Houzz TV: Ashton Kutcher Surprises Mom With the Basement of Her Dreams
In a new Houzz original series, the actor uses the Houzz app to find a designer and shop products to turn the dark area into a bright space
Houzz
9 May 2015
Most of us have one place we can truly call home. For actor Ashton Kutcher, that place is in Homestead, Iowa (population 148). This is where as a teenager he helped his stepdad, Mark, build the home in which he and his family lived when he was in high school.
Ashton’s mom, Diane, and Mark still live in the home. Until recently, the house had a dark walkout basement with a windowless bedroom, unfinished storage space and a main living area filled with exercise equipment, several old recliners and John Wayne memorabilia. For many years, that’s where Ashton would stay when visiting.
Ashton’s mom, Diane, and Mark still live in the home. Until recently, the house had a dark walkout basement with a windowless bedroom, unfinished storage space and a main living area filled with exercise equipment, several old recliners and John Wayne memorabilia. For many years, that’s where Ashton would stay when visiting.
Diane had been wanting to renovate the space. So as a surprise thank-you gift for his mom, Ashton, with the help of Mark, secretly remodeled the basement with her in mind, establishing a more contemporary rustic vibe, relocating the bedroom to gain two windows and creating a more family-friendly layout in the main living area that includes display space for her antique collection. There’s now even a clever canning room for storing her famous homemade salsa.
WATCH: Ashton Kutcher surprises his mom with a basement remodel
Given that he lives in Los Angeles and his parents’ home is in Iowa, Ashton, a longtime Houzz user and investor, used the Houzz app to renovate the space. He created an ideabook, found a local interior designer in Iowa — Catherine Thomas — and bought nearly all the new furnishings from the Houzz Shop.
A camera crew followed Ashton, Mark and Catherine from the planning stages through construction.
WATCH NOW: Don’t miss Ashton Kutcher surprise his mom with a basement remodel
WATCH: Ashton Kutcher surprises his mom with a basement remodel
Given that he lives in Los Angeles and his parents’ home is in Iowa, Ashton, a longtime Houzz user and investor, used the Houzz app to renovate the space. He created an ideabook, found a local interior designer in Iowa — Catherine Thomas — and bought nearly all the new furnishings from the Houzz Shop.
A camera crew followed Ashton, Mark and Catherine from the planning stages through construction.
WATCH NOW: Don’t miss Ashton Kutcher surprise his mom with a basement remodel
Before Photo
BEFORE: The basement had long been thought of as a secondary space, and with growing grandkids there was more function needed that hadn’t been anticipated. The TV area felt closed off and uninviting, especially to guests who came down the stairs to find themselves looking at the backs of recliners, of which there no fewer than five. Then there was the issue of the sports and Western themes. “It wasn’t organized or well-displayed. It was just overbearing,” says interior designer Catherine.
Through conversations with Ashton and Mark, Catherine learned that Diane wanted to make the space brighter and more comfortable for family and guests, with lots of room for people to gather, enjoy food, watch sports, play board games around the holidays and more.
Through conversations with Ashton and Mark, Catherine learned that Diane wanted to make the space brighter and more comfortable for family and guests, with lots of room for people to gather, enjoy food, watch sports, play board games around the holidays and more.
Photos by Barkley Photography
AFTER: After gutting the basement — knocking down some non-load-bearing walls, relocating the utility room, rerouting ductwork and cleaning up the ceiling area — Catherine established smaller areas within the main living space that would accommodate more people. Two mirrored seating areas with a TV and fireplace in the middle now create a more open and welcoming vibe.
All new lighting and two large windows flanking the fireplace help brighten the once-dark room. To create a look more in line with Diane’s style, Catherine set up a clean, natural and neutral backdrop for the couple’s possessions with a hint of traditional and rustic flair. There’s a lighter feel to the space thanks to the addition of linen by way of the sofa, cube pillows and lampshades.
Catherine also updated the display of the sports memorabilia with smaller frames and a clear box for the football helmet that Ashton got his mom. The latter sits on a deep picture ledge beneath the jerseys. “We didn’t completely do away with their existing style but instead organized and enhanced all the design styles they were trying to achieve,” Catherine says.
She wasn’t too concerned about placing the TV in such a high spot above the fireplace because this area is more about hanging out, playing games around the holidays and enjoying a fire. If the TV is on, most people will be viewing it from across the room at the large kitchen-style island, where guests can gather for snacks or to grab a beverage from the refrigerator below. The drawers store plates, glasses and silverware.
Sofa: Melrose Revers sectional chaise in woven beach; coffee tables; rug: Chianna flat-weave rug in natural/ivory, 9 by 12 feet
AFTER: After gutting the basement — knocking down some non-load-bearing walls, relocating the utility room, rerouting ductwork and cleaning up the ceiling area — Catherine established smaller areas within the main living space that would accommodate more people. Two mirrored seating areas with a TV and fireplace in the middle now create a more open and welcoming vibe.
