when she wants the appliance out of sight and open them right back up for her morning brew.

Open Shelving With Heartfelt Personal Items

Putting Zoila’s collectables on a beautiful display with elongated open shelving really added the perfect personal touch. Her kitchen and dining room are not only beautiful, but they’re also beautifully her. Photos, collectables, and memorabilia line the walls and show off her most loved people and memories.

Sparkling Chandelier on a Gorgeous Wooden Backdrop

The combination of the sparkling chandelier and natural light bouncing light off the ceiling is one of our favorite parts of this reno. It opens up the room, calls attention to detail, and makes everything glow that much brighter.

Unfortunately, when Vera’s kitchen was first added onto the house, it wasn’t done properly. So when the Bros began demolition with Zoë, they found that there were no supports in the kitchen at all, which is why it began to sink. There were stress fractures along the wall and the subfloor was sagging due to the unsupported roof load. But when Drew and Jonathan brought an engineer in to examine the situation, they had great news! It was going to be a quick fix with just a couple concrete footings needed to remedy the issue.

Natural Spanish Influence Meets Modern Builds

Taking influence from Vera’s Argentinian culture, they decided to incorporate lots of natural stone and raw materials. They used limestone flooring and natural stone and marble materials everywhere possible, like on the island block, the countertops, and backsplash. Utilizing natural materials in the lighting was a creative way to mix up textures and colors while keeping up with the raw material theme.

Banquette Seating and a Table for Family

The dining room became an entirely different space, and it’s now capable of so much more than mealtime. The long wooden table accompanied by the banquette bench allows for cozy conversation, not to mention much more seating for big family gatherings. And the gallery wall filled with beautiful photos and memories? That part is priceless.

Touches of Brass, Wicker, and Natural Stone

The gorgeous brass range hood complements the brass hardware and contrasts beautifully against the dark tile backsplash. It’s small details like these in the kitchen that really bring the space together and make it feel complete. Replacing the outdated cabinetry and adding open shelving brought the kitchen into the modern day while still keeping the design timeless.

A Beautiful, Functional Built-In Desk

The dolomite marble built-in desk is another gorgeous callback to Latin America, celebrating the natural raw beauty of earth’s materials. It fits the space seamlessly and isn’t as large and obtrusive as the previous desk setup that Vera was using before. Now, Vera can work in a place that feels calm and tranquil, and fits her style.

Breakfast Bar and Open-Air Entertainment

Breaking open the wall not only allowed for a long, gorgeous breakfast bar, but also completely opens the space for friends and family to gather together. It improves the flow of the kitchen and dining area tremendously. The hand-done stonework that wraps around the island is also a gorgeous detail that encapsulates the entire kitchen and grounds the room in its natural elements.

Darker Ceiling, Bigger Space

Because he loves to entertain, Sal needed a living room that felt jazzy and chic while still making period details pop. When reimagining the living room, Drew, Jonathan, and Rosario knew they had a gorgeous fireplace and crown molding to work with. But bringing those details up-to-date would take a little bit of creativity. They decided to turn to the ceiling. Painting it a bold black actually opened up the space, making the room feel more spacious. And removing the shutters provided desperately-needed light while also softening the room.

A Stunning Custom Bookshelf

Rosario and the Bros decided to build a custom floor-to-ceiling bookcase that frames the dining room on the other side of the wall, combining that Old Hollywood charm with a modern finish. Here, it’s all about the small details: The focused lighting inside each shelf, the brass picture lights, the mirror-and-wood inlay. And of course, the sliding library ladder. When he entered the living room and got a look at the wall-to-wall bookshelves, Sal says, “This is awesome! I could not love this anymore!”

Stonework, Wallpaper, Sparkle

The dining room had to be something picturesque; something interesting and elegant while staying cutting-edge. They refreshed the doors to Sal’s cabinets with a color that better matched his kitchen and living room in order to make the space more cohesive. Then, Rosario, Drew, and Jonathan turned to a bold navy-and-metallic wallpaper to add sparkle and define the room’s lush ambiance. Pops of color and intrigue come from the stonework on the dining room shelves as well as the fabulous pink dining chairs.

Native Plants and an Organic Walkway

Mayim and the Bros knew that Nancy wanted a yard full of lush life and organic shapes and materials. A lot of planning went into building the yard, from the native plants and underground irrigation system to the type of pebble stone they would use to line the walkway. They wanted each element to provide something special, making the space feel cohesive, inspiring, and functional.

Chef’s Kitchen, but Make It Outdoors

May we introduce you to the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? Since Nancy loves being outdoors with friends and family, Mayim, Drew, and Jonathan knew that a dining area with all the bells and whistles would be a total hit. Think a state-of-the-art pellet grill, plenty of storage, stone counters, and a beverage fridge. The old pavers were also stained and repurposed to become the centerpiece to this beautiful chef’s kitchen.

A Pergola and a Yogi Writer’s Sanctuary

The easy-to-maintain steel pergola offers a sweet shaded chill zone to talk with friends around the fire pit and roast marshmallows. It sits as a stepping stone in between the outdoor dining area and Nancy’s writing and yoga studio. These three vignettes give the backyard some structure while still remaining interesting.

Fran’s main concern in the kitchen was to make it feel brighter, more functional, and more fitting to Angelica’s personality. In order to get that done, Drew and Jonathan decided to rearrange the layout in the kitchen a bit. Breaking down the walls could be a good idea if there was more space, but since those walls provide so much storage, they just decided to focus on more functionality.

