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My Houzz: Gordon Ramsay’s Surprise Renovation

Jun 02, 2021
What does my home mean to me? It is the most important place in our lives. It's where I can relax properly. Chefs don't spend much time at home. Therefore, when we are at home, we want to relax, enjoy and rest. I'm Gordon Ramsay and this is My Houzz. Christina Wilson is one of the most endearing and humble chefs I have ever met and she puts herself last. She's all about other people. He grew up outside of Philadelphia in a very close-knit family with three older brothers, and it's an amazing story because before he came to "Hell's Kitchen," he worked in a restaurant and rented this small, intimate 1920s Philadelphia townhouse.
my houzz gordon ramsay s surprise renovation
He worked hard, 65 to 70 hours a week, struggling to pay the rent. She participated in Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" competition in 2010 and won. And the quarter of a million dollars she won in prizes she used to buy the house she was renting. It was the first time in this competition that she wanted to employ the winner. Christina Wilson, for the last seven years, has been promoted to executive chef of my group, so she runs several businesses. She handles all the business in Las Vegas, she's overseeing our latest opening, it's the first Hell's Kitchen restaurant at Caesars Palace. She so she moved from Philadelphia to Las Vegas, she works hard two weeks in Las Vegas, she rushes home five days, two weeks later, five days at home.
my houzz gordon ramsay s surprise renovation

More Interesting Facts About,

my houzz gordon ramsay s surprise renovation...

This house is something she has never had the opportunity to reinvest in. I am gifting this amazing home transformation to Christina Wilson because this lady is very humble and for the amount of time she is in the spotlight, she has not asked for anything, and this is the least I can do. I don't live near Philadelphia, so I turned to Houzz to redesign Christina Wilson's living room, dining room, and kitchen. The big advantage of Houzz is that you can go online and find a professional who understands what's happening in Philadelphia. And we can really customize the space we have.
my houzz gordon ramsay s surprise renovation
We found Philadelphia designer Matthew Ferrarini. And now I'm preparing to meet with him to discuss the

renovation

and finalize a design plan. Gordon, thank you very much for meeting me today. You are welcome. Good to see you. An incredible suit, by the way. - Oh thank you very much. - Immaculate. She was going through some of the photographs of Christina's space. -She is in a house in Philadelphia. - Yes. So it's a pretty tight space... Yes. - that we're dealing with. But you can still have that executive chef feel... Sure. By incorporating certain elements, multi-purpose spaces, tearing down some of the walls that separate, such as, the kitchen from the dining room, etc., the space opens up a lot.
my houzz gordon ramsay s surprise renovation
I've put together some photos on the Houzz Ideabook. Good. This is the general look direction we are going for. It has an industrial feel. We don't want it to be too masculine or too dark, so we want to brighten it up a bit with some bold colors and add some distressed elements as well. Plus, I love that rustic charm because it's not too shiny a floor. And you can see that it's also an aged floor, so texture-wise... Yes. Beautiful. So there's a light here that I like. - What do you think about this? - That seems stupid.
I mean, you need to grow up a little and get a grip because you will never aim to be a top designer. No, bad choice. He couldn't have been Gordon Ramsay without being cursed. Thank you. That was good. Chefs are fanatics about lighting control. They want the dining rooms in their homes to be illuminated like those in their restaurants. This is one of the lights I was thinking of to put over the dining room. MMM. I like that. - It is a black wrought iron. - Yes I love it. We can order this directly from this photo here.
Then we will add it to the cart. For me, the most important part of this entire

