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

Yvonne Sims has been an important figure in Halle Berry's life for more than 40 years. To give back, Halle takes the Property Brothers to Cleveland for a memorable, tear-filled makeover.

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Celebrity I.O.U.

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Giving Back to a Fifth Grade Teacher

Award-winning actress Halle Berry partnered with Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott to surprise her fifth grade teacher, Yvonne Sims, with a home remodel unlike any other. Yvonne has always gone above and beyond for her students as a dedicated teacher, a counselor, a confidant and, at times, even a parental figure. “I used to think I was the only one who had this relationship with this great teacher, but I’ve come to realize there are lots of people who feel the way I feel about her,” Halle told the bros. “She taught me and so many others about our Black culture. She was like a second mother in many ways. There’s no one more selfless.”

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Drew and Jonathan Scott Recommend Unique Updates

Though it's been more than 40 years since she sat in Yvonne’s classroom (and at her kitchen table after school during “cookie talks”), Halle is more than ready to transform the Sims' home. Together, Drew, Jonathan and Halle came up with a plan to reinforce, rebuild and restore Yvonne's kitchen, dining room and study. Their intentional design decisions honored the bones of the old home, while improving the flow and function of the layout.

Halle Rolls Up Her Sleeves in Honor of Her Favorite Teacher

After helping Drew and Jonathan identify precious items in Yvonne's home, Halle assisted with carpet removal to expose the original hardwood floors. While the team hoped to restore the flooring to its original beauty, the years-worth of wear and water damage they discovered proved to be a huge obstacle.

The Kitchen, Before

Yvonne's kitchen is the hub of her home. She loves inviting friends, family and students into her house to share thoughts and have deep conversations. Halle wanted to make sure the new kitchen could serve the same purpose, so the team came up with some special updates to elevate Yvonne's cooking and entertaining experience.

The Kitchen, After

A long peninsula adds function and maximizes storage, while expansive quartz countertops offer ample space for culinary prep. The team also installed a circular wooden tabletop on the end of the peninsula, which doubles as a workspace and a spot Yvonne can use to host friends and students. Modern seating options abound. Engineered hardwood runs along the floor, offering the high-traffic area lasting durability.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

The Kitchen, Before

Yvonne's original kitchen didn’t lack function, but its dated finishes and appliances needed an update. Halle sought to strip the home of its valances to help brighten it up. She also wanted to create streamlined and functional storage that didn't sacrifice the gathering space.

The Kitchen, After

Reoriented appliances transform the kitchen. A new range and cooktop sit beneath an enclosed hood vent. White cabinetry and white quartz countertops constrast nicely with black quartz countertops and a black backsplash. Pendant lighting over the peninsula adds modern charm. While each specially chosen update gave Yvonne's space an extra-cozy feel, Halle was intent on keeping the bones of the house for historical value.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

The Kitchen, Before

Dated cabinetry and a poor kitchen layout needed to be addressed. Halle recognized the refrigerator from her school days, noting most of the home hadn’t been updated in decades.

The Kitchen, After

The designers modernized the arched doorway and repurposed the space around the refrigerator to better anchor and frame the appliance.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

The Dining Room, Before

Yvonne’s formal dining room is used for gatherings with her children and grandchildren. Photographs of the whole family flanked the walls and surfaces. Halle pointed out that in one drawer of the credenza, Yvonne had saved every letter and card she had ever been given by a student. The team looked to refresh the space and honor the items that meant the most to Yvonne and her family.

The Dining Room, After

Fresh engineered hardwoods flow throughout the home. Dark blue paint on the walls and window trim transforms the room into an intimate and calming gathering space. The team preserved the original corner storage spaces but updated the dining room table, chairs and credenza. A contemporary chandelier with black shades hangs over the dining room table. Recessed lights brighten the space. On an opposite wall, the bros displayed family photos.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

The Study, Before

Yvonne and her husband often use their study to relax, so Halle sought ways to maximize its potential. Old carpeting and dated furniture decorated most of the room, while dark drapes limited natural daylight. Furthermore, Halle noted an old radiator in the room never worked. Signs of water damage on the ceiling brought the integrity of the moisture barriers and seals on an upstairs balcony into question.

The Study, After

Recessed lights, new engineered hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling white curtains transform the space. The team converted the formerly dark room into a bright, welcoming study where Yvonne and her husband can relax. They installed a furnace and inspected the second story balcony to ensure the exisiting weatherproofing membranes would prevent future water damage.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

The Study, Before

The weight of the books on Yvonne’s wall unit caused the shelves to dangerously bend. Dark curtains and outdated furnishings made the space feel cramped and dreary. Halle knew that Yvonne would want the photos and mementoes honored, so Drew and Jonathan came up with a plan to reinforce and rebuild the shelving to accommodate Yvonne’s collections.

The Study, After

The team reinforced the shelving units to hold books, picture frames and collectibles. Beneath the shelves, two wall scones illuminate a reading nook. A jewel-toned sofa gives Yvonne a comfortable spot to kick back. Custom drawers, styled to look like library card catalogs, contain separators to help Yvonne keep her collections of letters and cards organized. “I’m so glad I’m able to give her a gift that’s able to uplift her life. At the end of the day, I hope it makes her know how much she’s loved,” said Halle.

From: Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott

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