Ditching the Bachelor Pad

Homeowner Gary Friedman is trading in his bachelor pad for his lovely bride-to-be, Kayla. The couple wants to find a house together that they can call their own. But, first they have to sell Gary’s house. He has lived in the attractive three-bedroom, two-bath house for three years. Though the home is in good shape, the no-frills, bachelor-style décor is unlikely to win over potential buyers.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman is on hand to provide her candid opinion of the home’s postives and negatives. She is impressed by the outside –– nice flowers, nice lawn and a big driveway. When she enters the home she feels as if she’s found the ultimate bachelor pad. She equates it to living in your parents' basement when you're in college and you have nowhere else to live. She thinks the dining area needs a little perking up and the carpet could use a good cleaning. The bathroom is in good shape, except the countertop and sink are in desperate need of an update. Freeman has some harsh words when it comes to the bedroom; "this is a perfect example of what happens when someone has a home and has absolutely no style and has no idea of what to do".

Designer Lisa LaPorta agrees with Freeman’s critique and has a plan to jazz up this dull and lackluster bachelor pad.

Step 1: Create a more appealing furniture arrangement in the living room, liven up the dining area and clean the carpets.

Step 2: In the bathroom, replace the dated sink and vanity then add some color with new paint.

Step 3: Unbachelorize the bedroom by adding color, accessories and a new French door.

Contractors Brooks Utley and Steve Hanneman are on hand with all the right tools to get the job done.

The real estate expert liked the big windows, but the window treatments are hideous. The huge TV overpowers the room. And next to it, a table wedged in the corner makes the room feel small. According to designer Lisa LaPorta, it is better to have house hunters see the perimeter of the room; it allows them to view the total square footage. The dining area is nice, but it needs some color and the carpet is dingy and dirty.