Breathing New Life into a Faded Mid-Century Gem: HGTV Stars Dave & Jenny Marrs Transform a 1970s Home into a Welcoming Showplace
Every home renovation tells a story. For Holly and Chris Brookhouser, dear friends of HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous” stars Dave and Jenny Marrs, that story began with a dream: turning a dated 1970s house into a place where family, pets and friends could come together. Chris wanted a place where the family could gather to relax. Holly dreamt of a “catio,” an enclosed patio for her beloved foster cats. They both wanted a more open and airy home that still paid homage to the house’s mid-century modern roots. The Marrs were more than up to the challenge of helping the Brookhouser family bring their dream home to reality, including a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living with Simonton windows and patio doors.
The Challenges: Outdated Design with Structural Issues.
The Brookhouser family, Holly, Chris and their two children, loved their newly purchased 1970s mid-century modern home. But the house needed new life breathed into it. Outside, the siding was worn and weathered. The windows were old, drafty and no longer provided optimal energy efficiency. A deck off the primary bedroom was creaky and unsafe. The landscape, while lush and beautiful, lacked any defined gathering spaces for family and friends to enjoy.
The interior was no better, with dated and disjointed spaces and enclosed rooms that hindered traffic flow. From the narrow staircase that didn’t meet code to the cold, uninviting stone floor, this was going to be a complete renovation.
The Solutions: Mid-Century Design meets Modern Efficiency
A new design strategy focused on paying homage to the home’s mid-century modern style while fulfilling the Brookhousers’ vision for warmth and coziness. The old siding was removed and replaced with fresh lap siding in a deep green tone that perfectly complemented the stone façade.
Choosing the right windows and doors was of the utmost importance, not only to enhance the style of the home but also for ease of maintenance and to help ensure year-round comfort. Dave and Jenny chose 5500 Casement Windows and Inovo® Sliding Patio Doors from Simonton® Windows & Doors, confident that these products would suit their needs perfectly.
The Simonton windows and doors feature a classic beveled frame design that contrasts beautifully with the mid-century modern style, while their black exteriors let the deep green exterior color pop even more. By updating and expanding openings, the team maximized natural light, enhanced views of the lush surroundings, and made the outdoors feel like an extension of the home’s living space. Incorporating energy-efficient Simonton windows and doors into the renovation will also help the Brookhouser family reduce energy costs and maintain a comfortable home year-round.
Simonton 5500 Casement Windows features
A unique beveled frame design provides a contemporary, yet elegant look
A wide range of colors and hardware finishes allows design flexibility
Durable weathertight unit has unmatched energy efficiency and weather resistance
Multi-point locking system tightly secures the window with one handle
Maximum ventilation with a full interior extruded frame fiberglass screen
Region-specific ENERGY STAR® glass packages deliver impressive energy performance and comfort in any climate
Selection of glass upgrade options, including triple-pane, sound and security, double-strength, safety, privacy and tinted
A Cozy, Sunlit Haven for Family and Pets.
Holly’s catio, her highest priority, exceeded her expectations on every level. The Simonton 5500 windows allow sunlight to fill the cozy space, while a custom-made window seat is the perfect place for her furry feline friends to take long, sun-drenched naps. The Simonton Inovo sliding patio door allows even more light to flood the space, adding both style and flair while maintaining a comfortable interior.
Simonton Inovo Sliding Door Features
A wide range of colors, hardware, glass, grilles and screens allows design versatility.
Premium vinyl is designed for thermal efficiency, durability and weather resistance
Advanced glass that can meet ENERGY STAR certification for any climate zone helps ensure interior comfort year-round.
AAMA Gold Certification signifies best-in-class durability, weatherability and energy efficiency
A Family-centered Design
The kitchen is now the heart of the home. Green cabinetry, quartz countertops and brass fixtures feel fresh and modern. The Simonton Inovo sliding patio door, featuring a brushed nickel handle, was the perfect choice to bring the outside in and help make the kitchen open and airy — proof that the right windows and doors can completely transform how a home is used. The patio door opens directly onto the flagstone patio, connecting the home to the backyard, fire pit and outdoor kitchen. The reimagined exterior spaces now encourage gathering and enjoying nature.
Tune in for more renovations featuring the Cornerstone Building Brands family of brands.
Dave and Jenny Marrs renovated the Brookhouser home in the sixth season of their HGTV show “Fixer to Fabulous.” Watch episodes “Midcentury Dreams Come True” and “Midcentury Masterpiece” to see the renovation process and amazing results. Learn more about the Marrs’ partnership with Cornerstone Building Brands and the Simonton windows and doors that were part of this renovation.