renovation

is the chef's kitchen. You have a lot of work ahead of you, believe me. I know. Because we don't like to waste space. In fact, we're going to have this multipurpose cabinet where you can pull out... I love those little hidden items. One of the most notable features that you will see aesthetically are these navy blue cabinets that I want to introduce to you. It's the same color that I have at home, in mine. - Oh, excellent. - So that jumps out immediately.
It should feel like it has those rich tones, those colors, - textures... - Yes. Because she cooks every day and it's all about ingredients. Philadelphia is a city of four seasons. I wanted to introduce a living garden into the space so I could have herbs year-round. Knowing full well that one of my amazing chefs has a better kitchen than me is already pissing me off. However, I love this idea. And then it's like a feature on a wall? Yes. And how close would it be to the stove? So this will be right next to the kitchen, on the dining room wall.
I love it, what a great idea. Can I have one please? - You can too. - Thank you. In the living room, I wanted to introduce a really unique sofa, something with some color and that would bring some vibrancy to the space. What do you think of this sofa here? Does it come in other colors? He does it, he does it. This one is a softer blue, it's more teal. Yeah. So Houzz has this really cool tool called Visual Match... Right. Where if you see something you like in one of the photos, we can simply click on the tag and it will show you similar sofas.
Good. So although the shape of this is not ideal, I want to choose something similar in color. So it combines it for you in a way that gives you a great alternative but according to your, you know... aesthetic that you're going for. Absolutely. So because it's such a small space, Philly rowhouses tend to be a little cold toward the front because that's where the windows are, so I wanted to introduce an electric fireplace to warm it up a little bit. What do you think about this concept? You know, that sounds like something out of "Hell's Kitchen." He does.
This way you will feel at home. She'll want to reminisce with the flame in the background, but it's lovely. Can we add that to cart? Absolutely. Excellent. Gordon, you were great. You gave me a lot of great ideas and knowledge to move forward. Is there anything else I can do before starting this project? Like you, I'm frantically busy... Christina's older brother with his wife, Jon and Jenny, will be on site helping you with whatever you need. But you can always call me. Listen, she worked hard to get this house, she invested her earnings from Hell's Kitchen into buying it.
So if you're going to redesign a chef's home and turn the kitchen into a dream, then yes, tread carefully, but good luck. Well. A few days have passed. And today, Jon and Jenny will meet Matthew at Christina's house to go over renovation plans and get started. - Hey. - Hey. - How are you? - Matthew. - Jon. Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you. - This is my wife. - Hello, I'm Jenny. - Hello Jenny. How are you? - Good. The Philly House is definitely a love-hate thing in Philly. We love it for the charm, the history, the brick, however there are challenges. - Here it is. - Well.
All the space. - Yes, this is all. - It's a huge space. This is what you have. Try not to extend your arms too much. Very good, it looks like it's still in its 1923 form for the most part. What are some things you would definitely like to see modernized and updated within the space? Doesn't show his personality. Christina likes to relax when she is at home. She is an aunt. She plays with the children. She's goofy, charismatic, charming and wonderful, and she doesn't show it at all. Good. Now, from the moment I walked in, the staircase, I saw it instantly.
Is there any emotional connection to this staircase? I don't think there's much attached to this ladder at all. So Christina won't mind if they go? Absolutely not. I think she will be very excited. I see that the landing, you know, sticks out a good 3 feet or so, so it takes up a lot of space. So I'm going to remove these walls and we can remove this landing and keep it straight so it doesn't have this return here. So we're going to buy back maybe 2 or 3 feet, you know, from here. And then get rid of this and make a more modern railing that's on par with what you like.
Is Christina the type of cook who likes to interact with her guests while she cooks? When she cooks with our daughters, for example, she really likes to teach them how to do it, that's why she likes to be there with them or have them watch her. She likes to feel connected to space... Yes, yes. Jon, if you're here watching the game, you know, in the living room... - Sounds good. You guys might be yelling back and forth, "Hey, sis, when's dinner going to be ready?" - Absolutely. - That could be a... - Yes. - Well. Christina would love to have her family and friends here even more.
But the space simply doesn't provide her with the movement, the freedom to do the creative work she does with food that she usually does. Right now, the wall, there's an opening here, but the wall really separates the cook from the rest of the people in the house. So by opening up that wall, you'll be able to have a fluid social environment that I think suits her style more. What I like to do in smaller spaces is make the most of everything. So if you can imagine two French doors, you know, or a sliding door, all glass, okay?
Well. o A sliding door that lets in natural light, so from the moment you walk in, you will be able to see through it because the lobby is no longer there, and you will see greenery, you will see outside, we will see the light and that is the key to really improving a small space. Well. Christina, being a chef, I want to make this a special place, special for her. What are some of her favorite cuisines? She can do anything. But she also likes the basics, you know, she likes macaroni and cheese, and, you know...-She drives...She runs the gamut. - Yes Yes.
