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Having worked together for almost 30 years, Brad Pitt has gotten to know his makeup artist and friend Jean Black well enough to know that the detached garage in the backyard of her Santa Monica, California, bungalow was in desperate need of a makeover. From dingy garage to gorgeous guest house, see how Brad and the Property Brothers brought this project to life.
Originally published April 14, 2020; Updated on July 6, 2020
Watch episodes of Celebrity IOU Sundays at 9PM on HGTV Canada, now also available through STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, or with the new Global TV app when you sign-in with your TV service provider details.
Celebrity IOU
Brad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House Renovation
July 6, 2020
Having worked together for almost 30 years, Brad Pitt has gotten to know his makeup artist and friend Jean Black well enough to know that the detached garage in the backyard of her Santa Monica, California, bungalow was in desperate need of a makeover. From dingy garage to gorgeous guest house, see how Brad and the Property Brothers brought this project to life. Originally published April 14, 2020; Updated on July 6, 2020 Watch episodes of Celebrity IOU Sundays at 9PM on HGTV Canada, now also available through STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, or with the new Global TV app when you sign-in with your TV service provider details.
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Brad Pitt + Jean Black
1/20Brad Pitt + Jean Black
1/20Photo Credit: HGTV
Jean Black is Brad Pitt’s friend and makeup artist of almost 30 years. Having worked together on 40-something films, Brad’s gotten to know Jean well over the years — well enough to know that the detached garage in the backyard of her Santa Monica, California, bungalow was in desperate need of a makeover. According to Brad, Jean had always talked about renovating the garage into a multipurpose guest house. With the help of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a>, Brad gave Jean the surprise of a lifetime when he completely transformed a dingy storage space into a stunning guest house fit for a makeup artist. <br><br> Check out the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/videos/celebrity-iou-sneak-peek/b8012d08-7064-11ea-9dba-aea69c425f5a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Celebrity IOU</em> sneak peek</a> to catch a glimpse of upcoming featured stars.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationBrad Pitt + Jean Black
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Jean Black is Brad Pitt’s friend and makeup artist of almost 30 years. Having worked together on 40-something films, Brad’s gotten to know Jean well over the years — well enough to know that the detached garage in the backyard of her Santa Monica, California, bungalow was in desperate need of a makeover. According to Brad, Jean had always talked about renovating the garage into a multipurpose guest house. With the help of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a>, Brad gave Jean the surprise of a lifetime when he completely transformed a dingy storage space into a stunning guest house fit for a makeup artist. <br><br> Check out the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/videos/celebrity-iou-sneak-peek/b8012d08-7064-11ea-9dba-aea69c425f5a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Celebrity IOU</em> sneak peek</a> to catch a glimpse of upcoming featured stars.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Demo Day
2/20Demo Day
2/20Photo Credit: HGTV
With only three weeks to complete the project before Jean returned from a film shoot, demo needed to start right away; and Brad couldn't wait to get his hands dirty. “I love the sounds of a construction site,” he said. Together with Jonathan and Drew Scott, Brad took out the drywall and ceiling to get the space ready for an addition and support beam relocation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/brad-pitt-jen-aniston-home-44m-1934601/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peek Inside Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's Former Newlywed Mansion</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationDemo Day
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -With only three weeks to complete the project before Jean returned from a film shoot, demo needed to start right away; and Brad couldn't wait to get his hands dirty. “I love the sounds of a construction site,” he said. Together with Jonathan and Drew Scott, Brad took out the drywall and ceiling to get the space ready for an addition and support beam relocation. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/brad-pitt-jen-aniston-home-44m-1934601/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peek Inside Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's Former Newlywed Mansion</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Exterior, Before
3/20The Exterior, Before
3/20Photo Credit: HGTV
Many homes in Santa Monica, California, come with detached garages. Some people convert them into guest homes, others use them for storage. With all of her makeup supplies, Jean relied on it for the latter. However, both she and Brad could see its potential to be more than an over-sized storage closet. “This garage has been driving me crazy for the 15 years she’s been here,” Brad said.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Exterior, Before
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Many homes in Santa Monica, California, come with detached garages. Some people convert them into guest homes, others use them for storage. With all of her makeup supplies, Jean relied on it for the latter. However, both she and Brad could see its potential to be more than an over-sized storage closet. “This garage has been driving me crazy for the 15 years she’s been here,” Brad said.Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Exterior, After
4/20The Exterior, After