All new lighting and two large windows flanking the fireplace help brighten the once-dark room. To create a look more in line with Diane’s style, Catherine set up a clean, natural and neutral backdrop for the couple’s possessions with a hint of traditional and rustic flair. There’s a lighter feel to the space thanks to the addition of linen by way of the sofa, cube pillows and lampshades.
Catherine also updated the display of the sports memorabilia with smaller frames and a clear box for the football helmet that Ashton got his mom. The latter sits on a deep picture ledge beneath the jerseys. “We didn’t completely do away with their existing style but instead organized and enhanced all the design styles they were trying to achieve,” Catherine says.
She wasn’t too concerned about placing the TV in such a high spot above the fireplace because this area is more about hanging out, playing games around the holidays and enjoying a fire. If the TV is on, most people will be viewing it from across the room at the large kitchen-style island, where guests can gather for snacks or to grab a beverage from the refrigerator below. The drawers store plates, glasses and silverware.
Sofa: Melrose Revers sectional chaise in woven beach; coffee tables; rug: Chianna flat-weave rug in natural/ivory, 9 by 12 feet
The other half of the main basement area had been where Mark, a big John Wayne fan, displayed images of the late actor. “There was space available to be used, but there was so much going on it didn’t function as being anything in particular,” Catherine says.
Now the room feels unified. Each seating arrangement can enjoy the TV and fireplace and gets a window to look through. A built-in display case shows off Diane’s antique collection, which was previously stored in boxes in a shed. “If Diane walked down at the end and it was all John Wayne stuff, we would have totally missed the target of what she wanted,” Catherine says. Mark’s photo collection found a home in a new bonus TV room nearby.
WATCH: See Diane’s reaction after seeing the final reveal of her surprise remodel
Custom cabinetry: Echelon Cabinetry; sofa accent pillows: RoomCraft solid color throw pillow cover set in white cotton, 14 by 14 inches; end tables: Holly & Martin Guthrie metal end table; square cushions: Wales ottoman in magnolia, large
Now the room feels unified. Each seating arrangement can enjoy the TV and fireplace and gets a window to look through. A built-in display case shows off Diane’s antique collection, which was previously stored in boxes in a shed. “If Diane walked down at the end and it was all John Wayne stuff, we would have totally missed the target of what she wanted,” Catherine says. Mark’s photo collection found a home in a new bonus TV room nearby.
WATCH: See Diane’s reaction after seeing the final reveal of her surprise remodel
Custom cabinetry: Echelon Cabinetry; sofa accent pillows: RoomCraft solid color throw pillow cover set in white cotton, 14 by 14 inches; end tables: Holly & Martin Guthrie metal end table; square cushions: Wales ottoman in magnolia, large
Built-ins beneath the new staircase also display antiques from Diane’s collection. Catherine pulled pieces based on space, size and diversity. “From what I could tell, we got all the things she cared about and really liked,” she says. “Plus, the nice thing is how they’re displayed. If she wants to swap one out she can easily do that.”
This space became a secondary TV and bonus room where Mark and Diane can watch a movie or the grandkids can spread out and play games on the floor. Some of Mark’s John Wayne photos are just out of view.
Whether to give Mark any recliners in the basement was a subject of debate among Ashton, Mark and Catherine. The group decided to put it to a vote with the Houzz community. Ashton posted an anonymous poll asking Houzz users to weigh in on whether or not a recliner belongs in a basement and the overwhelming response favored Mark and his recliners. “I anticipated we would get rid of the recliners, no problem,” Catherine says. “I had no idea the entire design community felt so strongly about recliners. But once he won the poll, I didn’t have a choice. So I gave him tasteful recliners that are comfortable and cozy.”
Ashton’s and his two siblings’ Bluebird and Boy Scout uniforms hang above the new recliners.
Chairs: Leather recliner; table: Whitesburg chairside end table in white; rug: Atalier hand-woven reversible dhurrie wool rug
Whether to give Mark any recliners in the basement was a subject of debate among Ashton, Mark and Catherine. The group decided to put it to a vote with the Houzz community. Ashton posted an anonymous poll asking Houzz users to weigh in on whether or not a recliner belongs in a basement and the overwhelming response favored Mark and his recliners. “I anticipated we would get rid of the recliners, no problem,” Catherine says. “I had no idea the entire design community felt so strongly about recliners. But once he won the poll, I didn’t have a choice. So I gave him tasteful recliners that are comfortable and cozy.”
Ashton’s and his two siblings’ Bluebird and Boy Scout uniforms hang above the new recliners.
Chairs: Leather recliner; table: Whitesburg chairside end table in white; rug: Atalier hand-woven reversible dhurrie wool rug
The bedroom moved from one corner of the basement to another. The original bedroom got divided up to create more space for the bonus room and lockable storage. The recessed niche was created when they made room for the new doorway, and it became a natural fit for custom-made bunk beds. “There’s a lot going on in this small space,” Catherine says. “It needed to not only accommodate a family but be a cool space that the kids will get excited about too.”
Two new windows bring in light and add a means of egress in case of fire.
Almost all the furnishings were purchased from the Houzz Shop, including the reclaimed barnwood bed and nightstands.
