- The Oscar-winning actress helped create a more age-appropriate home for a longtime family friend.
- Patricia said that after her own mother died of cancer, Liz took over as a grandmother to her children.
Patricia Arquette helped her longtime best friend Liz with a life-changing home renovation on the season premiere of “Celebrity IOU,” which aired on HGTV on Sunday.
“It's really a dream come true to be able to give back to her and honor her wishes for how she wanted to live her life,” said Patricia, 56. “I want to make it as easy and beautiful as possible for her.”
The Oscar-winning actress helped create a more age-appropriate home for a special longtime family friend, and after her own mother died of cancer, Liz stepped in and became a surrogate grandmother to her children, she said.
“It was a beautiful thing because I missed my mom and I missed the wisdom and love that my grandparents gave me,” Patricia said.
Patricia said Liz was an independent, generous woman who wanted to retire in a place she was comfortable in, and she wanted to help her. She told Jonathan and Drew Scott that Liz loved to cook, and she didn't think the kitchen would be of much use to her.
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Patricia showed Liz how the drawers in her kitchen had come loose, and she said she wished the things were lower so they were at Liz's level.
“I feel like in our culture we don't really celebrate our elders,” Patricia said, “We don't create safe spaces for our elders, and I think this is a more beautiful way to give her some comfort.”
Property Brothers planned a complete renovation of the kitchen and laundry. Patricia said Liz had been staying with a friend for three weeks and had no idea what she was doing.
Patricia picked up a sledgehammer and began destroying cabinets and counters in the kitchen.
“I love protesting,” Patricia said. “I've protested before. I think it's a really good way to let out some of that aggression.”
Jonathan said he noticed something was wrong with all the electrical panels in her house, and Drew said there were ant infestations in the cabinets.
They called in an exterminator and electrician for the panel and wiring.
Patricia helped choose the tile and other color samples for the kitchen. She suggested earthy colors that were close to Liz's personality.
“I feel like we really captured Liz here,” Patricia said.
Patricia helped Drew finish the woodwork details of the home.
“I love making things myself,” says Patricia. “Of course, it's easier to buy things from the store, but I think those little touches make things more personal.”
The brothers lowered the cabinets to make them more functional for Liz. They also painted the cabinets burgundy to give the kitchen a special feel. They told her they also wanted to install floating shelves in the kitchen to highlight the artisanal pieces. Drew even contacted a local artist to create something special just for Liz.
Patrizial helped us decorate and finish the kitchen and TV nook.
“Honestly, we've been really amazed by the space,” Patricia said, “and it feels a bit daunting to be doing this for over three weeks. We're all really independent-minded people, so being able to stay at home for as long as possible means a lot.”
Patricia said she felt it was also a gift from her mother.
“My mother didn't live to be as old as Liz, but even if she had, I would have wanted her life to be as easy as possible,” Patricia said.
Patriarch thought Liz would be completely amazed to see the change.
“Oh my God, Patricia,” Liz said, looking at the space. “It's beautiful!”
Liz was happy with all the things they had done to make her life easier: Patricia showed her her new spice drawer;
“That's great,” Liz said. “I love my cabinets.”
Drew showed how functional the laundry room is for her.
“This is going to be a huge help to me,” Liz said. “It's incredible.”
Jonathan told her that he had also fixed the electrical problem. He pointed out the custom plate that had been made for her.
“We can do so much more with this kitchen than we could otherwise,” Liz said.
“We wanted to honor you and have a wonderful time in your home,” Patricia said.
Liz cried and Patricia held her.
“We hope you'll love your kitchen,” Patricia said.
“I love you, Patricia,” Liz said. “I really appreciate it.”
