Fixer to Fabulous Makes This Young Couple's First Home Their Dream Home

Before, the home's brick exterior was dated, covered with haphazard landscaping and not aligned with the young couple's taste, or feeling of home. While a fresh coat of white paint instantly made <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/blog/exterior-features-upgrade-paint-1916257/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a major curb-appeal upgrade</a>, Dave and Jenny's idea to reposition the front door to the centre of the house transformed the exterior by adding visually pleasing symmetry — and a welcoming front porch space for the couple to enjoy. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/curb-appeal-improvements-guaranteed-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home-1925901/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Curb Appeal Improvements Guaranteed to Increase the Value of Your Home</a>

The home's original kitchen wasn't terrible, but it was definitely in need of an update. It lacked an island for cooking space (which was high on the wish-list for Joshua) or a pantry for food storage — it was lacking practicality and panache. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/bizarre-kitchen-trends-by-decade-1939700/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade</a>

The <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/our-favourite-storage-solutions-1943840/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">storage solution</a>? Dave and Jenny moved the entire kitchen forward by a few feet to allow for a hidden <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/dreamiest-walk-in-pantries-1937154/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">walk-in pantry</a> to be tucked-in behind. This change solved the couple's kitchen storage issue, while also opening up some extra space for luxe surprise addition to the master bathroom. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/small-kitchen-design-ideas-1916131/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Small Kitchen Design Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner</a>

For the cabinets, Jenny chose a new-neutral pale grey colour for a sophisticated feel. To create a prep area, they added a sleek <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/show-stopping-kitchen-islands-1049625/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen island</a> along with a custom bench on the opposite side to maximize seating space and evoke a seamless look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2021-1942522/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2021</a>

Because Madison and Joshua love to entertain, it was important to them to open up their living spaces. To help, the Marrs expanded the wall that was dividing the kitchen and living room. This small change went a long way to letting in more light and to creating effortless flow for entertaining. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/smart-stylish-ways-divide-open-concept-living-space-1929076/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Smart and Stylish Ways to Divide Your Open-Concept Living Space</a>

Another super-cool, contemporary touch that the Marrs created for the couple was this one-of-a-kind television stand. The Marrs refurbished an old cabinet with a unique trick top and lifting mechanism. With the customization, Joshua and Madison can bring the TV up when it's time to watch their <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">favourite shows</a> — or use the remote to hide it away when they are entertaining or wanting a break from the screen. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/thrifted-home-decor-second-hand-decorating-1936516/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Thrifted Home Decor Ideas to Inspire Your Second-Hand Decorating Dreams</a>

Dave and Jenny made sure to add character-rich touches in the primary bedroom. Behind the bed, custom (but affordable) decorative trim and deep-hued blue paint created a stylish focal point in this cozy space. Dave also built a bed for the couple — that even has a special pet bed for their dog, River. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/dark-colours-small-space-1941000/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Surprise! You Can Use Dark Colours in a Small Space — Here's How</a>

The original master bathroom was tiny — not a great way to start the couple's newlywed life. To enhance the functionality of the room, the Marrs installed a huge <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/bathroom-vanity-designs-1939106/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vanity</a> with a single sink — but plenty of counter space. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/24-modern-minimalist-bathroom-ideas-to-inspire-you-1052761/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Modern, Minimalist Bathroom Ideas to Inspire You</a>

Madison dreamed of a walk-in shower, but the original space could barely fit a small tub. To make the primary bathroom feel truly luxurious, the Marrs took advantage of the pocket of space they'd gained by moving the kitchen to add an incredible shower with a distinctive custom-made arched entrance and gorgeous patterned wall <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/gorgeous-bathroom-tiles-1916954/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tiles</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/bathroom-ideas-that-will-leave-you-in-a-state-of-total-bliss-1941925/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Who Needs the Spa? 15 Bathroom Ideas That'll Leave You in a State of Total Bliss</a>

With a limited budget for their first home, Joshua and Madison wanted to focus their investment on indoor updates. However, the combination of a flooded backyard and an unsafe back porch meant that the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/outdoors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">outdoor space</a> could be off limits. Thankfully, Madison's father, Mark, saw an opportunity to save the day (and the backyard) with a wonderful wedding gift. Mark contributed to the installation of a drainage system and a unique back deck complete with swings, a custom-made neon sign and plenty of fun features for entertaining. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/diy-bbq-cart-1941230/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ready to Reach Grill-Master Status? You Need This DIY BBQ Grill Cart in Your Yard (and Life)</a>