My Houzz: Mila Kunis Surprises Her Parents With a Condo Makeover
In this exclusive Houzz video, the actor uses the site to shop for products and find a pro to create a bright, open home
Mitchell Parker
April 25, 2017
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
If you trace back Mila Kunis’ 18-year career as an actor, it all happened after she moved as a child from Ukraine to the Los Angeles condo where her parents, Elvira and Mark, still live today. While there, she landed her breakout role as Jackie Burkhart on the television series That ’70s Show, on which she dated the character Michael Kelso, played by Ashton Kutcher, who’s now Kunis’ husband. “My career happened there,” Kunis says of the condo.
Photos by Carolyn Reyes
Great Room and Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: Mark and Elvira Kunis, parents of actor Mila Kunis
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 594 square feet (55 square meters); 22 by 27 feet (6.7 by 8.2 meters)
Designer: Breeze Giannasio of Breeze Giannasio Interiors
Watch now: See Mila Kunis surprise her parents with a condo makeover
Recently, Kunis decided to surprise her parents with a renovation of the living, dining and kitchen areas in the home. That way, when the growing extended family got together, her mother, who loves to cook, wouldn’t feel isolated in the kitchen from the group. The renovation is part of the latest episode of My Houzz, a video series documenting public figures as they surprise a close family member with a home renovation. The pilot episode of My Houzz featured Kutcher, who is an executive producer of the series.
Great Room and Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: Mark and Elvira Kunis, parents of actor Mila Kunis
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 594 square feet (55 square meters); 22 by 27 feet (6.7 by 8.2 meters)
Designer: Breeze Giannasio of Breeze Giannasio Interiors
Watch now: See Mila Kunis surprise her parents with a condo makeover
Recently, Kunis decided to surprise her parents with a renovation of the living, dining and kitchen areas in the home. That way, when the growing extended family got together, her mother, who loves to cook, wouldn’t feel isolated in the kitchen from the group. The renovation is part of the latest episode of My Houzz, a video series documenting public figures as they surprise a close family member with a home renovation. The pilot episode of My Houzz featured Kutcher, who is an executive producer of the series.
BEFORE: In the original living room shown here, a brown sofa on the left rests against a wall that divides the space from the kitchen, which isolated Elvira from everything else. Straight ahead is a pair of front entry doors. To the right of those is a coat closet.
Convincing her parents to move was a non-starter. “You cannot get my parents out of that condo,” Kunis says. “They’re never going to move. They love it.”
Convincing her parents to move was a non-starter. “You cannot get my parents out of that condo,” Kunis says. “They’re never going to move. They love it.”
AFTER: Here’s a look at the new room from about the same angle (the two entryway doors are in the right corner). Kunis thought that a more open, great room-style concept would be beneficial to her parents and more comfortable for large family gatherings. “Knowing how hard I work now for what I have puts things into perspective for how much harder my parents had to work to have given us the life my brother and I had,” Kunis says. “So I desperately want to give them something they deserve.”
For the project, Kunis used Houzz to search for a designer in the Los Angeles area and found Breeze Giannasio. “She had incredible reviews, and I loved her style, everything about her, and knew she was right for this project.” Kunis and Giannasio bought almost all the new furnishings and accessories from the Houzz Shop.
Giannasio approached the project from two angles, one concerning the aesthetic of the space, and the other how construction would be handled. The condo sits on a floor beneath the penthouse, and Giannasio first determined which walls were load-bearing. Working with Addition Building & Design on the construction side of the project, she was able to open the living room to the kitchen, but she had to keep a structural column in place, seen here behind the lamp near the kitchen, for budgetary reasons. The structural column dictated the layout of the kitchen.
They had considered removing all the walls and the column and installing one large beam across the ceiling for support to create one big, open space. “But I feared that without any delineation and architectural demarcation of different spaces, it would feel like a sterile bachelor pad,” she says.
Next she focused on selecting a warm greige paint to unify the spaces, then set about choosing comfortable furnishings.
Bali Mandarin throw pillow in navy: Pillow Perfect; Cornerstone modern classic sectional sofa in gray: Kathy Kuo Home; Ashley fabric armchairs with bronze nailhead trim in beige: Baxton Studio; animal-motif lumbar pillows in navy: Loom Decor; Elevation jute rug in tan, gold and blue: Anji Mountain; Colby round coffee table in parquet wood: Gabby; round leather crocodile-print serving tray in cream: Signature Home Collection; velvet pillow cover in saffron yellow: Pindler/Studio Tullia; Tuscan decorative finials in antique mahogany finish: Uttermost; genuine sheepskin rug in ivory white: Super Area Rugs; base, ceiling molding, cased opening and column paint: Strong White in eggshell finish, Farrow & Ball; wall paint: Cornforth White in modern emulsion finish, Farrow & Ball
For the project, Kunis used Houzz to search for a designer in the Los Angeles area and found Breeze Giannasio. “She had incredible reviews, and I loved her style, everything about her, and knew she was right for this project.” Kunis and Giannasio bought almost all the new furnishings and accessories from the Houzz Shop.
