Kitchen Cousins Season 1 Episode 1 Taking a Brownstone Down to the Studs

Taking a Brownstone Down to the Studs is the first episode of season 1 of Kitchen Cousins, a home renovation and design show that premiered in 2011. The episode starts with John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino, who are cousins and partners in their family business, meeting with a couple who recently purchased a brownstone in Hoboken, New Jersey. The brownstone was built in the 1800s and is in need of a complete renovation. The couple wants to create an open and modern space while still maintaining the historic charm of the building.

John and Anthony take a tour of the brownstone to assess the current state of the property. They find that the building has some serious structural issues, including rotting beams and a lack of insulation, which will require them to take the building down to the studs and start from scratch. John and Anthony use a sledgehammer to knock down some walls, revealing the existing wiring and plumbing, which they plan to update and streamline during the renovation process.

Next, the Kitchen Cousins visit the couple's apartment where they get a sense of their style and preferences. The couple is looking for a design that is modern and minimalist, but still warm and inviting. They share some inspiration photos with John and Anthony, which include clean lines, neutral colors, and natural finishes. John and Anthony will use this inspiration to create a design plan for the brownstone that meets the couple's needs and design aesthetic.

John and Anthony get to work creating a design plan for the brownstone. They start by developing a floor plan that includes a more open layout and updated electrical and plumbing systems. They decide to add a skylight to bring natural light into the space, and choose finishes like white oak flooring and quartz countertops to create a modern yet warm feel. Throughout the episode, the cousins work with various contractors and tradespeople to update the building's infrastructure, install new features like a gas fireplace, and complete the demolition and framing of the interior.

As the renovation progresses, John and Anthony face a few setbacks. The building's aging plumbing and electrical systems require more work than they anticipated, and they discover a serious mold issue that needs to be addressed. However, they stay positive and keep pushing forward, determined to give the couple the beautiful brownstone of their dreams.

The episode wraps up with John and Anthony giving the couple a tour of the nearly-finished brownstone. The space has been completely transformed, with a modern and open layout, updated systems, and beautiful finishes. The couple is thrilled with the results, and John and Anthony are proud of the hard work they put into the project.

Overall, Taking a Brownstone Down to the Studs sets the stage for the rest of the season of Kitchen Cousins, showcasing the cousins' expertise in home renovation and design and their commitment to creating beautiful spaces for their clients. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in home renovation, DIY projects, or design.