The backsplash behind the oven pays homage to Ramon and Angelica’s Mexican heritage. The floral, mosaic-style blue and white tile really ties in the space to make it feel like their own. Bright quartz counters and fresh hardwood floors bring in style and offer a seamless transition from the dining and living areas.

Let there be light! The Bros took down the peeling window film to let more natural light in, and provide a smart storage solution by installing open hanging shelving above the sink. Ramon and Angelica didn’t have a dishwasher before Fran, Drew, and Jonathan came in. So they also decided to install a paneled dishwasher that matches the new cabinetry.

Moving around the oven and refrigerator = maximizing space and creating better functionality in the kitchen. Now that the window is in full view (rather than blocked by the fridge) there’s more natural light coming in as well. Matching brass hardware pulls the room together to feel harmonious.

Brighten & Open Up the Room

One thing Vonda hated about her kitchen, especially as someone who loves to entertain, was how cut off it was from the living and dining areas. Drew and Jonathan tackled the problem by removing the walls that separated each room and making the space more open-concept. Now, Vonda can be part of the party and mingle with friends and family, even if she’s cooking dinner or setting the dining room table.

Make a Statement with Tile

Drew and Jonathan added some distinct style and functionality to the dining room with a beautiful feature wall. They decided to make better the use of the space below the window with sophisticated built-in storage drawers. The statement stone shutters around the window are a creative focal point in the room, speaking to Vonda’s artistic side.

A Comfy, Creative Contemporary Living Room

Vonda’s revamped living room is not only more focused, but also more cozy and inviting. They replaced the old fireplace with one that has a bit more character, and swapped in some modern furniture to bring the space together. And of course, they couldn’t forget the copper accents!

The Finishing Touches

Vonda’s DIY copper-painted appliances were a fabulous and creative way to incorporate the metal. But after years of wear and tear, it was out with the old and in with the new. Regina and the Bros decided to incorporate hints of copper throughout the whole first floor. From the copper-gold specks in the kitchen granite to the copper cookware and the gold-rimmed range hood, the finishing touches all called back to Vonda’s favorite statement metal.

Break Down the Walls & Open the Room

What’s a Drew and Jonathan renovation without a couple walls knocked down? In this Anna Faris Celebrity IOU episode, they began by removing the breakfast bar’s peekaboo window that cut off the room. They kept the bar but moved it over to the other wall because they wanted to keep that extra seating. Then, Anna and Jonathan blasted through the unused back room to stretch the kitchen and create a larger footprint.

Streamline the Cabinets and Add New Appliances

By pulling the kitchen into said unused back room, they were able to expand the cabinet and counter space, and provide a ton of closed storage. Updated modern cabinetry offers Amanda plenty of space to hide all her favorite pots and pans, entertaining supplies, and dinnerware.

Create a Cozy Dining Area Perfect for Hosting

Amanda’s previous dining table was big, but it didn’t complement the kitchen’s layout. Because it was so wide, it took up a lot of floorspace and made the room feel cramped. They decided to replace it with a longer, rectangular dining table (which also makes way more room to dance).

Open Up the Whole Room

Anna wanted to make sure Amanda’s kitchen was interesting and fun, just like Amanda. So they chose to create a Calcutta marble and limestone checkerboard floor with unexpected colors and painted the range hood a deep, dynamic purple. These elements, in combination with the rich dark countertop, makes for a jazzy-looking kitchen.

And Turn This Gorgeous Corner…

The vivid illustration-style mural inside this corner serves as a focal point to the room. Alongside a gorgeous natural oak hidden refrigerator door, this beautiful mural has a fun little secret…

…Into a Way-Cool Hidden Speakeasy

It actually opens up into its own secret speakeasy bar! Color-blocked doors and cabinets, as well as a way-cool electric green counter, give Amanda a great space to concoct drinks. It definitely has a swanky feel to it, and it totally fits the bill for Amanda.

Soaking It In

The premiere Ray Romano Celebrity IOU episode started strong with a bathroom gutting. They began by ditching the outdated shower/bathtub combo (think drippy faucet, mildew, and a showerhead so short Paul couldn’t fit under it!), and instead, separated the two. Christy gets a beautiful soaking tub as well as a separate glass shower, all complete with gold hardware. Oh, and Paul finally gets to fit comfortably.

Adding a Bright and Airy Glow

In flipping the layout of the bathroom, they were actually able to create a more open space inside. Bianco lasa marble, dark deco-style tiles, and a fresh, warm-white coat of paint lift the space into becoming a chic, spa-like bathroom.

Opening the En Suite

The biggest thing separating the en suite and the primary bedroom before was, well…the bedroom door! But by removing the door and opening up the hallway, Ray, Drew, and Jonathan created a whole new vibe, crafting a primary suite where the bedroom now flows seamlessly into the bathroom.

Creating a Calming Bedroom

They decided to reconfigure the bedroom in order to make the space a bit more serene. By moving the window next to the bed, they created a flow from the inside to outside, which allowed natural light to take center stage.

Removing the Old Closet

Christy and Paul’s closet also moved locations. And in its place, a blank wall became the perfect place for bedroom wall art, which in this case is framed family photos. Combine that with a gorgeous piece of art above the bed and a custom-made bed frame and you get a particularly beautiful primary!

…And Doubling It In a Smarter Place!

A culmination of all the renovations (moving the window, the closet, and removing the door), allowed for both a double closet and built-ins. Hidden storage also creates a less cluttered visual plane, which in turn creates a luxurious, calming atmosphere.