Before and After: HGTV’s “Call the Closer” Moves a Kitchen and Adds Shiplap (But Not to the Walls)

published Nov 16, 2021
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Credit: Courtesy of HGTV

When you build a life in a home, complete with four kids, it’s hard to leave the memories. Lauren Risley, real estate expert from HGTV’s second episode of “Call the Closer” calls it “The Anchor Problem” when a client is stuck emotionally in a home that is no longer serving their needs. She convinced Tony, father of four and husband to Stephanie, who was eager to move, that it was time to upgrade from their two bedroom home to a more spacious place. Risley, who joked in the first episode of the show that she is part marriage counselor, helped this couple get on the same page and into a beautifully renovated new home.

Two of the main rooms Risley focused on were the bathroom and kitchen, choosing high-use spaces that left the family with a move-in ready home. The kitchen, originally in the back corner of the home, moved entirely to create an open floor plan near their living room.

Credit: Courtesy of HGTV

One detail in the newly relocated kitchen was integrating shiplap on the range hood and on the side of the island instead of on the walls, which added visual interest and texture in the mostly white space. The large family asked for enough space for all four kids to enjoy the island, and that’s what they got, with an extra-long breakfast spot that doesn’t leave anyone out. Risley also proved that you don’t have to have the same counters throughout the kitchen, as the quartz counters played nicely with the butcher block-topped island. The fridge was one of Stephanie’s favorite features, complete with rose gold hardware and a unique and modern black and white look.

Credit: Courtesy of HGTV

The original bathroom was outdated, with brown doors, a clunky mirror, and a basic white vanity. Standard white square tile contributed to the old-fashioned vibe that didn’t have the couple very excited to use their new space.

Credit: Courtesy of HGTV

There was some debate about whether the blue green tiles would be too much color in the bathroom, but the couple had asked for a bold and bright look, so the “funky” tiles prevailed.  The couple opted for penny tile on the walls, completing the modern, high-personality bathroom.

Risley described the home’s vibe, especially the bathroom, as a combination of modern and rustic. More importantly, the family of four children had five bedrooms and an open concept main floor to meet more of their needs than their old “anchor” home. Risley worked her magic to convince them that their new house was worthy and ready to make new memories with their growing kids. She gave a nod to their past home through the main room’s decor, which featured touching images of Tony working on their previous house with his dad. She ultimately solved the “anchor problem” for good.