Step Inside the 'Ugliest House in America' Season 7 Renovation

In Season 7 of HGTV's Ugliest House in America, actress and comedian Retta (left) once again undertakes a region-by-region nationwide odyssey to identify and document some of the most dysfunctional, aesthetically misguided and downright dreadful home designs imaginable. These homes were all nominated by their beleaguered homeowners to be part of Retta's quest to find the worst of the worst. Once the "winning" home has been identified in this twisted competition, the home in question gets a top-to-bottom makeover, valued at $150,000, from HGTV designer and host Alison Victoria (Sin City Rehab). This year's Season 7 Ugliest House winner: a 3,400-square-foot eyesore in Vershire, Vermont, dubbed "The Mishmosh Hodgepodge." Brace yourself for something truly ugly — followed by a radical transformation.

The 3,344-square-foot home sits on 14 acres of wooded terrain outside the tiny town of Vershire, Vermont. On the plus side, the home is secluded and boasts beautifully natural surroundings and amazing panoramic views of Vermont's White Mountain range. But that's essentially where the plus side ends.

The exterior is an amalgamation of odd shapes and angles, assorted materials and a less-than-eye-pleasing color palette of brick brown, fire-engine red and vivid blue. As for the plastic moose head, your guess is as good as ours. And if you thought the exterior was unusual, prepare yourself for what's inside.

Homeowners Dylan and Brooklyn are adventurous types, but when Brooklyn first showed the house to Dylan during their home search, he thought Brooklyn was joking. Though there was something about the odd home that appealed to the couple, particularly the fact that it was built around a sizable tree extending up through the home's structure and into the vaulted ceilings. Prior to renovation, the main living space featured a jarring array of primary and day-glow colors: electric blue, highlighter yellow and Pepto-Bismol pink, to name a few. The seating area in the living space boasted curved surfaces and an amalgam of random materials, including exposed wood, concrete and stone (for the seating surfaces!?), corrugated metal and a mélange of oddly mismatched tiles.

Over time, Dylan and Brooklyn (seen here in blindfolds before the final reveal) had developed an affection for the house — particularly the size, scenic location and spectacular views. But their desire was to completely change the rather, um, eccentric decor and furnishings. As Brooklyn said, "We definitely want to make it less circus-like."

The transformation is undeniably striking. The garish orange-and-blue exterior gave way to a subtle gray-green paired with wood-plank siding in varied shades and grains. The entry to the garage/workshop — formerly a gaping and odd-shaped opening — now welcomes guests with a graceful arched entry, consistent with the shape of the front façade and portico. The existing arched roof on the façade was maintained, but the structure was upgraded with massive wood columns, a brick-front patio and fresh landscaping.

Other standout enhancements to the exterior include a new front door in unvarnished wood with a stained-glass feature, a natural flagstone front step and new exterior lighting (including the cast-iron sconces pictured here). In short, Alison gave the formerly unkempt eyesore an updated profile that is both chic and rustic — welcoming, visually intriguing and in keeping with the home's natural, wooded surroundings.

The kitchen seemed to conjure up a jungle theme of sorts, with cabinets and shelves adorned with sculpted monkeys (once again, with no clear explanation) and other questionable design choices like a brown concrete floor and floor tiles for counter surfaces.

The renovated kitchen is now streamlined and functional, featuring recessed lighting, new appliances in black finish, black custom cabinetry and a custom circular island mounted atop a sculpted section of a natural tree trunk.

Contrasting black-and-white elements tie together in Alison's choice for the tile backsplash: A graphic print shows off vintage botanical etchings. Other new additions include a high-end gas range, a custom vent hood covered in mirror tiles and black ceiling-height cabinets with brushed metal hardware.

Prior to renovation, a railing on the central stairway leading from the living room to the second floor was festooned, inexplicably, with sculpted birds that appeared to be made from paper mache or something similar. The unusually configured space was defined by lots of doorways, interior walls made up of windows and a fake tree trunk masquerading as a support column.

The renovated living space takes full advantage of the existing vaulted ceilings, creating a grand and impressive space that feels light, bright and open. Exposed wood beams and cozy-casual furnishings create an open-concept living area that occupies the same footprint but has a distinct and modern feel. Gone are the concrete bench seats and oddly obtrusive curves — supplanted by fresh wood flooring, a contemporary white sofa and a barefoot-friendly area rug.

Fresh white paint throughout the living room and kitchen is pleasingly contrasted by black stair railings (now minus the paper mache birds) and modern black kitchen appliances, while the natural wood beams and flooring provide elements that offer a warm and welcoming feel.

And speaking of "warm and welcoming," the living space is now also the setting for a casual dining table with a sculpted natural-wood surface — located in convenient proximity to a functional wood-burning stove. Black dining chairs and matte black finish for the stove contribute further elements in Alison's contrast-centric motif. Enlarged windows bring in tons of natural light to the space and provide an enhanced opportunity for enjoying the pristine natural surroundings.

The primary bath, prior to the renovation, was yet another space that evokes the burning question: "What were they thinking?!" A galvanized metal industrial sink for the vanity? Eggplant walls accented by a bright red toilet lid? More random bird sculptures? The list goes on.

The primary bath embodies one of the most radical transformations included in this renovation. It now features a soaking tub against a backdrop of slate-green tiles, a new custom vanity, a walk-in shower, French doors and a massive picture window providing a stunning view of the outdoors.

Enjoyment of the outdoors is a priority for the homeowners, but the outdoor patio and balcony offered little in the way of amenities, features or style.

The once shabby and overgrown patio is now stylized with a stone floor, outdoor furniture, fresh landscaping, outdoor lighting, a pizza oven and a fire pit.