4/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
Overall, the garage was in good shape. However, in order to make the 400-square-foot space multi-functional, some major changes had to take place. The two sets of double doors absolutely had to go — how else are you going to make room for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/transform-kitchen-cabinets-1930363/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen cabinets</a> and appliances? Besides replacing the double doors with a window and single door, the team also refreshed the stucco and landscaping.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Exterior, After
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Overall, the garage was in good shape. However, in order to make the 400-square-foot space multi-functional, some major changes had to take place. The two sets of double doors absolutely had to go — how else are you going to make room for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/transform-kitchen-cabinets-1930363/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen cabinets</a> and appliances? Besides replacing the double doors with a window and single door, the team also refreshed the stucco and landscaping.Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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Mini Bar
5/20Mini Bar
5/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
Wanting to fully lean into indoor-outdoor living, Jonathan and Drew gave Jean a collapsible window over the new kitchen sink that opens up to a small bar top that seats two. Black rattan barstools nicely complement the window, awning and sconces. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/easy-ways-give-outdoor-space-new-life-1936982/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Easy Ways to Give Your Outdoor Space New Life</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationMini Bar
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Wanting to fully lean into indoor-outdoor living, Jonathan and Drew gave Jean a collapsible window over the new kitchen sink that opens up to a small bar top that seats two. Black rattan barstools nicely complement the window, awning and sconces. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/easy-ways-give-outdoor-space-new-life-1936982/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Easy Ways to Give Your Outdoor Space New Life</a>Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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Brad Knows Best
6/20Brad Knows Best
6/20Photo Credit: HGTV
Considering Brad knows Jean better than anyone else, it was important for him to be involved in picking out the finishes for Jean’s new guest house. Wanting to keep the design consistent with her one-bedroom, one-bath bungalow on the same property, Brad opted for shades of pewter and taupe and chose clean and simple elements.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationBrad Knows Best
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Considering Brad knows Jean better than anyone else, it was important for him to be involved in picking out the finishes for Jean’s new guest house. Wanting to keep the design consistent with her one-bedroom, one-bath bungalow on the same property, Brad opted for shades of pewter and taupe and chose clean and simple elements.Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Interior, Before
7/20The Interior, Before
7/20Photo Credit: HGTV
Jean has been in the makeup business for many years — naturally, she’s accumulated a ton of supplies. Though the detached garage had a ton of potential, using it as a storage space was also out of necessity. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-organize-small-spaces-for-maximum-storage-1928630/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Organize Small Spaces to Maximize Storage</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Interior, Before
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Jean has been in the makeup business for many years — naturally, she’s accumulated a ton of supplies. Though the detached garage had a ton of potential, using it as a storage space was also out of necessity. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-organize-small-spaces-for-maximum-storage-1928630/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Organize Small Spaces to Maximize Storage</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Interior, After
8/20The Interior, After
8/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
“I don’t even recognize it,” Brad said upon first walking into the upgraded space. In order to take the garage from storage unit to guest house, Jonathan and Drew made room for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">living room</a> and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a>. To create a beachy-yet-sophisticated vibe perfect for Santa Monica, they paired medium-toned wood flooring with light, bright and airy design elements.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Interior, After
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -“I don’t even recognize it,” Brad said upon first walking into the upgraded space. In order to take the garage from storage unit to guest house, Jonathan and Drew made room for a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">living room</a> and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathroom</a>. To create a beachy-yet-sophisticated vibe perfect for Santa Monica, they paired medium-toned wood flooring with light, bright and airy design elements.Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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The Kitchen
9/20The Kitchen
9/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