Even in this kitchen, she could probably throw it...-Absolutely. - And make this work. Without a doubt. Yes, in a space that embraces her passions but also gives her the peace of being at home at the same time. Well. Appliances will be very important in this remodel because we want her to be able to cook and perform at the level she is accustomed to. So we're going to incorporate a commercial stove along this wall and maybe our sink and storage and prep along this wall... Okay. - So she can actually go to town. - Well. I want it to be fun, you know, I want it to be Christina. - She's fun. - That's true.
I have all the information I need. I'm going to go back to my office, finalize the plans, and we can start the demos very soon. - Hurrah! - Okay, sounds great. Very good, it was a pleasure meeting you. - My pleasure. - Thank you. Thank you. With plans finalized, today we begin the demonstration. - Jon. - How are you? It's good to see you, Mateo. How are you? Everything is good. It's good to see you guys. How are you? So Jon is actually a great handyman and over the years he's been Christina's go-to person to help with repairs and things like that.
And I have a special project for you, Jon. Alright. So I know you have a love-hate relationship with this railing here. So I'll let you start our demonstration by getting rid of this thing. Sounds good. - There you go. - Wow! Okay, Jon, take it easy. - You feel good? - I'm fine. I think we have it. Do you believe? Let's get started, my contractor and his team are going to come in here and start destroying everything. It looks empty now, but it will look even emptier when we finish today. It's been two weeks since renovations began on Christina's house and today, Jon and Jenny are stopping by for an update.
Oh my God. It's so open. - It's pretty crazy, right? - I love it. It is spectacular. Yes it is. That's definitely one of my favorite parts, those exposed beams and... - That's wonderful. Matthew shared an ideabook with me on the Houzz app. It shows the furniture he and Gordon chose. It's a cool tool in the Houzz app called View in My Room 3D, and it actually allows you to place the furniture in the room, live, so to speak. - Good. Then you can manipulate it. So that's the rug. Very cool. I love it. I see a button there, can you add something there?
Yeah, if you click on it, you go back to the Idea Book and there's the couch that they chose for the design, and you can bring that in and then manipulate that as well. - And there you have it. - I love it. Very good. -Hey, look who's here. - Oh hello. - Jon, how are you? - Matthew. Excellent. It's great to see you too. Good to see you. You know what, we can locate Gordon... on the computer... - Okay. And show him the space, take a kind of tour with him. - Sounds good. - Well.
Hi Gordon, I'm here with Jon and Jen. - Hey, it's good to see you again. - Jon and Jen, nice to see you. Hi Matt. How are you? Yes, all good, thank you. I can't wait to see what they're about to show me, but it looks like they've been busy. Oh, super busy. I just wanted to give you a quick update and show you, more or less, what's happening and the progress we've made. Excellent. We knocked down all the walls around the lobby, really opened it up there. Wow. That looks great. The place looks bigger from here, Matt.
Absolutely. And that's what we're going for. Here, Gordon, we have the chimney installed, where we made an extension, there will bea fireplace at the bottom and then a built-in television at the top. I love what you've done with recess. So it doesn't look uncomfortable, it almost looks like a painting. I love it. So when we walked in, I wanted to show you this new kitchen concept that we're introducing to you. The first thing that will catch your attention are those two French doors that lead to the patio. Much more depth for the kitchen. Are they the ceiling beams?
What's that? Yes, those are industrial style exposed beams. That first beam there is the original beam from the house from the early 1920s. Wow! Did you take that away? Yeah. Hey, Jennifer, would you mind opening that... pulling that cabinet mechanism, pulling those blue tabs? For. Come on! I mean, put it back in please, Jennifer. Return to color? Wow, she's going to go crazy. You know how control freak chefs are, so it seems amazing. I love that. Gordon, I know you're very busy, so I just wanted to go over one last thing with you and get your feedback.
Yeah, I was a little torn just because we're going to have this beautiful herb garden against this wall, this brick wall, and that's going to have like a weathered wood frame around the herbs, and I just didn't want it to be too busy, so I'm thinking about painting it white and letting the herb garden be the real focal point. I wouldn't paint that, definitely not. I know Christina would love that industrial look. Guys, well done. I can not wait to see you. All right, Gordon, take care of yourself. - Bye thank you. - That's fine, see you soon.
Makes it worth getting Gordon Ramsay's official seal of approval. Gordon is a pretty intense guy, clearly. But I want to brighten up the space, so I'll paint the bricks. I think Christina will be really happy. I'm finally here in Philadelphia to show Christina her new house. I'm on my way to meet Matthew to put the finishing touches on it. Holy shit, this is amazing, amazing. - Good to see you. - What do you think? It's lovely. - Okay, then... - What can I do to help? Put this, Jon, right above the French doors, right there. - Alright.
It pays to be tall. It should fit perfectly. Wow. Oh my God. Are you kidding me? Come on. Wow! Look at this place. - Great job. - Thank you. - Are you OK? - Excellent. - Good to see you, Gordon. - I'm glad to see you too, friend. Oh man! My first impressions, walking through the door... you know, impressive. The colors, the textures, beautiful. I mean, it's all from Houzz, right? Can you get these things online? Yes, this was all based on idea books created with Houzz. Now that you've done this, are you ready to come to London and make mine?
