13 Celebs Who Bought Fixer-Uppers And Actually Stayed
Many celebrities are known for buying luxurious, move-in-ready homes. But some have chosen a different path, diving into fixer-upper projects that require a bit more work. The appeal of turning a house into a personalized masterpiece has attracted several famous faces. These celebs saw potential in homes that others might have overlooked. Here’s a peek into the world of celebrity home renovations.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband, Peter Sarsgaard, found a diamond in the rough when they bought their Brooklyn townhouse. The property had loads of potential but needed serious work before it could be livable. Gyllenhaal’s decision to purchase the fixer-upper was driven by the desire to create a space that reflected her family’s needs and lifestyle. With a mix of DIY and professional help, she was able to turn the house into a warm and welcoming home.
The actress worked closely with designers to retain the building’s original architectural features while modernizing it for their family’s growing needs. They carefully restored old elements like the original wood floors and added new touches that made the space feel fresh and functional. The home became not just a renovation project but a labor of love for Gyllenhaal and her family. Today, it’s a beautiful blend of old-world charm and contemporary style.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are no strangers to buying, renovating, and selling homes. However, when they purchased their Montecito, California, estate, they chose to take on a fixer-upper. The property, which had been neglected for years, needed substantial updates. DeGeneres, known for her keen eye for design, saw potential in the space and worked alongside her wife to transform it into their dream home.
They worked on several areas of the home, including the kitchen, living spaces, and outdoor areas, to make it more suited to their needs. With a love for modern designs and a touch of elegance, the couple created a refined yet comfortable home. The process was not without challenges, but their commitment to making the house their own paid off. The final result is a beautiful space that reflects their taste and provides a peaceful retreat from their busy lives.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas decided to tackle a large renovation project when they bought their mansion in Bermuda. The historic home needed extensive work, but the couple was determined to make it their personal sanctuary. Zeta-Jones, with her keen design sense, led the charge in updating the property. From renovating the bedrooms to modernizing the kitchen, the couple poured their energy into turning the space into a luxurious retreat.
Their commitment to keeping the original charm of the home while making it more functional resulted in a stunning space. They added contemporary touches throughout, including new furniture and fixtures, while maintaining the home’s traditional architectural style. This renovation became a long-term project for them, but the finished product is a testament to their hard work and vision. The mansion is now a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a place they truly enjoy.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba’s commitment to sustainable living extends beyond her work with the Honest Company – she also took this philosophy into her home renovation project. Alba purchased a fixer-upper in Los Angeles that was in need of a complete overhaul. With her desire to create an eco-friendly, functional space for her family, Alba took on the challenge of renovating the property with an emphasis on sustainable materials. She worked with architects to ensure that the house would be both beautiful and energy-efficient.
The renovation process was not just about aesthetics, as it also focused on making the home healthier and more environmentally friendly. Alba made sure to incorporate natural elements, like reclaimed wood and eco-friendly appliances, to align with her values. Her attention to detail and sustainable choices have made her home a standout example of eco-conscious living. Today, it’s a beautiful blend of green living and stylish design that supports her family’s lifestyle.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
When Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith bought their estate in California, they decided to make it a fixer-upper project. The couple loved the potential of the space and saw it as a way to express their unique vision. The home was large, and while it had potential, it needed significant work to become the ideal family retreat. They worked closely with designers and contractors to transform the property into a luxurious, personalized space.
Throughout the renovation process, the couple ensured that the home would cater to their needs and provide a comfortable environment for their family. The design choices focused on creating a modern and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of room for their children to grow. Today, the home stands as a symbol of their collaboration and creativity. It’s a perfect fit for their dynamic lifestyle, blending style, comfort, and family values.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
When Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel purchased their home in Tennessee, they didn’t shy away from the work it needed. The property, nestled in the woods, required a complete renovation to turn it into a home suited to their taste. Timberlake and Biel’s vision was to create a space that felt like a retreat from their busy lives. They worked closely with designers to bring their dream home to life, ensuring it blended with the surrounding natural beauty.
The couple made sure that the home felt welcoming and comfortable, with large open spaces for entertaining and cozy nooks for private moments. They incorporated natural elements like stone and wood to complement the Tennessee landscape. The renovation process was a labor of love for the couple, and the result is a serene, stylish home that is both modern and rustic. Today, their home is the perfect retreat from their busy schedules.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow bought a fixer-upper in the Hamptons, a charming property that needed a lot of work to reach its full potential. The actress was drawn to the house for its unique character, despite its outdated design. Paltrow and her team focused on modernizing the property while maintaining its historical charm. The renovation involved updating several rooms, including the kitchen and bathrooms, to create a more functional living space.