This kitchen was completely customized in order to maximize every inch of the space. Drew and Jonathan were able to make room for an oven, sink, small fridge and a large peninsula complete with a stovetop, rendering the kitchen fully functional. The quartz countertops offer a marble-like appearance that keeps the space bright and low maintenance. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/well-designed-celebrity-kitchens-1932678/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Well-Designed Celebrity Kitchens You'll Want to Have a Meal in</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Kitchen
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -This kitchen was completely customized in order to maximize every inch of the space. Drew and Jonathan were able to make room for an oven, sink, small fridge and a large peninsula complete with a stovetop, rendering the kitchen fully functional. The quartz countertops offer a marble-like appearance that keeps the space bright and low maintenance. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/well-designed-celebrity-kitchens-1932678/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Well-Designed Celebrity Kitchens You'll Want to Have a Meal in</a>Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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Makeup Space
10/20Makeup Space
10/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
Jonathan and Drew really upped the ante when they found a creative way to make the kitchen’s peninsula double as a workspace for Jean. By converting a motorized TV lift and hiding it away in the peninsula, a vanity mirror complete with lights can rise up at the touch of a button.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationMakeup Space
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Jonathan and Drew really upped the ante when they found a creative way to make the kitchen’s peninsula double as a workspace for Jean. By converting a motorized TV lift and hiding it away in the peninsula, a vanity mirror complete with lights can rise up at the touch of a button.Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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The Bathroom
11/20The Bathroom
11/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
It was hard to imagine a bathroom in this space before, but anything is possible with the Property Brothers and Brad Pitt on your side! The floating vanity, tiled floor, thick countertop and spa-worthy shower tie together nicely to create an elevated space that complements the rest of the guest house. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/relax-in-these-celebrity-bathrooms-1933004/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">We Want to Relax in the Bath These Celebrity Bathrooms</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Bathroom
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -It was hard to imagine a bathroom in this space before, but anything is possible with the Property Brothers and Brad Pitt on your side! The floating vanity, tiled floor, thick countertop and spa-worthy shower tie together nicely to create an elevated space that complements the rest of the guest house. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/relax-in-these-celebrity-bathrooms-1933004/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">We Want to Relax in the Bath These Celebrity Bathrooms</a>Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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The Interior, Before
12/20The Interior, Before
12/20Photo Credit: HGTV
No matter which direction you were facing, the only thing to look at in Jean’s former detached garage was containers of makeup supplies. Although she never imagined herself in the movie business, she said she’s worked with a lot of great people along the way including actors Josh Brolin, Julia Roberts and, of course, Brad Pitt.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Interior, Before
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -No matter which direction you were facing, the only thing to look at in Jean’s former detached garage was containers of makeup supplies. Although she never imagined herself in the movie business, she said she’s worked with a lot of great people along the way including actors Josh Brolin, Julia Roberts and, of course, Brad Pitt.Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Living Room
13/20The Living Room
13/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
Beachy sophistication continues into the living space with neutral design elements and earthy textures. To the eye, it might appear simple, but this living room is full of surprises. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/cozy-up-celebrity-living-rooms-1931963/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">You'll Want to Cozy up in These Celebrity Living Rooms</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Living Room
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Beachy sophistication continues into the living space with neutral design elements and earthy textures. To the eye, it might appear simple, but this living room is full of surprises. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/cozy-up-celebrity-living-rooms-1931963/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">You'll Want to Cozy up in These Celebrity Living Rooms</a>Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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Secret Storage
14/20Secret Storage
14/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
Aside from the guest house amenities, storage was still high on the list of must-haves for the renovated space. After all, Jean still needs to store all of her makeup somewhere. Though this built-in might look like nothing more than an opportunity to display some beloved photos and tchotchkes, it actually opens up to a secret storage space with plenty of room for Jean’s containers. The space is accessed by pulling the black “book” on the shelf second from the top. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/homes-with-secret-rooms-nooks-and-crannies-1932612/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Homes With Secret Nooks and Crannies</a>Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationSecret Storage