Bed: Reclaimed Chevron bed, queen; nightstand: Reclaimed Chevron/Bias nightstand; lamps: Candlestick table lamps with shades in rust and black finish; duvet: Pom Pom at Home Allegra duvet in flax, queen; throw pillows: Lorenzo zigzag cream, 12 by 20 inches ; bunk bed pillows: Angie Turner Barn Top throw pillow, 16 by 16 inches; bunk bed lights: Rustic lantern wall-mounted light; bunk bed art: Bronze leaf horses wall art
Two new windows bring in light and add a means of egress in case of fire.
Almost all the furnishings were purchased from the Houzz Shop, including the reclaimed barnwood bed and nightstands.
Bed: Reclaimed Chevron bed, queen; nightstand: Reclaimed Chevron/Bias nightstand; lamps: Candlestick table lamps with shades in rust and black finish; duvet: Pom Pom at Home Allegra duvet in flax, queen; throw pillows: Lorenzo zigzag cream, 12 by 20 inches ; bunk bed pillows: Angie Turner Barn Top throw pillow, 16 by 16 inches; bunk bed lights: Rustic lantern wall-mounted light; bunk bed art: Bronze leaf horses wall art
The chair, console, blanket and lamp came from Houzz as well, and mix with other pieces from Diane and Mark’s collection. “It had to seamlessly bring everything together, and it turned out well,” Catherine says. “You can’t distinguish between what was there and what’s new.”
To find the right products, she used keywords like “rustic,” “reclaimed” and “western” while searching the Houzz Shop and then narrowed down the results by style and color. “It was extremely user-friendly,” she says.
She chose khaki paint for the wall color to create a neutral backdrop for the wood to stand out against. “It’s not in your face, and it lets whatever you put up really shine,” she says.
Because of the size of the room, everything had to be scaled down. The console is slim, the chair is quaint, the bed is a queen, and even the fan is a small unit that fits the scale of the room.
Console: Rocklin console; console light: Trans Globe Lighting table lamp in brown; fan: Minka Aire Concept II ceiling fan in oil-rubbed bronze, flush mount
To find the right products, she used keywords like “rustic,” “reclaimed” and “western” while searching the Houzz Shop and then narrowed down the results by style and color. “It was extremely user-friendly,” she says.
She chose khaki paint for the wall color to create a neutral backdrop for the wood to stand out against. “It’s not in your face, and it lets whatever you put up really shine,” she says.
Because of the size of the room, everything had to be scaled down. The console is slim, the chair is quaint, the bed is a queen, and even the fan is a small unit that fits the scale of the room.
Console: Rocklin console; console light: Trans Globe Lighting table lamp in brown; fan: Minka Aire Concept II ceiling fan in oil-rubbed bronze, flush mount
Catherine was able to create a semi-custom barn door through the Houzz Shop, which allowed her to select the style, color and hardware she wanted.
Door: Ranch barn door kit, distressed (stain plus clear coat glaze)
Door: Ranch barn door kit, distressed (stain plus clear coat glaze)
The original bathroom was cramped and lacked a shower for guests. The new bathroom stayed in the same location but was expanded to add a shower, which isn’t shown. Diane isn’t wild about cleaning grout so Catherine went with a fiberglass shower insert and 12-by-24-inch porcelain floor tiles to minimize grout lines. The aged copper lights are actually exterior lights.
Faucet: Delta Cassidy single-handle lavatory faucet in Venetian bronze; backsplash: Sliced Java tan and white pebble tile border; horse towel: Thoroughbred hand towel set; rug: Tribal pattern polyester indoor-outdoor area rug in taupe/ivory
Faucet: Delta Cassidy single-handle lavatory faucet in Venetian bronze; backsplash: Sliced Java tan and white pebble tile border; horse towel: Thoroughbred hand towel set; rug: Tribal pattern polyester indoor-outdoor area rug in taupe/ivory
Catherine, Ashton and Mark took inspiration from photos of wine rooms they saw on Houzz to create this unique canning room. “It was important Ashton let his mom know how much her canning meant to him and that he respected and appreciated all the time she put into making those canned goods,” Catherine says.
The back entrance to the basement serves multiple functions. Here, a small desk area gives Diane a workspace.
And just opposite the desk are two changing areas where guests can put on a bathing suit to use the hot tub out back.
WATCH: See the final reveal of Ashton Kutcher’s surprise basement remodel
Get the look: Shop products from this makeover
Your turn: See how to make and use Houzz ideabooks for your own home project
WATCH: See the final reveal of Ashton Kutcher’s surprise basement remodel
Get the look: Shop products from this makeover
Your turn: See how to make and use Houzz ideabooks for your own home project
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Just beautiful in every way👍👍💙..luv it.!!
Oh my gosh, how sweet ! Love everything. Love that you were doing what your mother would love, not what is trendy!
What a fantastic classy and elegant transformation.
You are one very thoughtful and loving son. I am sure your mum and step dad love going into the transformed basement area everyday and feel the love that has gone into this amazing area. Well done.