Before and After: Rebel Wilson Transformed Her Best Friend’s Concrete Backyard Into a Poolside Party Space

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Nicoletta RichardsonEntertainment Editor
Nicoletta RichardsonEntertainment Editor
In her spare time, Nicoletta loves marathoning the latest Netflix show, doing at-home workouts, and nurturing her plant babies. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, AFAR, Tasting Table, and Travel + Leisure, among others. A graduate from Fairfield University, Nicoletta…read more
updated May 12, 2020
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Credit: HGTV

Rebel Wilson can officially add “general contractor” to her resume—at least for this one special project. In the latest episode of HGTV’s “Celebrity IOU,” the comedian worked alongside the Property Brothers to give her best friend Nicole the backyard oasis that she always dreamed of, including a shipping container pool (more on that later). 

Alongside Jonathan and Drew Scott, Wilson went to Nicole’s house in Burbank, California, to surprise her with the renovation news. When Wilson first moved to Hollywood, she met Nicole who was booked to do her hair and makeup for a shoot. “She was my first American friend ever. I just remember thinking, oh wow, this girl’s really nice, really chill, normal, compared to all the other crazies that walk around here,” Wilson joked. “She saved up all her money to buy this house and she has nothing left for the outside, and to give back to her in this way is just incredible.”

Nicole had been living in her house for several years, during which her surrounding outdoor area remained concrete and bare. It was quite literally a blank slate that had so much potential, especially since Nicole loved hosting parties and gatherings. And so Wilson and the Property Brothers set out to create a warm, cozy mood of an indoor space in her backyard for her to enjoy with friends and family.

Credit: HGTV
Credit: HGTV

They decided to transform the large patio area into a luxurious outdoor living room with terrazzo tile, teakwood furniture, a TV, and a custom privacy screen to truly make it feel like it’s own room. Wilson envisioned Nicole coming home from a long day at work, putting her feet up, and unwinding in this designated relaxation space.

Then, there was the open air dining space and kitchen area, where they installed a wood-paneled pergola that would keep the space cool while maintaining a stylish vibe. Oh, and no outdoor cooking area would be complete without a state of the art stainless steel grill. 

Credit: HGTV

The tropical flow continued to the back lounge area, which got a massive fireplace where Nicole and company can hang during cool Los Angeles evenings. But next to the fireplace was the real kicker: a shipping container pool with jets and party lights, plus a stone finish that enhance the already-stylish area. The Property Brothers had to lift the shipping container over Nicole’s entire house in order to make it happen.

The team also added in some synthetic turf, fresh concrete, tropical plants, and voila! Nicole’s new oasis was ready for the grand reveal, which was as emotional as you’d expect (in the best way possible).

“There was nothing in the backyard and for years, I’ve just had to look at concrete and dirt, Nicole said. “This is beyond what I could have imagined, and the memories that I’m going to be able to have back here with family and friends are just really special.” Hope that pool party invite is in the mail.

Celebrity IOU airs Mondays at 9/8 central on HGTV.