HGTV's Cousins Undercover Transform a Military Family's Fixer Upper

Cousins and HGTV stars Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri teamed up with The Ellen DeGeneres Show to surprise a young military family with a total renovation. See the before-and-after photos here.

By: Liz Gray

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Photo By: Ken Cedeno/Getty Images

Undercover Remodel

Cousins Anthony and John surprised Military officer Alex Stephenson, his wife Heather and their three young children with a top-to-bottom home makeover — in less than a week.

Exterior, Before

Health problems and multiple deployments left the Stephenson family struggling to maintain their fixer-upper home. Before the renovation, the weather-worn exterior had no particular design style.

Exterior, After

A daring black paint color, a corrugated metal-covered gable and a bright yellow door give this house a decidedly modern, polished look.

Front Porch, Before

The rickety front deck didn't add rain cover or style to the Stephensons' home. A blue plastic tent was all that kept cars and supplies out of the elements.

Front Porch, After

A ground-level porch connects to the new, covered carport. Horizontal wood slats add privacy and style.

Foyer, Before

The family prepped the foyer for a fresh coat of paint, but didn't finish the job.

Foyer, After

The Cousins used a soft shade of lavender on the walls, then added an upholstered bench where the family can put on or take off shoes.

Foyer, After

Hooks by the door help to capture backpacks, coats and scarves before they can clutter up the rest of the house. The reclaimed wood wall hints to the rustic-modern design elements featured throughout the house. It's also practical, keeping the wall clean and ding-free in this high-traffic area.

Living Room, Before

The room's high ceilings and large windows were obscured by the room's cluttered layout.

Living Room, After

Moving the dining area closer to the kitchen creates breathing room in the family's living room, while a new floor-to-ceiling bookcase adds lots of vertical storage.

Living Room, Before

The room housed a wood stove, which was fenced off to keep the family's small children safe, prior to the renovation.

Living Room, After

A new gas fireplace saves space and is safer for the home's littlest occupants. See the new door? John and Anthony opened up the wall between the living room and master bedroom, creating a more natural route into the couple's personal space.

Living Room, After

Rustic textiles add warmth to the newly-remodeled living room. An upholstered ottoman doubles as a kid-safe coffee table.

Living Room, After

A new nook beside the fireplace creates additional seating and a cozy reading spot.

Living Room, After

Three armillary-style chandeliers add style and soft light up to the ceiling.

Master Bedroom, Before

The narrow master bedroom was drab and cluttered prior to the renovation.

Master Bedroom, After

John used reclaimed wood to create a custom, reclaimed-wood bed. The wall-mounted headboard provides a focal point for the newly-renovated space.

Master Bedroom, Before

A drab paint color and basic black furnishings made for a dark, cave-like space.

Master Bedroom, After

A warm gray paint color and rustic furnishings with modern lines create a relaxing, designer look in this updated master bedroom.

Master Bedroom, Before

The overflowing closet didn't provide enough storage space for the couple's clothing, and the open doors made the room look cluttered.

Master Bedroom, After

Relocating the closet to the master bedroom opened up the space, and a new door into the living room gives the couple easier access and brings in additional natural light.

Master Bathroom, Before

The master bedroom was dark, cluttered and non-functional prior to the renovation.

Master Bathroom, After

The Cousins moved a bedroom wall to create a true master suite for the couple, complete with a walk-in closet, water closet and spa shower.

Master Bathroom, Before

The chocolate brown paint color and traditional furnishings didn't jibe with the home's modern aesthetic.

Master Bathroom, After

A soft lavender and white palette creates a relaxing, spa-like space. The new bathroom's focal point: A luxurious walk-in shower decked out with marble-inspired ceramic panels.

Kitchen, Before

Three words: Too many neutrals. Mixed wood tones, brownish-beige walls and an oversized island filled the kitchen space prior to the renovation.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, After

Creamy white walls create a modern look that matches the home's angular architecture. Dark blue cabinets and purple accents add much-needed color.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, Before

An oversized island closed off the kitchen space from the rest of the room, yet didn't offer the storage space the homeowners craved.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, After

Removing the large island creates space for a built-in dining banquette just off the kitchen.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, After

The new banquette offers enough room for the whole Stephenson family to eat together. Built-in planters house herbs for cooking.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, Before

The homeowners' existing cabinets were of good quality, but didn't match the home's modern look.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, After

The Cousins Undercover team sanded down the cabinets, then gave them a new look with high-gloss navy blue lacquer and geometric brass knobs.

From: Anthony Carrino

Kitchen, After

A Carrara marble tile backsplash and countertop complement the blue tones of the cabinets without competing with the new color.

From: Anthony Carrino

Cousins Undercover

HGTV's Cousins Undercover Transform a Military Family's Fixer Upper

Related To:

Shop This Look

Undercover Remodel

Exterior, Before

Exterior, After

Front Porch, Before

Front Porch, After

Foyer, Before

Foyer, After

Foyer, After

Living Room, Before

Living Room, After

Living Room, Before

Living Room, After

Living Room, After

Living Room, After

Living Room, After

Master Bedroom, Before

Master Bedroom, After

Master Bedroom, Before

Master Bedroom, After

Master Bedroom, Before

Master Bedroom, After

Master Bathroom, Before

Master Bathroom, After

Master Bathroom, Before

Master Bathroom, After

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, After

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