An Uninhabitable 1970s Home Transforms Into a Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece

Pastor Thom Washington grew up in South-Central Los Angeles, and he saw firsthand how a positive and structured environment could help at-risk children grow up to achieve great things. So he and his wife, Stephanie, created Engage the Vision-a mentorship program that helps youth tap their own potential. But when Thom was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and medical bills piled up, the family was no longer able to put money towards the dire renovations needed to restore the family home that had been left to Stephanie and her sister, Terri Henderson. Enter the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team and one of the biggest renovations to-date. See how they transformed this space into a mid-century modern masterpiece.

Watch back-to-back new episodes of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Sundays at 8 & 9PM on HGTV Canada, now also available through STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels.

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Bright New Curb Appeal

You’d never know that just a week before the team got there, this home was falling apart. The roof had caved in, there was water and termite damage everywhere, and there were plenty of electrical and plumbing problems. It all made this space uninhabitable-the family had been renting a home to live in instead. However, thanks to many volunteers and round-the-clock help, the finished result is a beautiful (and intact) family home that will last for years to come.

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Those Extra Touches

Before, this home was essentially a time capsule from the 1970s. But, thanks to some thoughtful landscaping, dark-framed new windows, a white-stucco exterior and some beautiful walnut finishes (installed by episodic guest star Ty Pennington!) the new Washington home has plenty of charm and character that reflects the love that’s been present in this space for generations.

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Custom Finishes

The team definitely put the OG Extreme Makeover host to work-Ty Pennington hand-crafted that beautiful credenza to help display the impressive collection of old records that were found in the house and once belonged to Stephanie and Terri’s father. Meanwhile, the team also installed walnut beams to create a small divider between the family room and the entrance that help keep the original home’s character intact.

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The Right Furniture

No mid-century modern home is complete without the right pieces to showcase its full charm. The neutral colours and wood tones are balanced with soothing colours, all meant to create a relaxing space for Thom and his family to hang out in. While Thom’s cancer had shrunk by the time the team got there, he was still undergoing treatments so having somewhere to just chill and recover was important to him and his family.

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More Modern Appeal

The kitchen is unrecognizable from what it used to be-the family can actually walk through now thanks to the new layout. Modern appliances, plenty of counter space and more wood finishes tie this space in nicely to the rest of the home. In fact, Thom admitted that although he doesn’t know how to “cook, cook,” this space definitely inspired him to think about taking lessons!

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The Before Photo

Just look at how dark and outdated this space was before the team got there. Sure the home itself was full of great memories for Stephanie and Terri, who grew up there, but years of stress on the family meant that the upkeep had slipped up. In terms of five-day renovations, this was probably one of the most impressive transformations yet.

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An Outdoor Oasis

To extend the family’s living space and create another area for them to hang out, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team put a lot of thought into creating this low-upkeep backyard oasis complete with hanging chairs and a large dining table. The space gives the Washingtons the perfect place to gather.

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Terri’s New, Blue Room

Terri moved in with Thom and Stephanie following Thom’s diagnosis. Having beating cancer herself, she knew how much having someone to support Thom and look after him would help. So she deserved a room of her own in this renovation. This pretty blue space used to be the master bedroom, but the team transformed it into a small oasis where Terri could have her own time and kick back.

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A Pre-Teen Dream Bedroom

Thom and Stephanie’s 12-year-old daughter Kennedi has also been through a lot given her father’s diagnosis; the girl has definitely seen her family struggle through some difficult times. So the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team designed this space for her, which is meant to be a transition from a girl’s room to a teenager’s oasis. Now she has her own pretty space to call her own, and to escape to whenever she needs to process or just do some homework in peace.

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A Master Escape

In the master bedroom, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition designer Darren Keefe wanted to make a bold statement with this floor-to-ceiling headboard that he created himself. The piece adds lots of character to the room and keeps with the mid-century design, but the built-in nightlights and soothing colours add a calming effect, transforming this bedroom into a spa-like getaway.

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Original Meets New

Last but not least, the team transformed this fireplace and incorporated it into the new master bedroom, giving Thom and Stephanie a small area to unwind and spend time together in. But while the entire façade has been modernized and refinished, the sunburst above is an original piece from the house. It’s just one more example of how the Makeover team came together to give the Washington family a new space that still boasts generations of love, giving this deserving family a fresh start and a home that they can enjoy for years to come.