Actress Kristen Bell surprises her sister Sara and her family with a basement renovation. Kristen partners with designer Melissa Kennedy from Houzz to create a more functional and comfortable space for Sara's family of six. The project includes a new game area, a homework desk, and a bathroom, as well as a bedroom for Kristen's 11-year-old niece Lucy. Through Houzz, Kristen and Melissa collaborate remotely to design and plan the renovation, sharing ideas and making decisions despite the distance between Los Angeles and Detroit. After four weeks of construction, Kristen finally reveals the renovated basement to Sara, who is overwhelmed with emotion and thrilled with the result. The renovation brings a sense of excitement and new beginnings to the family, and Kristen is relieved and happy to have created a special space for her loved ones.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Kristen Bell is the narrator and main person in the story.
2. Kristen grew up in Detroit and is the youngest of three sisters.
3. Kristen is renovating her sister Sara's basement in Detroit.
4. Sara is married to Tom and has four kids.
5. The renovation is a surprise for Sara, who has been taking care of the family and has no time for herself.
6. Kristen used the Houzz website and app to design and plan the renovation.
7. Melissa Kennedy, a designer from Meadowlark, was chosen to work on the project.
8. The renovation includes a new living room, a game area, a homework desk, and a bedroom for Sara's daughter Lucy.
9. The basement had a low ceiling, which was opened up to create a more spacious feel.
10. A new bathroom was added, and the original dresser from Sara's parents was updated and kept.
11. The renovation took four weeks to complete.
12. Kristen and Melissa communicated regularly through Houzz to discuss design decisions and progress.
13. Sara was surprised and emotional when she saw the finished renovation.
14. The family loves the new space, and the kids are excited to use it.
15. Kristen is relieved and happy that Sara loves the renovation.
16. The renovation was made possible by Houzz technology, which allowed Kristen and Melissa to collaborate remotely.