This renovation was so big, we had to split it into two episodes, so if you loved what we did with this home, make sure to check out Part Two and see what we did inside! 

The Brookhousers have been dear friends to us for years. Holly and Chris have two kids, and their son is Congolese, like our Sylvie. I originally met Holly when she moved her son into the same foster home Sylvie had lived in for over a year while we waited to bring her home. When they told us about a home they had purchased and wanted to renovate, we were excited to dig in and do something special for this family. 

When we first talked to the Brookhousers about remodeling their home, we hadn’t included the yard in the original plan. Once we started going over all the changes that would happen inside, Chris was so excited he wanted to transform the outside too. He had a vision for sharing the outside area with his children and his grandchildren. The problem was, with all the work that would be happening on the house, there was no more budget left for the outside. So Chris sold his boat! With the money from that sale, he was able to create a beautiful outdoor space to share with his entire family.

BEFORE

The house had outdated siding that needed to be removed, along with a deteriorating deck off the primary bedroom that had become unsafe. The front door, a replacement from years past, didn’t match the home’s original midcentury design, leaving the entrance feeling out of place.

We got to work stripping away the old siding and removing the rotting deck to give the home a fresh start. Preserving the stone façade was a top priority for the Brookhousers, so we kept it intact while updating the rest of the exterior with new lap siding. To honor the home’s 1970s roots and the lush surroundings, we chose a rich, dark green paint that not only enhances the stone’s natural beauty but also mirrors the landscape around it.

Once we rebuilt the decking, we added new horizontal railings in the same dark color to match the exterior trim, pulling it all together. 

For the front door, we went to our neighbor’s barn for brass strips —just what we needed to inlay into the door for a little extra pizzazz. Dave worked his magic, setting the inlay in a starburst pattern that gives it the perfect mid-century vibe.

For the landscaping, we kept it simple but impactful, choosing one tall focal piece to line up with the stone at the center of the house. Fresh shrubs and plants around the front and back add contrast and texture, complementing the mature trees that surround the home.

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Landscaping | Sharum’s Garden Center

Exterior Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Thunder Gray

BEFORE

The Brookhousers have a door off their bathroom that leads to the side of the house. Holly asked that we add onto this area with a patio for her foster cats – to create a catio! 

For Holly, the Catio is what she was most excited about, and it was taking a big chunk of the budget, so we needed to get it right. I definitely imagined her coming out to this area and enjoying a cup of coffee with her pets. 

For this Grandma-Chic styled catio, we built cat condos, a cat window seat and plenty of little cubbies for cats waiting for a home to sleep and play. I went to a funky antique market in Fayetteville to find some gems for the catio. There, I found Turkish rugs for their dishes and a fun light fixture. This ended up being the most brilliant use of space for a cat lover and cat foster mom like Holly.

AFTER

SOURCES

Lighting | Kichler

Pendant Light | Vintage 

Flooring | Tarkett

Windows | Cornerstone

Cat Tower | Custom by Dave Marrs

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Olde World Gold

BEFORE

The home already had a gorgeous outdoor space—we just wanted to take it to the next level. As Dave put it, the goal was to make it feel like a home without walls.

Chris wanted a place where he could gather with his family, cooking, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. This area was just grass before, which gave us a clean slate. But these types of projects are always a little more complicated than they look. They involve adding electrical and plumbing. We set the groundwork with new flagstone and put up a modern patio cover, complete with lighting and a ceiling fan.  I love how the decorative paneling on the patio ceiling looks retro and matches the style of the house. I think Chris was pretty excited about this outdoor kitchen. It has a large grill, refrigerator and pizza oven. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Exterior Light | Kichler

Outdoor Kitchen | Thor Kitchen

Outdoor Furniture | Jack Wills Outdoor Living

Landscaping | Sharum’s Garden Center

In another section of the backyard, we created a firepit area that’s anything but ordinary. A simple firepit just wouldn’t do—we wanted something bold, fun, and totally in sync with the home’s retro vibe. So, Dave designed and welded a statement-making steel firepit, rising from a bed of big stones, mirroring the fireplace inside the house. As he says, every proper backyard needs a firepit, and this one definitely makes an impact.

To warm up the space, we added classic wooden Adirondack chairs, making it the perfect spot for s’mores and late-night hanging out. We also laid pavers from the patio to the firepit, seamlessly connecting the entire backyard into one inviting, open-air retreat.

AFTER

SOURCES

Fire Pit | Dave Marrs

Chairs & Table | Jack Wills Outdoor Living

Marcel is just as passionate about animals as his mom, so when Holly organized a special adoption day event outside their home, he wanted to do his part. His idea? A good old-fashioned lemonade stand to help raise money. Dave, with a little help from Luke, built him the cutest wooden stand.

The event was a success, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the adorable, itty bitty kitty Lloyd who became our newest family member.