Celebrity IOU
Allison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home Renovation
December 22, 2020
Over the past 20 years, Oscar winner Allison Janney has formed a tight bond with her assistant Ilana. The pair have celebrated (and mourned) life's many ups and downs together. As as sign of gratitude for both her hard work and friendship, Allison enlisted the Property Brothers to help overhaul the outdated main floor of Ilana's Los Angeles home. Take a peek at how it all came together.
Season 2 of Celebrity IOU airs Mondays at 10PM on HGTV Canada and will Stream Live and On Demand on the new Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.
Season 2 of Celebrity IOU airs Mondays at 10PM on HGTV Canada and will Stream Live and On Demand on the new Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.
Celebrity IOU
Allison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home Renovation
December 22, 2020
Over the past 20 years, Oscar winner Allison Janney has formed a tight bond with her assistant Ilana. The pair have celebrated (and mourned) life's many ups and downs together. As as sign of gratitude for both her hard work and friendship, Allison enlisted the Property Brothers to help overhaul the outdated main floor of Ilana's Los Angeles home. Take a peek at how it all came together.
Season 2 of Celebrity IOU airs Mondays at 10PM on HGTV Canada and will Stream Live and On Demand on the new Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.
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Group Hug
1/15Group Hug
1/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Allison Janney and her assistant Ilana have maintained a professional and personal relationship for the last two decades. The duo – who met back in 2000 when Allison took on her Emmy-winning role in <em>The West Wing</em> – have only grown closer in recent years after each suffered tragic losses: Allison's brother died, followed by Ilana's sister. The deaths of their siblings only made their bond stronger, and as a thank you for all her hard work and support over the years, Allison wanted to surprise Ilana (her "sister, muse and confidant") with a complete overhaul of the main floor of her Los Angeles home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/celebrity-iou-2/photos/celebrity-iou-ep-1-reveal-1944695/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zooey Deschanel Surprises Her BFF With the Open-Concept House of Her Dreams</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationGroup Hug
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Allison Janney and her assistant Ilana have maintained a professional and personal relationship for the last two decades. The duo – who met back in 2000 when Allison took on her Emmy-winning role in <em>The West Wing</em> – have only grown closer in recent years after each suffered tragic losses: Allison's brother died, followed by Ilana's sister. The deaths of their siblings only made their bond stronger, and as a thank you for all her hard work and support over the years, Allison wanted to surprise Ilana (her "sister, muse and confidant") with a complete overhaul of the main floor of her Los Angeles home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/celebrity-iou-2/photos/celebrity-iou-ep-1-reveal-1944695/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zooey Deschanel Surprises Her BFF With the Open-Concept House of Her Dreams</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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Before: The Living Room
2/15Before: The Living Room
2/15Photo Credit: HGTV
In order to keep the plan a surprise, Ilana's hubby Itay took her and their two daughters on a three-week trip, giving Drew and Jonathan Scott a quick, but manageable, timeframe for renovating the main floor. This narrow <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">living room</a> featured outdated flooring and hand-me-down furniture (the couch used to belong to Allison!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/brad-pitt-surprised-an-old-friend-with-a-stunning-guest-house-renovation-1938220/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House Renovation</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationBefore: The Living Room
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -In order to keep the plan a surprise, Ilana's hubby Itay took her and their two daughters on a three-week trip, giving Drew and Jonathan Scott a quick, but manageable, timeframe for renovating the main floor. This narrow <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">living room</a> featured outdated flooring and hand-me-down furniture (the couch used to belong to Allison!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/brad-pitt-surprised-an-old-friend-with-a-stunning-guest-house-renovation-1938220/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brad Pitt Surprised an Old Friend With a Stunning Guest House Renovation</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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After: The Living Room
3/15After: The Living Room
3/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Lighter hardwood floors, modern decor and a deep blue colour palette instantly breathed new life into the formerly tired, dated living room. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/minimalist-design-style-ideas-1942944/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">minimalist design style ideas, room by room</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/rebel-wilson-turned-friends-backyard-into-outdoor-oasis-1939230/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rebel Wilson Turned Her Friend’s Barren Backyard Into an Outdoor Oasis</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAfter: The Living Room
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -Lighter hardwood floors, modern decor and a deep blue colour palette instantly breathed new life into the formerly tired, dated living room. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/minimalist-design-style-ideas-1942944/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">minimalist design style ideas, room by room</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/rebel-wilson-turned-friends-backyard-into-outdoor-oasis-1939230/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rebel Wilson Turned Her Friend’s Barren Backyard Into an Outdoor Oasis</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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And Scene!
4/15And Scene!
4/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Allison wanted in on the action and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. It's not every day a major Hollywood A-lister wants to help with all the tedious details of home <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">renovations</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/viola-davis-renovated-her-best-friends-home-into-a-chic-and-relaxing-retreat-1938728/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viola Davis Renovated Her Best Friend's Home Into a Chic and Relaxing Retreat</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAnd Scene!
