Ep 5. Entryway Dreams

In season 1, episode 5 of Rehab Addict, titled "Entryway Dreams," host and renovation expert Nicole Curtis tackles the neglected entryway of a historic 1916 bungalow in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The episode opens with Curtis walking through the house and commenting on the lack of a proper entryway. She notes that guests are greeted with a "dead end" wall and stairs leading up to the second floor, which feels cramped and unwelcoming. Curtis expresses her enthusiasm for transforming the space into a grand entrance that sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Curtis starts by removing the dated paneled walls and ceiling, revealing beautifully preserved woodwork underneath. She remarks on the craftsmanship of the original builders and explains her goal of preserving and enhancing the historic character of the home. She also notes that the house has a lot of potential, but it needs some work to truly shine.

Next, Curtis turns her attention to the front windows. She removes the existing casings and plans to replace them with custom, period-appropriate trim. As she works on the windows, Curtis reflects on the history of the house and its original owners, imagining what the space must have looked like when it was first built.

Curtis then moves on to the staircase, which she plans to strip and restore to its original glory. She walks viewers through the process of removing the carpet and padding, showing the original wood treads and risers underneath. She explains that refinishing the stairs will be a time-consuming process, but the end result will be worth it.

As the episode progresses, Curtis faces a number of challenges, including a hidden pipe that runs through the entryway and a lack of suitable lighting fixtures. She also works on replacing the old, mismatched baseboards with custom trim that matches the new window casings.

Throughout the episode, Curtis emphasizes the importance of staying true to the house's original character and design. She expresses her love for historic homes and her desire to preserve their unique features while updating them for modern living. She also talks about the emotional connection she feels to each house she works on, and how fulfilling it is to see a neglected property transformed into a beautiful, livable space.

The episode culminates with Curtis putting the finishing touches on the entryway. She hangs a beautiful period chandelier and adds some finishing touches to the trim. As she steps back to admire her work, it's clear that the entryway is now a grand, inviting space that sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Overall, "Entryway Dreams" is a heartfelt and inspiring look at the power of renovation to transform both homes and lives. It showcases Nicole Curtis's passion for historic preservation and her skill as a renovation expert, as well as her dedication to improving and revitalizing neglected properties. Whether you're a lover of historic homes or just a fan of home improvement shows, this episode is sure to delight.