The design choices reflected Paltrow’s minimalist yet elegant style, using neutral tones and natural materials throughout the home. She also focused on creating a space that was both chic and comfortable for family life. The result is a sophisticated home that feels warm and inviting. Paltrow’s ability to balance modern design with the home’s original character is evident in the final product, which is now a perfect blend of old and new.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard took on a fixer-upper project in Los Angeles when they bought their home. The couple was drawn to the property’s potential and loved the idea of turning an older house into something that suited their needs. With their busy schedules, the renovation process took time, but they worked together to transform the space into a cozy family home. They kept the original charm of the house while making it more functional and modern.
Bell and Shepard worked with a team of designers to create a space that was both stylish and practical. They focused on incorporating elements that made the house feel more like a retreat, with plenty of space for their family to relax and entertain. The renovation allowed them to create a home that reflected their personalities while offering all the modern comforts they needed. Today, their home is a perfect mix of comfort, style, and family-friendly design.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness purchased a fixer-upper in New York City, a beautiful brownstone that required extensive renovations. The couple had a clear vision for the space, wanting to create a home that was both luxurious and family-oriented. They focused on restoring the original architectural elements of the house while updating the interiors to fit their modern tastes. Jackman and Furness took the time to make sure every detail was perfect.
The renovation process was a lengthy one, but the couple’s efforts paid off. They incorporated natural materials, elegant furnishings, and family-friendly spaces to make the house feel like a true home. Jackman and Furness’ home now stands as a perfect example of how a fixer-upper can become a beautiful, functional space. It’s a place where they can unwind and spend time with their family while surrounded by their carefully chosen design elements.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon bought a fixer-upper in Nashville, Tennessee, with the goal of creating a home that reflected her Southern roots. The property had a lot of potential, but it needed plenty of work to make it livable. Witherspoon worked with designers to transform the house into a warm, welcoming space that would be perfect for hosting friends and family. She focused on creating a cozy yet modern feel, incorporating Southern charm throughout the home.
The renovation included updating the kitchen, living spaces, and bedrooms, as well as adding personal touches that made the house feel like home. Witherspoon was deeply involved in the process, ensuring that the house would be both stylish and functional. Today, her home is a beautiful mix of traditional Southern style and modern elegance, a place where she can relax and entertain guests. The renovation not only gave the house new life but also created a space that truly reflects Witherspoon’s personality and taste.
Zac Efron
Zac Efron took on a major fixer-upper project when he purchased a property in Los Angeles. The house had been neglected for years, but Efron saw potential in the structure. He worked with architects and designers to bring the property back to life, updating everything from the kitchen to the outdoor spaces. Efron’s vision was to create a sleek, modern home that still maintained a cozy, inviting feel.
The renovation process was lengthy, but the results were well worth it. Efron made sure to add plenty of personal touches throughout the home, including eco-friendly materials and sustainable design elements. The finished product is a stunning, modern space that perfectly fits his lifestyle. Today, Efron enjoys the fruits of his hard work, with a home that feels both stylish and comfortable.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Beyoncé and Jay-Z made headlines when they purchased a fixer-upper property in Los Angeles, a sprawling mansion that needed significant updates. The couple saw the potential in the space and worked with top designers to renovate it into their dream home. They focused on creating a luxurious yet family-friendly environment that could accommodate their busy lives. The renovation process took time, but their commitment to making the space perfect paid off.
Their home now includes state-of-the-art amenities, spacious rooms for entertaining, and a private sanctuary where the family can unwind. Beyoncé and Jay-Z were very hands-on throughout the process, ensuring that every detail was perfect. The mansion is a blend of modern design and classic luxury, a place that reflects both their personalities and their status. Today, the home stands as a symbol of their success and their ability to turn a fixer-upper into a world-class residence.
David and Victoria Beckham
David and Victoria Beckham bought a fixer-upper in the Cotswolds, aiming to create a countryside retreat away from the spotlight. The property had been neglected for years, but the couple saw it as the perfect place to raise their family. They worked tirelessly to restore the house, incorporating elements that reflected both their style and the natural beauty of the area. Their design choices combined luxury with comfort, creating a home that was both elegant and practical.
The renovation process was a passion project for the Beckhams, with every detail carefully planned and executed. They focused on creating large, open spaces that could accommodate their family’s needs while ensuring the home remained a peaceful retreat. The final product is a stunning example of how a fixer-upper can be transformed into a dream home. Today, the property is a place where the Beckhams can escape their hectic schedules and enjoy some quiet time in the countryside.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.