Giannasio approached the project from two angles, one concerning the aesthetic of the space, and the other how construction would be handled. The condo sits on a floor beneath the penthouse, and Giannasio first determined which walls were load-bearing. Working with Addition Building & Design on the construction side of the project, she was able to open the living room to the kitchen, but she had to keep a structural column in place, seen here behind the lamp near the kitchen, for budgetary reasons. The structural column dictated the layout of the kitchen.
They had considered removing all the walls and the column and installing one large beam across the ceiling for support to create one big, open space. “But I feared that without any delineation and architectural demarcation of different spaces, it would feel like a sterile bachelor pad,” she says.
Next she focused on selecting a warm greige paint to unify the spaces, then set about choosing comfortable furnishings.
Bali Mandarin throw pillow in navy: Pillow Perfect; Cornerstone modern classic sectional sofa in gray: Kathy Kuo Home; Ashley fabric armchairs with bronze nailhead trim in beige: Baxton Studio; animal-motif lumbar pillows in navy: Loom Decor; Elevation jute rug in tan, gold and blue: Anji Mountain; Colby round coffee table in parquet wood: Gabby; round leather crocodile-print serving tray in cream: Signature Home Collection; velvet pillow cover in saffron yellow: Pindler/Studio Tullia; Tuscan decorative finials in antique mahogany finish: Uttermost; genuine sheepskin rug in ivory white: Super Area Rugs; base, ceiling molding, cased opening and column paint: Strong White in eggshell finish, Farrow & Ball; wall paint: Cornforth White in modern emulsion finish, Farrow & Ball
BEFORE: Originally, the TV and glossy yellow floors overpowered the living area.
AFTER: Giannasio initially considered a layout consisting of a sofa and two chairs. But after meeting with Kunis and reviewing her ideabook of inspirational images, she didn’t feel that would be comfortable enough. “The sectional is more family-friendly, and that got me back on track prioritizing comfort over everything else,” Giannasio says.
The new floor is French oak.
Hattie side table: Arteriors Home; Richmond swing-arm floor lamp in antique brass: House of Troy; ceiling paint: Strong White in flat finish, Farrow & Ball
Watch now: See more of this surprise makeover
The new floor is French oak.
Hattie side table: Arteriors Home; Richmond swing-arm floor lamp in antique brass: House of Troy; ceiling paint: Strong White in flat finish, Farrow & Ball
Watch now: See more of this surprise makeover
BEFORE: Originally, the galley-style kitchen meant that Elvira, an avid cook, often felt closed off. “It looked like a giant closet to me,” Kunis says.
AFTER: Kunis knew that her mother would want a clean-looking kitchen in shades of white. This photo shows the kitchen at the same angle as the previous image. The wall of cabinets on the right side in the previous kitchen came down, and the fridge and range got pushed to the back wall.
The free-standing island, bought on Houzz, takes the place of a fixed one, for which there wasn’t enough room. “It was amazing to find that island,” Giannasio says. “It’s on wheels, so it’s portable and leaves enough room for circulation. And it offers the function of having a place to set down a cookie rack or set up buffet serving.”
At the time of the photo shoot, the range hood hadn’t arrived, so a clock hid the wires.
Console table in fir and metal: Zuo Modern Contemporary; Baja rug in navy, Momeni Rugs; oval porcelain pitcher, Tag Everyday; fouta hand towels in honeycomb positive/negative thin stripe pattern: Scents and Feel; artichokes: similar to decorative artichokes, Nearly Natural; cake stand: similar to Isabelle metal cake stand in white, Amalfi Decor; baskets over fridge: similar to seagrass woven basket, Kouboo
The free-standing island, bought on Houzz, takes the place of a fixed one, for which there wasn’t enough room. “It was amazing to find that island,” Giannasio says. “It’s on wheels, so it’s portable and leaves enough room for circulation. And it offers the function of having a place to set down a cookie rack or set up buffet serving.”
At the time of the photo shoot, the range hood hadn’t arrived, so a clock hid the wires.
Console table in fir and metal: Zuo Modern Contemporary; Baja rug in navy, Momeni Rugs; oval porcelain pitcher, Tag Everyday; fouta hand towels in honeycomb positive/negative thin stripe pattern: Scents and Feel; artichokes: similar to decorative artichokes, Nearly Natural; cake stand: similar to Isabelle metal cake stand in white, Amalfi Decor; baskets over fridge: similar to seagrass woven basket, Kouboo
A mix of glass-front cabinets, deep drawers and open shelving — built by Creative Woodworks — gives Elvira plenty of storage and display options.
Pullout racks for spices flank the stove. A vertical pantry holds dry goods to the right of the refrigerator. There are Lazy Susans in each corner.
