Ep 8. Adding Style to 14 Mile

In the ninth season of Rehab Addict, host and renovation expert Nicole Curtis takes on the challenge of rehabilitating a historic home in Ferndale, Michigan. In episode 8, titled "Adding Style to 14 Mile," viewers get a glimpse into the heartbreaking history of the house and the ways in which Nicole Curtis and her team worked to honor its past while updating its style for modern living.

The episode begins with Nicole enlisting the help of her designer friend, Lea, to select unique pieces for the home's front porch. The pair visit a local architectural salvage store and pick out a vintage bench and a wrought iron railing to add character to the exterior. Nicole is excited to bring new life to this old home, but she knows that the inside of the house has a long way to go.

The next scene shows Nicole revealing to her team that the house was built in 1923 by a man who tragically lost his wife shortly after its completion. In memory of his wife, the man included many personal touches throughout the home, such as custom-made stained glass windows and intricate tilework. However, the house has since fallen into disrepair and is in desperate need of restoration.

Nicole and her crew get to work, tearing down the existing drywall to reveal the home's original plaster walls. Despite the extensive damage, Nicole is thrilled to find that the home's bones are still strong. She plans to incorporate as much of the original materials as possible while also updating the home for 21st-century living.

One of the major challenges of the project is figuring out how to make the first floor's tiny kitchen more functional. Nicole decides to add a butler's pantry to provide additional storage and create a more dynamic space. She also chooses a unique yellow tile backsplash to add a pop of color to the otherwise neutral space.

In addition to the kitchen, Nicole focuses on the home's bathrooms. She installs a stunning clawfoot tub in the upstairs bathroom and selects vintage-inspired fixtures to create a cohesive look throughout the home. Nicole also spends time restoring the home's original stained glass windows, which add a pop of color and character to the rooms.

As the project nears completion, Nicole's vision for the home really starts to come together. She chooses bold wallpaper patterns and custom light fixtures to add interest to the home's many nooks and crannies. She also creates a cozy reading nook in the home's sunroom, complete with a comfortable chair and a custom-built bookshelf.

Finally, the episode ends with the big reveal of the house's transformation. The home is unrecognizable from its previous state, with a carefully curated mix of vintage and modern elements. Nicole's dedication to preserving the home's history while updating it for modern living is evident in every room.

"Adding Style to 14 Mile" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode of Rehab Addict. Nicole Curtis's passion for restoring historic homes is on full display, and viewers will be left in awe of the beautiful transformation she achieves. Whether or not you're a fan of home renovation shows, this episode is definitely worth a watch.