Before and After: The Property Brothers Gave This Tired 1970s Kitchen a Major Facelift
Whether you’ve lived in a home for 30 years or for 30 days, there’s a feeling that comes with knowing that it could be the one you want to spend the rest of your life in. And just like the name suggests, HGTV’s “Property Brothers: Forever Home” is all about helping homeowners transform their current, much-loved residence into the home of their dreams for the long run.
In this week’s episode, Jonathan and Drew Scott help out Florence and Roberto, a couple who spent the entirety of their relationship in the same home (including raising their two kids who are both double digits now). The home was built in the 1970s, and one of the only things that had been “updated” was the 1999 laminate kitchen floors. It goes without saying that the family was living in a bit of a time warp, and they were ready for a renovation that would make their home feel renewed and lively.
Upon entering the living and dining room, Jonathan and Drew noticed the white carpet — or, formerly white, anyway. It gave a glimpse into the rest of the room that was in need of TLC, from the mantle and unused fireplace, to the undeniable sparseness that had potential for so much more. Not to mention the placement of the dining table was a bit awkward, as it was one of the first things you see when you walk through the front door.
Nothing a little white paint can’t fix — and, you know, a few other updates. The Property Brothers knocked down a part of the wall separating the living-dining space from the kitchen in order to create more flow and, at the same time, keeping a barrier to the back of the house. The white paint and light wood floors certainly made the space feel more airy and bright, while greenery and new furnishings with a cool palette brought comfort and relaxation into the area.
Moving to the kitchen, it felt as though Florence and Roberto were still stuck in the 1970s. Not only did the design feel dated, but they were also extremely limited with the small amount counter space and cabinetry they had, allowing for a limited amount of cooking and family time in the kitchen.
White, once again, came to the rescue — this time in the form of kitchen cabinetry. Jonathan and Drew Scott ripped out all the wooden cabinets and replaced them with white cabinets with black hardware, which differed from the upper and lower cabinetry. The same new lightwood floors as the living-dining room were installed into this kitchen, plus a patterned white backsplash that brought a pop into the design. And the peninsula adding extra seating and storage was the cherry on top.
To see more on the renovation process — plus the priceless reveal — check your local listings or stream the episode on Discovery+.
“Property Brothers: Forever Home” airs on Wednesdays at 8/9 central on HGTV and Discovery+.