A Surprise Home Makeover for a Marine and His Kids

The Marine Corps taught Angel Cuevas how to live a spartan, pared-down lifestyle. Years after serving, though, he still hadn’t quite broken the habit. He recently moved into a townhouse in Lancaster, California, with his two young daughters. The few pieces of furniture he owned made the home look a bit bare. He knew he should warm it up for his girls, but he just didn’t know how. “I would have loved to have done it — coordinate this, match that — but I don’t have intimate knowledge of how to lay out a room or choose colors,” he says. “Never in a million years could I do that.”

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Comments (47)

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anniebird

Beautiful. Charmean is my favorite designer on Houzz...how wonderful to find that her heart is as big as her talent!

56 Likes November 10, 2017 at 3:41PM

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bayskiff523

You're home is lovely! Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your family have made for our country. Best wishes to you and your beautiful girls.

69 Likes November 10, 2017 at 4:21PM

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lesleycurl

I love this episode because it was completed in a short time frame and involved decorating, more so than total remodeling. Definitely a great example for all homeowners who do not wish to or cannot complete the larger projects that you usually see. Thanks!

44 Likes November 10, 2017 at 4:21PM

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Katura Cleaning Services

That was so nice to watch. I️ Loved how Charmaine was able to order everything from the Houzz app without needing to go out and waste time driving around and finding the right pieces that would work for the home. Very nice video:)

23 Likes November 10, 2017 at 5:51PM

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madeleinejs

That said, this was a wonderful story!

13 Likes November 11, 2017 at 4:45AM

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Marko Babineau

What a great homecoming for that soldier's family. It brought a tear to my eye. Thank you Houzz

20 Likes November 11, 2017 at 12:23PM

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heather glenn

thanks for honoring someone other than a celebrity! a veteran and his lovely family really deserved the makeover! thanks houzz and charmean!

46 Likes November 11, 2017 at 1:29PM

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Sylvia T

Beautiful story! Best wishes

11 Likes November 11, 2017 at 8:20PM

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yogamom613

Please Houzz, more stories like this. So heartwarming and real. Thank you to all the people who made this happen for Angel & his girls.

29 Likes November 12, 2017 at 4:44AM

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8012debbie

Such a beautiful story!

8 Likes November 12, 2017 at 5:43AM

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Julie Johnson

What a beautiful tribute to the selflessness and kinship of our veterans. Charmean did a fabulous job with limited space and remodeling options. Thank you for your service, Angel and Jordan. Angel, your girls are adorable :)

21 Likes November 12, 2017 at 6:19AM

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kaburges

This was a wonderful example of how we can make our homes lovely even if we don't live in large spaces. Thanks for honoring a worthy client!

16 Likes November 12, 2017 at 7:17AM

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cwo2rm

Nice to see Americans helping Americans especially Marines helping Marines. Makes me very proud to have worn that uniform for over 20 years. Semper fi! CWO, USMC, Ret.

20 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:05AM

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sis2two

Beautiful thing done for an American hero!

15 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:11AM

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Gram 1954

Thanks for your service to our country Angel - what a beautiful family and home you have. Congrats to Charmean for her beautiful thoughtful work!

15 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:23AM

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HU-320484

tears! this is spiritually and physically beautiful! very well done for every one!

10 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:36AM

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bethiniowa

Very nice story! I'm so glad Houzz could have a part in helping this deserving family add beauty and function to their home. Bravo!

10 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:39AM

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Jorca Contractors

I am retired army ranger, makes my heart happy for angle and his daughters. that is why we do what we do, for our kids future. " leave it better than you found it ".

19 Likes November 12, 2017 at 8:47AM

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Ingram Tate

It's great to see a father so involved with his daughters. Who makes the home environment feel safe and look kid friendly throughout the home.

10 Likes November 12, 2017 at 9:49AM

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goodewyfe

I am in SoCal and am thinking of doing some very modest decorating (I'm in an apartment). I had thought of Charmean before from seeing previous projects. After this, I will definitely be contacting her firm when I'm ready to proceed. Great job and heartwarming story.

PS: I donate to Operation Gratitude. They are a wonderful organization. Their site is operationgratitude.com

11 Likes November 12, 2017 at 12:30PM

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Susan Miller

This made me cry. Angel is one of those people who makes you want to be a better person. His sacrifice, his philanthropy, his Daddy skills - he's the real deal. So deserving of this beautiful and functional remodel by Charmean.

8 Likes November 13, 2017 at 8:19AM

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bizeebees

so great to be able to give back to someone with a heart for serving others, great job, fun to watch!!!Thanks Houzz

6 Likes November 13, 2017 at 8:50AM

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Elyse Stadlmayr

What a lovely story! Such a beautiful family and thank you for your service, Angel.

