Darren Criss Designs a One-of-a-Kind Gift for his One-of-a-Kind BFF

Darren Criss Transforms His Manager’s Backyard

Talented actor and musician Darren Criss knows that his career wouldn’t be where it is today without the trusting confidence and hard work of his manager, Ricky. Loyal friends for over a decade, the duo originally bonded over '90s music. Now, Darren’s ready to give back with a backyard transformation to make sure Ricky, his wife and his daughter are making the most out of their California property.

Darren credits Ricky for seeing his talent and helping him get his career off the ground. “Ricky is easily one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” he says. “Having that other person that believes in you is the most important plot development you could have in your life.”

Jamming Out in a Multifunctional Space

Jonathan and Drew were challenged to reinvent Ricky's backyard. His vision was to transform the unused garage into a space where Ricky could not only work from home, but a dedicated space where he could set up his drum set again, invite friends to play their instruments and more.

California homeowners can easily relate to the challenge of making the most of limited square footage and Darren sought to make sure that Ricky and his young family were enjoying their home to its fullest potential.

The Backyard, Before

Darren knew how much Ricky and his wife loved spending time in their backyard with family. Though they had taken steps to improve their space and make it usable for entertaining and relaxing, there was always more to be done.

A New Outdoor Kitchen

The new outdoor kitchen offers Ricky everything he needs to take his entertaining to the next level. When you live in LA and work in entertainment, it’s always nice to make the most of the entertaining opportunities you have. A large grilling surface, a mini-fridge and other storage will make it easy for him to host larger groups and improve the family's lifestyle.

The Backyard, Before

String lights and lush landscaping helped to make Ricky’s backyard a pleasant space for the family to gather, but the pink paint was dated and the garage itself was underutilized. The design team sought to make improvements to enhance its ambiance and deliver the modern coastal vibe that Ricky enjoyed.

The Backyard, After

New paint transforms the outdated exterior of the home into a modern, coastal retreat. An outdoor kitchen and dining area with comfortable chairs promise to welcome Ricky’s family and friends for all sorts of outdoor get-togethers. The low-maintenance synthetic turf will keep the yard looking lush in all seasons and makes it resistant to getting worn out in areas of high foot traffic. The garage received a new roof with an updated roofline. The new roof was done to accommodate a vaulted ceiling inside, but from the exterior, it offers clean, modern sight lines.

Behind the Garage, Before

Ricky acknowleded the unused area behind the garage, referring to it as his “mud pit.” Darren and the Property Brothers had a vision to transform it into an extension of the new in-law suite and office space.

Behind the Garage, After

Mud pit no more. In addition to installing stone pavers and turf in the area, Darren also voted to give the couple a hot tub. To brighten the new multifunctional space, the designers installed collapsable glass doors on the back wall of the garage. The doors help make a fluid transition between the new indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Behind the Garage, After

This new outdoor living area is private and hidden from neighbors, making it a perfect area where Ricky and his family can relax or entertain guests and clients. With a comfortable sofa and quiet atmosphere, Darren also comments that it’s a great place for them to brainstorm for future gigs and tackle business ventures.

The Garage, Before

Garages are often underutilized, especially in California, where drivers rarely need to protect their vehicles from bad weather. Ricky’s garage was primarily used for bins of storage and outdoor tools, but even his drums and surfboards were tossed inside as they had no dedicated space for them to remain set up and enjoyed. To make the most of the real estate, the designers pondered how they could transform this space into a multifunctional extension of the home.

A Multifunctional Suite

The old garage was transformed into a finished studio space with a new glass door to let in daylight. A dual-purpose table gives Ricky's houseguests a place to dine, and offers him a functional desk to work at during the day. The designers also installed oak hardwoods. His surfboards were hung on wall mounts so they could be safely stored but also serve as meaningful accessories.

The Garage, Before

The ordinary two-car garage used by Ricky and his wife is likely what you’d expect. A large door, plenty of storage, and exposed rafters to support the roof. By remodeling the space, the team was determined to make it a multifunctional extension of the home.

A Multifunctional Suite

Several engineering issues needed to be addressed by Jonathan and Drew throughout the process, but as a result, they were able to deliver a brand new roof that would structurally support a new, lofted ceiling. In place of the garage door, the team installed a large window, and staged the space with a sofa that pulls out into a queen bed. When housing guests, the multifunction office could easily convert into an in-law suite.

Storage in a Multifunctional Suite

Creating storage was a high priority for Drew and Jonathan, since Ricky and his wife did use the former garage as a place to store extra items in lieu of having a basement or accessible attic. Every square foot counts in a renovation, so the team created several built-ins to contain items that needed to be stored out of sight.

The Garage, Before

Darren sought to make the most of the old garage, but when he suggested that they might fit in a full kitchen, Jonathan and Drew were quick to point out limitations with square footage and permitting. Through compromise and with the help of a creative floorplan, they were able to transform this old garage into a livable suite.

A Multifunctional Suite

The team determined that there was enough room in the old garage to install a modest kitchenette and a full bathroom. Access to both food and restroom would easily make it livable for guests like Ricky’s in-laws. The vaulted ceiling also helps to make the suite bright and spacious.

The New Kitchenette

Rather than install a full kitchen and occupy more square footage, Jonathan and Drew designed a kitchenette that offered the type of function and storage that houseguests routinely need. Modern white tile is installed above the sink.The cabinet doors open and slide into the unit so they don’t take up unnecessary space while open.

A Multifunctional Suite

The large collapsable glass doors invite more natural daylight into the suite. When open, these large doors also connect the new indoor and outdoor spaces. With a new patio environment and hot tub just steps away, this is truly a retreat for clients and houseguests.

A Modern, Coastal Bathroom

Jonathan and Drew added a full bathroom into the garage-turned-guest house. Handmade white tiles deliver Ricky’s modern, coastal vibe, and extend from the floor up through the standing shower. A marble countertop upon a modern wooden vanity adds storage and function, and contemporary light fixtures and a mix of black and brass hardware helps the space feel very luxe.

Celebrity I.O.U.

Darren Criss Designs a One-of-a-Kind Gift for his One-of-a-Kind BFF

Related To:

Shop This Look

Darren Criss Transforms His Manager’s Backyard

Jamming Out in a Multifunctional Space

The Backyard, Before

A New Outdoor Kitchen

The Backyard, Before

The Backyard, After

Behind the Garage, Before

Behind the Garage, After

Behind the Garage, After

The Garage, Before

A Multifunctional Suite

The Garage, Before

A Multifunctional Suite

Storage in a Multifunctional Suite

The Garage, Before

A Multifunctional Suite

The New Kitchenette

A Multifunctional Suite

A Modern, Coastal Bathroom

Darren Criss Gifts Best Friend and Manager a One-of-a-Kind Renovation in HGTV's 'Celebrity IOU'

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