Inspiring Transformations from HGTV's 'Build It Forward'

HGTV teams up with Lowe's in a special series that brings improvements to deserving individuals and communities across five US cities. It's a partnership that's part of the 'Lowe's Hometowns' initiative — which has already completed 100 highly impactful improvement projects in communities across the country.

March 09, 2022

By: David L. Haynes

Show: Build It Forward

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Photo By: Mark Peterman

Photo By: Kimberly Davis

Surprising Transformations

In HGTV's series Build It Forward, renovation specialist Matt Blashaw and designer Taniya Nayak join forces with Lowe's to surprise five amazing individuals who have given much to their communities — providing them with life-changing makeovers of homes and community spaces. "Communities across the country are getting the surprise of their lives," says Matt.

Besides the much-needed improvements to the selected community organizations, Matt and Taniya are crisscrossing America to substantively change the lives of some dedicated individuals. "We're finding five people who have dedicated themselves to these organizations, making their communities and hometowns better," says Matt. "We're surprising them with the home renovation of their dreams — and they have no idea it's coming."

A Work of Heart

In Austin, Texas, Taniya and Matt worked with Lowe's to provide much-needed updates and improvements to the Austin Child Guidance Center. "As part of Lowe's 100th anniversary, they're donating 10 million dollars to organizations from coast to coast," says Matt in the series intro. "From food banks to womens' shelters to youth centers to housing for the homeless — out of 2,200 nominations, Lowe's selected 100 projects that have the greatest need and would have the greatest impact on their community." The Austin Child Guidance center is one of those deserving organizations.

Build It Forward: Austin

The Break Room, Before. Drab, cold and sparse would all be accurate descriptors of the center's break room prior to the renovations. What's more, much of the facility had suffered major damage during a recent severe winter-storm. The Lowe's Impact Team, as part of their initiative, completely renovated the center.

Build It Forward: Austin

The Break Room, After. The renovated break room is now bright, comfortable and inviting, with updated lighting, new window treatments and contemporary furnishings, including twin modern-style sofas. "I chose clean and simple decor," says Taniya, "so we wouldn't have any surprises."

Build It Forward Design Tip: Comfortable furniture choices and textured accessories can help give an office space a homey vibe.

Build It Forward: Austin

Living Room, Before. Among the homes being renovated is that of Seanna Crosbie, seen here prior to the renovation. Seanna is Chief Strategy Officer at the Austin Child Guidance Center and has worked for the facility for more than 20 years. The devastating winter storm not only wreaked havoc on the ACGC, it also resulted in burst pipes and flood damage in Seanna's home. "Today we're going to surprise her," says Matt, "to get her condo not only livable, but also absolutely beautiful."

Build It Forward: Austin

Living Room: After. Seanna's newly renovated living room now features an updated fireplace, arched decorative mirror, track lighting and wide-plank oak flooring.

Build It Forward: Austin

Living Room, After. Casual contemporary furnishings and framed photos of Seanna's family members help personalize the space and add to the homey vibe.

Build It Forward: Austin

Living Room, Detail. The old wet bar has been removed, leaving room for a nook with black accent console and framed art.

Build It Forward: Austin

Kitchen: Before. About 80 percent of Seanna's condo was essentially destroyed by the flooding resulting from frozen and burst pipes. In the kitchen, appliances were ruined and much of the drywall was saturated and had to be removed.

Build It Forward: Austin

Kitchen, After. Seanna's remodeled kitchen is highlighted by a new peninsula and new custom cabinetry, vent hood, recessed lighting, open shelving and new stainless appliances including a wifi-enabled smart fridge.

Build It Forward: Austin

Kitchen, Detail. The newly upgraded and enlarged peninsula includes a farmhouse sink and white stone countertops.

Build It Forward: Austin

After. The dining area adjacent to the kitchen and living room features a statement chandelier and contemporary upholstered chairs in neutral linen. "I just really wanted a calm, serene, warm place to come after a hard day of work," said Seanna, "so I could relax, take care of myself, read a book, have fun with friends, entertain. This space is exactly all of those things."

Build It Forward: Austin

Bedroom, Before. Seanna's bedroom, prior to the renovation, was functional but visually bland. After the disastrous flooding, the flooring and portions of the drywall had been ruined.

Build It Forward: Austin

Bedroom, After. The space has been given new life with a pale-green feature wall, twin bedside tables, a pair of matching table lamps, new lighting and new hardwood flooring.

Editor's Note: Be sure to revisit this gallery. New photos will be added throughout the series run.

Build It Forward

Inspiring Transformations from HGTV's 'Build It Forward'

Related To:

Shop This Look

Surprising Transformations

A Work of Heart

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

Build It Forward: Austin

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