Ep 11. Big Money In Fountain Square

Mina and Karen are back in Fountain Square, Indianapolis, on a quest to turn a run-down house into a beautiful home for a family. This time around, their project comes with a bigger price tag than usual, and they have to be more creative than ever to make it work.

The episode opens with Mina and Karen touring the property, which is a large family home that needs a complete overhaul. The house has good bones and a lot of potential, but it's been neglected for years, and it shows. The yard is overgrown with weeds, the interiors are dark and dingy, and the layout is outdated. Nevertheless, Mina and Karen are excited to take on the challenge and transform the house into a masterpiece.

The first order of business is to demo the old interiors and create a new floor plan that suits the family's needs. Mina and Karen aim to create an open-concept living space on the main floor that flows seamlessly from the living room to the dining area and the kitchen. They also plan to add a half-bath on the main floor and convert the third floor into a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and a walk-in closet.

As the project progresses, Mina and Karen realize that their budget is tight, and they need to make some tough decisions to stay within it. They opt for some cost-effective solutions, such as using pre-fabricated cabinets and fixtures from local vendors, repurposing some of the old materials in creative ways, and doing some of the work themselves. Despite the challenges, Mina and Karen remain optimistic and hardworking, relying on their can-do attitude and their creative skills to make the impossible possible.

One of the challenges they face is how to deal with the old brick fireplace that sits in the middle of the living room. It's too expensive to remove it, and it would take up too much space if left as is. Mina comes up with an innovative solution to create a custom, built-in bookshelf that wraps around the fireplace and makes it a design feature. The result is stunning and adds character and warmth to the room.

Another challenge is how to design the new master suite on the third floor. Mina and Karen want to create a spacious, airy retreat that feels luxurious and comfortable, but they have limited space to work with. They decide to use a palette of soft colors and textures, including a plush carpet, textured wallpaper, and a soft, upholstered bed. They also add some custom-built storage solutions, such as a bench under the window and a closet that doubles as a room divider.

Throughout the episode, Mina and Karen showcase their signature style, which blends modern and vintage elements in a unique and eclectic way. They use a mix of materials, such as wood, metal, and leather, to create a rustic-yet-refined look that suits the house's architecture and history. They also add some fun and whimsical touches, such as a bright blue front door and a custom mural in the dining area.

As the project nears completion, Mina and Karen reflect on the journey and the lessons they've learned along the way. They acknowledge that renovating a house on a tight budget is not easy, but it's also rewarding and fulfilling. They also celebrate the fact that their work helps to revitalize the neighborhood and make it more attractive to new residents and businesses.

In the end, Mina and Karen unveil the completed house to the family, who are thrilled with the transformation. The house is bright, spacious, and modern, but also warm and inviting, with plenty of character and charm. Mina and Karen have accomplished their mission once again, proving that with some ingenuity, hard work, and passion, anything is possible.