Cheryl Hines Upgrades an Old Garage Into a Sophisticated Guest Suite

Hollywood’s Cheryl Hines shows off her comfort with power tools during this episode of Celebrity IOU. She and the Property Brothers work together to turn a structurally unstable garage into an extended living space for her former assistant.

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Celebrity I.O.U.

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Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

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Reinventing an Unused Garage

Sarita came into actress Cheryl Hines' life at a significant time, starting out as her assistant, then diving head-first into the role of the nanny when Cheryl’s daughter, Catherine, was born. “She made more of an impact on my family than anyone I know,” said Cheryl of the special bond her daughter and Sarita share. “She taught Cat so much. Cat is the way she is because of Sarita.” Sarita and her husband always dreamed of transforming the detached storage garage behind their home into a haven for guests. Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott were more than ready to help transform this space on Celebrity IOU — with a little help from Cheryl, of course.

SEE MORE: Celebrity I.O.U.

Before: The Exterior

Sarita and her family never used the garage behind their home for cars. Over the years, odds and ends had collected inside it. Rats and other animals made it their home, too. Cheryl and the designers were determined to put this square footage to use by making it a multi-function space that could be enjoyed by the family and their houseguests.

After: The Exterior

The exterior now boasts both functionality and infused color. The garage’s barn doors were replaced with a large retractable glass door to let in light and create an open concept indoor-outdoor space. Drew and Jonathan cut a grid pattern into the existing driveway to simulate the look of patio pavers. New outdoor furnishings and a fire pit provide ambiance. After much debate, the team painted the stucco dark green. The modern, sophisticated palette is distinct and fresh but still coordinates with Sarita’s main house.

see more: Cindy Crawford Gets a Workout While Surprising Her Trainer with a Home Remodel

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: Inside the Garage

“The garage was for storage, but it’s scary,” warned Cheryl. “Sarita would never let me come in here.” Together, the crew would need to clear out junk and clean.

After: The Guest Suite

The new, multi-purpose space is functional as a work-from-home venue, a comfortable place to relax and a guest suite. Designed as a home-away-from-home for visiting family members, it includes a sitting area, kitchenette, bathroom and walk-in closet. Sound dampening and fireproof insulation regulates the space to make it comfortable year-round.

see more: Kate Hudson Transforms an Overgrown Landscape Into a French-Inspired Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: Inside the Garage

The family used the garage as a dumping area. Organization was almost non-existent.

After: The Guest Suite

A floor-to-ceiling wall of built-in shelving provides organized storage and space to display photos and decorative accessories. The wall unit also houses a Murphy bed that folds down for houseguests spending the night. A desk offers Sarita and her husband a dedicated, quiet space to take mid-day calls while working from home. A gold ceiling fan with clear acrylic blades and herringbone floors sets the tone for a space Cheryl declares “rich and sexy.”

see more: Idina Menzel Transforms a Detached Garage Into an Office and Athletic Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: Inside the Garage

California earthquakes are more frequent than usual in Sarita's neighborhood, and the garage needed new supporting beams and footings to prevent unexpected collapse. The designers also brainstormed ways to make it bright and livable.

After: The Guest Suite

When the Murphy bed is folded down, the space transforms from a living room into a 5-star hotel-like bedroom for guests. Long curtains enhance privacy and conceal sunlight coming in from the floor-to-ceiling retractable sliding doors. During the renovation, Cheryl had artwork by Sarita's children recreated onto pieces of glass and displayed on the shelving for a sentimental touch.

see more: Terry Crews Helps to Transform a Backyard Into an Athletic Oasis

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: Inside the Garage

The old garage was anything but welcoming, so the design team looked to cut back on the unnecessary shelving and improve the structure.

After: The Guest Suite

Here, a curved sofa makes a chic statement. Jonathan and Drew replaced the small back window with a large look-out in the new kitchenette. Adjacent, a full bathroom awaits, ready for guests. The team installed durable premium vinyl floors, then layered them with soft area rugs to make the space feel inviting. A mix of contemporary finishes and soft textiles bring a modern but warm and relaxed ambiance.

see more: Leslie Jordan Transforms His Friends’ Home Into a Southwestern-Inspired Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: Inside the Garage

With Cheryl, Drew and Jonathan reinvented the floor plan and designed a custom kitchenette to enhance the functionality of the space.

After: The Kitchenette

The new kitchenette is great for guests as well as Sarita and her husband when they’re using the space as an office. Dark cabinetry, black quartz countertops, brass sink hardware and acrylic cabinet pulls create a dark, striking cook space that complements the otherwise light-colored palette. Open storage racks hang from the ceiling and allow dishware storage without obstructing the view. The bros also installed a large Roman shade for privacy.

see more: A Very Special Home Renovation for Halle Berry's Fifth Grade Teacher

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Bathroom

The new spa-like bathroom boasts a spacious vanity that provides ample storage space. Jonathan and Drew used light-colored tile (handmade porcelain in the shower and a stone mosaic on the floor) floor-to-ceiling to help the windowless room feel bright. Gold hardware and other contemporary finishes evoke warmth and sophistication.

see more: Zooey Deschanel Renovated Her Best Friend's Home Into an Open Concept

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Walk-In Closet

Sarita’s friends and family won’t be without a closet during their visits. In fact, the one Jonathan and Drew designed rivals the closet space at a luxury hotel. Custom shelving incorporates light features to keep the design bright. Drawers and open spaces provide space for everything from shoes to bath towels.

see more: A Stylish (and Functional!) Renovation for Melissa McCarthy’s Aunt and Uncle

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

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