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Allison wanted in on the action and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. It's not every day a major Hollywood A-lister wants to help with all the tedious details of home <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">renovations</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/viola-davis-renovated-her-best-friends-home-into-a-chic-and-relaxing-retreat-1938728/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viola Davis Renovated Her Best Friend's Home Into a Chic and Relaxing Retreat</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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Before: Open-Concept
5/15Before: Open-Concept
5/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Although spacious, the open-concept floorplan felt awkward and dated. The Property Brothers wanted to bring more cohesion to the main floor, and that would have to start with swapping the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dining room</a> for the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/jeremy-renner-renovates-moms-condo-1939464/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeremy Renner Renovated His Mom’s Condo Into a Modern-Meets-Cozy Oasis</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationBefore: Open-Concept
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Although spacious, the open-concept floorplan felt awkward and dated. The Property Brothers wanted to bring more cohesion to the main floor, and that would have to start with swapping the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dining room</a> for the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/jeremy-renner-renovates-moms-condo-1939464/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeremy Renner Renovated His Mom’s Condo Into a Modern-Meets-Cozy Oasis</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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After: Open-Concept
6/15After: Open-Concept
6/15Photo Credit: HGTV
The living room and kitchen areas are more functional after a complete overhaul of the floorplan. It's hard to believe the kitchen wasn't there the whole time. And the see-through <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/gas-electric-and-wood-fireplaces-for-cozy-fall-and-winter-1942518/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fireplace</a> was given a major facelift. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/a-stylish-and-functional-renovation-for-melissa-mccarthys-aunt-and-uncle-1938436/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Stylish (and Functional!) Renovation for Melissa McCarthy’s Aunt and Uncle</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAfter: Open-Concept
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -The living room and kitchen areas are more functional after a complete overhaul of the floorplan. It's hard to believe the kitchen wasn't there the whole time. And the see-through <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/gas-electric-and-wood-fireplaces-for-cozy-fall-and-winter-1942518/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fireplace</a> was given a major facelift. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/a-stylish-and-functional-renovation-for-melissa-mccarthys-aunt-and-uncle-1938436/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Stylish (and Functional!) Renovation for Melissa McCarthy’s Aunt and Uncle</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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Dressed to Impress
7/15Dressed to Impress
7/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Allison had zero qualms about throwing around a hammer. In fact, she even dressed for the occasion in a floor-length red-orange gown that Jonathan likened to the iconic Jessica Rabbit dress. The work boots complete the ensemble. Check out the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/videos/celebrity-iou-season-2-sneak-peek-/1b2bde16-3a43-11eb-be55-0242ac110005/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Celebrity IOU</em> sneak peek</a> to find out what other stars are partnering up with the Property Brothers.Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationDressed to Impress
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Allison had zero qualms about throwing around a hammer. In fact, she even dressed for the occasion in a floor-length red-orange gown that Jonathan likened to the iconic Jessica Rabbit dress. The work boots complete the ensemble. Check out the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/videos/celebrity-iou-season-2-sneak-peek-/1b2bde16-3a43-11eb-be55-0242ac110005/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Celebrity IOU</em> sneak peek</a> to find out what other stars are partnering up with the Property Brothers.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Before: Wasted Space
8/15Before: Wasted Space
8/15Photo Credit: HGTV
The wall dividing the kitchen and dining room featured an unused cabinet and not much else – a waste of potential, according to Jonathan and Drew. When the Property Brothers learned that Ilana and her husband are avid wine drinkers, they brainstormed the perfect idea for the load-bearing wall. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/michael-buble-surprised-grandpas-caretaker-with-a-renovation-1939001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Bublé Surprised His Grandpa’s Caretaker With a Renovation</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationBefore: Wasted Space
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -The wall dividing the kitchen and dining room featured an unused cabinet and not much else – a waste of potential, according to Jonathan and Drew. When the Property Brothers learned that Ilana and her husband are avid wine drinkers, they brainstormed the perfect idea for the load-bearing wall. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/celebrity-iou/photos/michael-buble-surprised-grandpas-caretaker-with-a-renovation-1939001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Bublé Surprised His Grandpa’s Caretaker With a Renovation</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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After: Wasted Space No More!
9/15After: Wasted Space No More!
9/15Photo Credit: HGTV
This floor-to-ceiling glass wine cabinet is <em>everything</em>. Not only do the reflective surfaces offer the illusion of more open space, but it's also ideal for hosting family and friends for holidays and special occasions. We can raise a glass to that!Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAfter: Wasted Space No More!