Just tell me when. Come on. Now we had a little discussion about painting this wall... - We did. You said yes, I said no, right? Looking at it now, I mean, it looks great, so I was wrong and you were right. It means a lot coming from you, Gordon. Yes, I know I know. But it bothers me. And tell me why did you paint it? Once we installed the herb garden and I saw it against the original brick, I was too busy. - Good. You know, your eyes didn't go directly to this. Well. So when we paint it, it allows you to focus on the freshness... of the herb garden... - Right.
That's what Christina is all about. Yes, we are now tied, 1-1. We are 1-1, exactly, yes. Keep going so. Great job. Thank you. That looks beautiful. I love it. I love it I love it I love it. - Don't get too comfortable. - That? - We have to finish this place. - Well. All right, Christina will be here any minute. - Yes, okay. - Alright. Let's put that in the kitchen. Yeah. So guys, put the coffee table parallel to this couch here. I know you have collaborated, but you can help from time to time. You know, I'm visualizing everything right now, Gordon. - Honestly.
Yes. - Okay, I'm visualizing. - There? - That's good. That's ok. I'll take this box. Yeah. - . - Yes. Yes. I have no idea what Gordon has been doing. I know I handed over the keys to my house a few weeks ago, so I'm a little nervous and a little excited, but I really can't wait to see what's been done. Guys, thanks. Christina will be here in a minute, so you two need to disappear. - Alright. - Well well. I'll see you there when she gets back. - Cool. -She sounds good. - Good job. - See you.
This is going to greatly transform Christina's life. How can you not fall in love with this? I can't wait to see the reaction on her face. She-she Close those eyes. - Well. Close them. Near. Okay, yes, they are closed. Are you ready? Very well, give me your hands. - Keep those eyes closed. - They are closed. - Go up the step. - Mm-hm. Well. - There's the door. - Yes do not worry. - And stop there for two seconds. - Well. Big deep breath. AND... . Welcome home. Open your eyes. That! Welcome home. Oh Lord! - Look at this... - Shut up!
Beautiful. What brilliance there is here! It's so open now, without the cutouts and the lobby. I had no idea this could happen to my first floor. - I love furniture. - Wow. Couch. Sit there. How do you feel? It feels nice and luxurious, and like I could sit here and watch your cooking shows. Or falling asleep in front of the fire. - That is incredible. - How beautiful is that? That is so beautiful. OMG, look at all these little details. Honestly, everything, getting that information from Jon, saying that you never used to use this room in the winter, because it's too cold. - Yes, it's too cold. - There is no excuse anymore. - Yes.
I'm left speechless, which you know doesn't happen. Now dining room. What a beautiful dining room! Yes, it's beautiful. I mean, just the fragrance of that herb garden on the wall. -Oh my God -Go smell. Basil? Are you going to force me to do a blind taste test? No, those days are gone. The engine room of this semi-detached house, the kitchen. Wow! Amazing, I can't wait to start cooking. Now in a tight space, it's tight, but look at one of these... OMG! - Tapas. - Look at that space saver! So you now have your work table and your cutting board.
You know, we need our mise en place, right? - That's how it is. - I love it. The mountain range is now on the right side, which forms this large walkway. Do you notice the difference in the back doors? Yeah, I feel it throughout the house with those doors, it just lets in all that light. And these exposed beams. They were here. And we have added three or four more. Wow, I love that. Thank you thank you thank you. It's so nice to come home. - It looks incredible. - He does. I can't believe this is the house I've been in for the last six and a half years and it's completely different.
Nothing seems familiar even though everything is familiar. And you know I didn't do this alone. I partnered with an amazing designer. I can't wait for you to meet him. Mate. Jon. Hello. Hey! Hello! What do you think? I think... you never keep secrets from me. You did a good job with this one. - I know. Amazing. - Yeah, I don't know how I did that. - Cristina, this is Matthew. - Hello. - There you go. - Thank you so much. - Nice to finally meet you. Wow. - What do you think? - It's so amazing. Just the little touches.
I remember what the pipes were like before that, so thanks. - Amazing. This one has been amazing, giving his ideas on what to do and what not to do, what you would like, what you didn't like and then all your little secrets inside this house...-Not all. - Not all of those. - Not all. - Well ok. I noticed they fixed the railing. It was fixed well. It was fixed. Hey. Oh my God! - Good day. - It's lovely! You know, Gordon is amazing, and I'm so lucky to work for him, to be chosen to gift this amazing new renovation to my home, and I'm just overwhelmed.
I had never been given such a generous gift. High five. Boom! I love those shoes, those shiny shoes. I know. They are so cute. In fact, Nessie and I are going shoe shopping. I love that. Thank you very much, but most importantly, congratulations to you and a new life in this incredible house. - Thank you, cook. - Health. Thank you. Thanks guys. - Thank you so much. - Health. Amazing. Thank you ladies for all your help too. And I hope the first dinner invitation is only a few days away. - Yes. - Promise? If you give me the day off, Chef. - Health. - Health.
I'm so excited. I was able to pull off this wonderful

surprise

for Christina. Christina Wilson is a hard-working and down-to-earth young woman, so I hope that with this incredible gift she understands how important she is not only to me but to my entire family. There is no chef more deserving than Christina Wilson.

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