Kristen meets Kira and Lev, whose kitchen in their recently purchased home is in dire straits. Its chaotic layout and dysfunctional storage would be a frustration for any family, but Lev is a chef! The couple has invested the bulk of their budget into becoming homeowners, so Kristen has a big challenge to bring this chef's family a five-star kitchen on a two-star budget. Kristen also helps couple Marcella and Ramiro reclaim their open concept living and dining rooms from being overrun by their toddlers' toys.
Long distance sweethearts, Meaghen and Jake, are about to start a new chapter together under one roof. Meaghen has done her best to DIY a temporary glow-up, but it's time to dig deeper to undo and re-do a decade's worth of baggage. They enlist Kristen to work some money-saving magic to make over their whole main floor, including the plywood-clad front facade that makes the house look like it's been condemned. Kristen needs to make sure that the couple's wish list isn't too big for the budget in an old house with scary surprises lurking behind its walls.
Leanne and Dan have spent their lives caring for others, from their two daughters to their own aging parents. Now they're ready to invest in themselves by having Kristen renovate their two outdated and clunky bathrooms. But with no ventilation in either room, decades of moisture issues could eat up the budget. Kristen also helps an engaged couple give their dysfunctional kitchen a fast and frugal facelift in time to host guests for their wedding.
Megan, Joel and their two kids love the charm of their 120-year-old house. But the quirks of their family room have them at a loss for its layout. They need Kristen to get creative to make this workhorse space function for the family, and fix its fire hazards. Although they have a seemingly healthy budget for a single room reno, it could be eaten up fast by preserving the century home's features, and delivering a high-end wish list. Kristen also helps a single mom and her college-aged daughter overhaul their bedrooms to serve double duty for working and resting.
Sisters Jaime and Alex live parallel lives, from back-to-back weddings, babies, and now home ownership just a few blocks apart. Their houses match in layout, but Jaime's is a fixer upper that's stuck in the 70s. She needs Kristen to bring her main floor into this century with some serious savings. Not to be left out, Jaime's sister, Alex's house is updated in style but lacking in function. She enlists Kristen to do a budget-friendly upgrade at her place, but each sister needs to roll up their sleeves to help the other's bottom line.
Kristen is enlisted by her childhood friend, Melissa, to give her living space an overhaul. Melissa and her husband Steve are saving up for a home of their own by living with her parents--in the same basement digs where Melissa and Kristen had playdates. The primary bedroom, nursery, and living room need to feel like home in the meantime, and allow them some privacy from mum and dad. But with a shoestring budget and a baby on the way in just three weeks, this could be Kristen's biggest challenge yet. Kristen also helps desperate couple Tina and PJ take back their living room from their rambunctious son/doggie duo.
Katie and Andy have had their house turned upside down by parenthood. "Handy Andy" renovated nearly everything in time for their baby's arrival, but the basement has been left in limbo. They need Kristen to take over to stretch their limited budget to the max, and finish out the expansive basement in time for Katie to head back to work. Kristen's got her work cut out for her to give this family an entertainment space, a home office, and an in-law suite. Kristen is also inspired to take on a project at home to give her son's bedroom a mini makeover.
Kristen works on a reno for Stefanie; a mom of four kids aged 9 to 20. After losing her husband to cancer, Stefanie hit a standstill with their home renovations. Their family bathroom is an absolute zoo!
Katherine and Justin love their new house, except for some disruptive quirks. Their big, awkward primary bath serves triple duty right off the kitchen as it houses the noisy laundry machines and makes it difficult to get down to business.
Vanathy and Joe's home is bursting at the seams. They're battling against an inefficient use of space on their second floor, with outdated organization.