Alison Victoria Transforms a “Worst House on the Block” into a Stunning Family Home

Photo byHGTV

In the latest episode of Windy City Rehab, Alison Victoria takes on a bold challenge: revamping a house that she boldly declares “the worst one on the block.” This season, she demonstrates the power of innovative design and second opinions in creating a dream home that resonates with families seeking comfort and style.

From Tiny Walk-Up to Spacious Sanctuary

In this episode, titled “Little Cabin in the City,” homeowners Austin and Katie are ready to leave their cramped third-story apartment for a more spacious three-bedroom house in Forest Glen, a charming community that blends the vibrancy of Chicago with suburban tranquility. After demolition and clearing asbestos, the couple finds themselves with a budget of $250,000 to realize their vision—thankfully, Austin's skills as a general contractor mean he can tackle much of the labor himself.

However, not all is smooth sailing. When Alison reviews Austin's initial blueprints, she raises concerns about the impractical size of the main bedroom closet and the awkward placement of the laundry area in a first-floor half-bathroom. “Moving from a condo to a house on a double-wide lot, you get used to small and just start thinking small,” Austin acknowledges, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

Creative Solutions for Every Space

Alison not only addresses aesthetic improvements but also reimagines the layout for optimal functionality. Here are her top strategies for maximizing square footage, perfect for anyone looking to enhance their own living space:

1. Enhancing Curb Appeal with Color and Landscaping

Victoria kicks off the transformation by tackling the home’s exterior, which she finds lacking in charm. “This is the worst one on the block, sorry,” she remarks, assessing the dull yellow facade. To breathe new life into the property, she opts for a bold dark green paint, complemented by new sconces, updated front steps, and wooden planters under the windows. The result? A dramatic upgrade that leaves Victoria proclaiming, “This is the nicest house on the block.”

2. Adding a Stained-Glass Window for Character

To break up the boxy look of the exterior, Victoria recommends a circular stained-glass window. After some initial hesitation, the homeowners agree to invest in this striking feature, which ultimately becomes a centerpiece of beauty and craftsmanship. Priced at $5,600, the custom window features a colorful sun design that captivates both the family and viewers alike. “It’s such a cool feature,” Austin admits upon seeing the finished product.

3. Implementing Arched Doorways for Flow

Creating a seamless flow from room to room is crucial, and Victoria introduces arched doorways to achieve this. Inspired by the homeowners' preference for an “Italian-Montana” design aesthetic, she incorporates rustic finishes that resonate with their tastes. On reveal day, Katie admires the arch, recognizing its authenticity and connection to their vision.

4. Rethinking Laundry Placement

Victoria quickly identifies a major flaw in the original layout: an overly large mudroom and an impractical laundry location within the powder room. “Nobody should walk through a powder room to get to their laundry,” she asserts, prompting a redesign. By splitting the mudroom, she creates a functional dual-purpose laundry room and home office, transforming an awkward space into one that works for the family.

5. Maximizing Closet Space

Recognizing that the original plans left little room for closet storage, Victoria advocates for a reallocation of space in the main bedroom. By scaling back unnecessary bedroom square footage, she creates a generous closet area that satisfies both Austin and Katie’s storage needs. “You don’t need this much room,” she simplifies, highlighting her focus on practicality.

A Masterclass in Design

With her keen eye for detail and functional design, Alison Victoria turns what was once an eyesore into a home filled with charm and efficiency. The finished product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the homeowners, transforming their vision into reality.

This episode serves as a testament to the importance of thoughtful design, creative problem-solving, and the potential to reshape a space into something truly remarkable.