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Aside from the guest house amenities, storage was still high on the list of must-haves for the renovated space. After all, Jean still needs to store all of her makeup somewhere. Though this built-in might look like nothing more than an opportunity to display some beloved photos and tchotchkes, it actually opens up to a secret storage space with plenty of room for Jean’s containers. The space is accessed by pulling the black “book” on the shelf second from the top. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/homes-with-secret-rooms-nooks-and-crannies-1932612/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Homes With Secret Nooks and Crannies</a>Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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Convertible Coffee Table
15/20Convertible Coffee Table
15/20Photo Credit: HGTV
Convertible furniture is clutch in multi-functional spaces — especially in ones that are only 400 square feet. In case Jean or her guests need more room to dine, this coffee table can extend in height and length. Jean’s face said it all as Jonathan and Drew demonstrated the table’s functionality.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationConvertible Coffee Table
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Convertible furniture is clutch in multi-functional spaces — especially in ones that are only 400 square feet. In case Jean or her guests need more room to dine, this coffee table can extend in height and length. Jean’s face said it all as Jonathan and Drew demonstrated the table’s functionality.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Sneaky Sleeping Quarters
16/20Sneaky Sleeping Quarters
16/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
A guest house isn’t a guest house without a designated sleeping area. A Murphy bed was the ideal space-saving solution, but it wouldn’t have been possible without an addition to the original garage structure. This particular Murphy bed is way more than just a bed, too. The sofa and the shelf above it both belong to the overall wall bed system.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationSneaky Sleeping Quarters
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -A guest house isn’t a guest house without a designated sleeping area. A Murphy bed was the ideal space-saving solution, but it wouldn’t have been possible without an addition to the original garage structure. This particular Murphy bed is way more than just a bed, too. The sofa and the shelf above it both belong to the overall wall bed system.Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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A True Guest Room
17/20A True Guest Room
17/20Photo Credit: HGTV
If Jean thought the coffee table changing into a dining table was cool, her mind was blown when Jonathan and Drew showed her how the wall and shelf perfectly folded down over the sofa to reveal a bed.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationA True Guest Room
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -If Jean thought the coffee table changing into a dining table was cool, her mind was blown when Jonathan and Drew showed her how the wall and shelf perfectly folded down over the sofa to reveal a bed.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Indoor-Outdoor Living
18/20Indoor-Outdoor Living
18/20Photo Credit: HGTV
In Los Angeles, indoor-outdoor living is possible all year round. To really take advantage of this, Jonathan and Drew installed a collapsible window wall off of the living room. Realizing the wall needed to open up to something, the Property Brothers also put in a patio in order to extend Jean’s indoor living space to the outdoors.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationIndoor-Outdoor Living
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -In Los Angeles, indoor-outdoor living is possible all year round. To really take advantage of this, Jonathan and Drew installed a collapsible window wall off of the living room. Realizing the wall needed to open up to something, the Property Brothers also put in a patio in order to extend Jean’s indoor living space to the outdoors.Photo Credit: HGTV
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The Patio
19/20The Patio
19/20Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
To extend Jean’s living space from the indoors to the outdoors, Jonathan and Drew’s design team opted to tile the patio right up to the threshold of the collapsible window wall. This creates a continuous flow between the two spaces.Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House RenovationThe Patio
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -To extend Jean’s living space from the indoors to the outdoors, Jonathan and Drew’s design team opted to tile the patio right up to the threshold of the collapsible window wall. This creates a continuous flow between the two spaces.Photo Credit: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images
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30 Years of Friendship
20/2030 Years of Friendship
20/20Photo Credit: HGTV
What better way to celebrate 30 years of friendship than with a surprise renovation like this one? “It’s really very moving ... I just cannot really thank you enough,” she told Brad. “I’m very, very lucky in my life to have someone who has cared about me and trusted me.”Celebrity IOUBrad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House Renovation30 Years of Friendship
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -What better way to celebrate 30 years of friendship than with a surprise renovation like this one? “It’s really very moving ... I just cannot really thank you enough,” she told Brad. “I’m very, very lucky in my life to have someone who has cared about me and trusted me.”Photo Credit: HGTV
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