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -This floor-to-ceiling glass wine cabinet is <em>everything</em>. Not only do the reflective surfaces offer the illusion of more open space, but it's also ideal for hosting family and friends for holidays and special occasions. We can raise a glass to that!Photo Credit: HGTV
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Going Through Samples
10/15Going Through Samples
10/15Photo Credit: HGTV
After 20 years as friends, Allison knows a thing or two about Ilana's preferred <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home decor</a> aesthetic – and it involves a lot of warm shades. So it was a no-brainer that Jonathan ask Allison to weigh in on floor and cabinetry selections. Check out the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2021-1942522/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">top kitchen trends for 2021</a>.Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationGoing Through Samples
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -After 20 years as friends, Allison knows a thing or two about Ilana's preferred <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home decor</a> aesthetic – and it involves a lot of warm shades. So it was a no-brainer that Jonathan ask Allison to weigh in on floor and cabinetry selections. Check out the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2021-1942522/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">top kitchen trends for 2021</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Before: The Dining Room
11/15Before: The Dining Room
11/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Originally, the dining room had lots of space for movement – which is great, except that it meant the kitchen (where Ilana's husband Itay loved to spend time cooking) was shoved off to the side in a narrow, cramped corner. It was Jonathan's idea to swap rooms, which involved tearing down a wall and adding a load bearing steel beam across.Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationBefore: The Dining Room
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Originally, the dining room had lots of space for movement – which is great, except that it meant the kitchen (where Ilana's husband Itay loved to spend time cooking) was shoved off to the side in a narrow, cramped corner. It was Jonathan's idea to swap rooms, which involved tearing down a wall and adding a load bearing steel beam across.Photo Credit: HGTV
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After: The Dining Room
12/15After: The Dining Room
12/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Now where the kitchen once was, this chic dining banquette is both stylish and functional with additional storage space underneath. Although it doesn't feature windows, there's plenty of natural light that pours in from the newly renovated kitchen. Check out <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/design-stylish-dining-room-1932666/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our favourite Property Brothers dining rooms</a>.Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAfter: The Dining Room
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Now where the kitchen once was, this chic dining banquette is both stylish and functional with additional storage space underneath. Although it doesn't feature windows, there's plenty of natural light that pours in from the newly renovated kitchen. Check out <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/design-stylish-dining-room-1932666/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our favourite Property Brothers dining rooms</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV
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Before: The Kitchen
13/15Before: The Kitchen
13/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Speaking of the kitchen, it was initially a tiny, outdated space with limited countertops – and a nest full of critters. When Jonathan tore up the range above the stove, it was revealed to be riddled with mice and shoddy craftsmanship. We also break down how to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-realistic-timeline-budget-1938791/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">create a realistic reno timeline and budget</a>.Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationBefore: The Kitchen
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Speaking of the kitchen, it was initially a tiny, outdated space with limited countertops – and a nest full of critters. When Jonathan tore up the range above the stove, it was revealed to be riddled with mice and shoddy craftsmanship. We also break down how to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-realistic-timeline-budget-1938791/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">create a realistic reno timeline and budget</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV
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After: The Kitchen
14/15After: The Kitchen
14/15Photo Credit: HGTV
The grand reveal of the new-and-improved kitchen was what moved Ilana and her husband the most. From the sintered marble island to the extra storage space, this blue and white beauty is a marvel. Clean lines abound in a space Allison knew Ilana would love. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/drew-scott/photos/inspiring-property-brothers-kitchen-transformation-trends-1940749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Inspiring Property Brothers Kitchen Transformation Trends to Keep an Eye On</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAfter: The Kitchen
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -The grand reveal of the new-and-improved kitchen was what moved Ilana and her husband the most. From the sintered marble island to the extra storage space, this blue and white beauty is a marvel. Clean lines abound in a space Allison knew Ilana would love. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/drew-scott/photos/inspiring-property-brothers-kitchen-transformation-trends-1940749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Inspiring Property Brothers Kitchen Transformation Trends to Keep an Eye On</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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Allison Janney's Big Surprise!
15/15Allison Janney's Big Surprise!
15/15Photo Credit: HGTV
Ilana got the surprise of a lifetime when she returned from the airport with her family to find Allison waiting for her on the doorstep. Ilana and Itay were almost moved to tears over the experience. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/6872/shaw.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/blog/quiz-which-property-brother-are-you-1944536" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quiz: From Plaid to Magic Tricks, Which Property Brother Are You?</a>Celebrity IOUAllison Janney's Longtime Assistant Gets A Fun (and Functional) Home RenovationAllison Janney's Big Surprise!
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -Ilana got the surprise of a lifetime when she returned from the airport with her family to find Allison waiting for her on the doorstep. Ilana and Itay were almost moved to tears over the experience. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/6872/shaw.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/blog/quiz-which-property-brother-are-you-1944536" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quiz: From Plaid to Magic Tricks, Which Property Brother Are You?</a>Photo Credit: HGTV
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