4 Likes November 13, 2017 at 1:32PM

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Becky Harris

I smiled and teared up through this whole video. Charmean you are such wonderful person and the perfect one to do this!

6 Likes November 14, 2017 at 11:00AM

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Kelly Stevens

Awesome story!! I would love to know where the barn prints hanging in the living room were purchased?

1 Like November 14, 2017 at 4:26PM

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Sheila Schmitz

Kelly Stevens, you can get those on Houzz! See the links in the source info next to the 10th photo. Or click onto the first photo, then click on the tags on the artwork. :)

1 Like November 14, 2017 at 5:09PM

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Bonnie Kidwell

what channel is houzz tv on? we cannot find it...

1 Like November 15, 2017 at 6:45AM

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Emily H

Hi Bonnie, Houzz TV is strictly online. You can find it here: Http://houzz.com/houzztv

1 Like November 15, 2017 at 11:31AM

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everblue

Angel, thank you for your devotion to our country and for the commitment and sacrifice that you've offered over time. Every single day I'm thankful for those who protect us and who stand for justice world wide. Bless your beautiful family in your new home.

4 Likes November 18, 2017 at 6:11PM

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Happy

Thank you, HouzzTV, for making a truly deserving makeover come together. This story warmed my heart. Thank you, Angel, for your military service and continued public service putting together care packages as mentioned in the video. Hope your adorable girls and you enjoy time together in your very function and beautiful home!

3 Likes November 18, 2017 at 9:08PM

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RedRyder

It is good to see a selfless person getting help since he has devoted his life to helping others.

This story was wonderful on more than one level - obviously it's great to see a deserving family get a comfy redesign of their home, but it also shows how good design can transform a space. More articles like this will help those of us just needing decorating ideas.

2 Likes November 19, 2017 at 6:37AM

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Hansens

so loving and cute it is awesome to see a project coming together for a person who served in the military it is very nice hope he has a nice time in his new house

2 Likes November 24, 2017 at 8:39AM

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Hansens

what channel is House on on TV

1 Like November 24, 2017 at 8:41AM

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Booth & Williams

Beautifully done! Thank you Angel Cuevas for your service! You definitely deserve this and we are privileged to have been a small part of it with the Modern Navy Book Wall (https://www.houzz.com/product/63859684-decorative-books-modern-navy-book-wall-set-of-50-traditional-books/lid=48206693/lpv=1). Enjoy your beautiful home!

1 Like November 27, 2017 at 7:03PM

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sun sun

i like it

Like August 20, 2018 at 12:27AM

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silviakunst

Lovely story ! Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country ! Good luck and a happy life for you and your girls !

2 Likes November 11, 2018 at 3:56AM

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User

Best story of 2018. This is why we spend our energy to make a home a home.

2 Likes November 11, 2018 at 6:31AM

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mdias591

Thank you for your service

1 Like November 11, 2018 at 4:09PM

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Michelle

This is wonderful. Not just for Dad and the girls but also for Dad’s coworker who took it upon himself to give this guy’s house a makeover. This article is truly in the Veteran’s Day spirit. And I always love to see Charmean’s work.

1 Like November 11, 2018 at 7:51PM

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Ball&Paw Salvage

Happy Veterans Day, Angel! I’ve received Operation Gratitude boxes when I was deployed and you couldn’t wipe the smile off our faces when we got your packages. Thank you so much!!! Hope you love your new place!

2 Likes November 12, 2018 at 5:14AM

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relane913

So much sadness in the news, especially recently in California; then to read this story of friendship, kindness, service and family was uplifting. Thank you Angel & Jordan for your service then & now. Charmean your heart & talent is evident. Angel your daughters are adorable and clearly loved. What a gracious story. Thanks to everyone involve.

2 Likes November 12, 2018 at 2:24PM

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Ane

Lovely home

Like November 13, 2018 at 8:22AM

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Dana Veach

Our Vets so deserve our kindness and respect. Thank you for this feature. I love the happy feeling in the girl's room now...and the functionality of the living/dining/work areas in the main living space.

1 Like November 14, 2018 at 6:48PM

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dakinak

Touching ❤️ Feels like home ❤️

1 Like November 15, 2018 at 9:36AM

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Annie-Laurie Blair

This newly designed home just looks perfect for this family. The girls’ bedroom is so charming, and the attractive desk area has to make work and bill-paying more purposeful. Bravo to the designer. And thank you for your Marine service, Dad.

7 Likes November 17, 2018 at 4:23AM

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Shawna

Perfect. Well done.

1 Like November 10, 2020 at 6:30AM

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J and N Larson

This is a beautiful way to honor a Veteran. Semper fi!

1 Like November 11, 2020 at 9:57AM