Noble Gray countertops: Caesarstone; Rivarolo Mushroom backsplash tile: Westside Tile and Stone; cup cabinet pulls in antique brass: Elements; Classic cutting board: Larch Wood; cabinet paint: Strong White in eggshell finish, Farrow & Ball; pedestal bowl in white: Global views; succulents: similar to artificial succulent in white ceramic square pot, Innoo Tech
Pullout racks for spices flank the stove. A vertical pantry holds dry goods to the right of the refrigerator. There are Lazy Susans in each corner.
Noble Gray countertops: Caesarstone; Rivarolo Mushroom backsplash tile: Westside Tile and Stone; cup cabinet pulls in antique brass: Elements; Classic cutting board: Larch Wood; cabinet paint: Strong White in eggshell finish, Farrow & Ball; pedestal bowl in white: Global views; succulents: similar to artificial succulent in white ceramic square pot, Innoo Tech
This photo shows how the new kitchen opens up to the living space.
In the dining area, a rustic farmhouse table can extend to accommodate more guests as needed.
Always in Vogue aluminum trays: Benzara, Woodland Imports, The Urban Port; Bistro stripe fringed floor runner: Napa Home & Garden
Always in Vogue aluminum trays: Benzara, Woodland Imports, The Urban Port; Bistro stripe fringed floor runner: Napa Home & Garden
Bar stools provide additional seating at a kitchen peninsula.
Dimpled ceramic cylindrical vases in white: Urban Trends Collection; Simsbury canisters in white: Omniware; succulent sculpture in round container in gold: Waterstone Succulents; bar stools: similar to Orvelle round bar stool: Kosas
Dimpled ceramic cylindrical vases in white: Urban Trends Collection; Simsbury canisters in white: Omniware; succulent sculpture in round container in gold: Waterstone Succulents; bar stools: similar to Orvelle round bar stool: Kosas
Sufficient lighting was important because natural light comes in from only one side of the condo. “We were trying to look for opportunities to add additional sources of light for a warm and cozy environment,” Giannasio says.
She had millwork built to create a fake beam that’s intended to give some separation to the spaces. “It helps frame the space,” she says.
Giannasio focused on neutral colors for the large pieces that anchor the space, a move that allowed her to be flexible with accent colors. The pillows and blankets are easy to swap out to transform the look in the future.
“In general, I was trying to make this sophisticated but family-friendly, with fabrics that speak to that,” she says. “There’s no pure white. Everything is a poly blend that’s durable and cleanable. The dining chairs are darker to hide staining. The jute rug is not overly precious. If it gets beat up, it’s not a big deal to replace.”
She had millwork built to create a fake beam that’s intended to give some separation to the spaces. “It helps frame the space,” she says.
Giannasio focused on neutral colors for the large pieces that anchor the space, a move that allowed her to be flexible with accent colors. The pillows and blankets are easy to swap out to transform the look in the future.
“In general, I was trying to make this sophisticated but family-friendly, with fabrics that speak to that,” she says. “There’s no pure white. Everything is a poly blend that’s durable and cleanable. The dining chairs are darker to hide staining. The jute rug is not overly precious. If it gets beat up, it’s not a big deal to replace.”
Kunis wanted to make sure that Giannasio incorporated the three paintings, which her parents brought from Ukraine. The art “represents our family’s past, present and future,” Kunis says.
Giannasio showed three chandeliers to Kunis in their first meeting. Kunis liked this one right away, and they ran with it from the beginning.
Metro rectangular chandelier: Currey & Co.; Lester dining chairs: Safavieh; dining table: similar to Bel Air dining table, Emerald Home
Giannasio showed three chandeliers to Kunis in their first meeting. Kunis liked this one right away, and they ran with it from the beginning.
Metro rectangular chandelier: Currey & Co.; Lester dining chairs: Safavieh; dining table: similar to Bel Air dining table, Emerald Home
BEFORE: With the TV off to one side of a separate seating area, the previous layout felt imbalanced.
AFTER: A built-in created a better focal point and introduced symmetry in the design to help further delineate the spaces.
Molding near the ceiling hides hardware for the curtains for a built-in look. “Those subtle design elements really help complete the space and make it look more refined,” Giannasio says.
Gallery Perfect picture frames in black: Nielsen Bainbridge Group; Evans bar cart: Boraam Industries; crystal decanter: James Scott
Molding near the ceiling hides hardware for the curtains for a built-in look. “Those subtle design elements really help complete the space and make it look more refined,” Giannasio says.
Gallery Perfect picture frames in black: Nielsen Bainbridge Group; Evans bar cart: Boraam Industries; crystal decanter: James Scott
Sconces and two zebra-print benches create a graphic, symmetrical element in an area that would have gone undefined.
Liddy hair-on-hide stools: Butler Specialty Co.; Almanzo industrial loft white ceramic sconces: Currey & Co.; artwork: similar to minimalist black-and-white abstract wall art print, Justin Page Wood
Liddy hair-on-hide stools: Butler Specialty Co.; Almanzo industrial loft white ceramic sconces: Currey & Co.; artwork: similar to minimalist black-and-white abstract wall art print, Justin Page Wood
Kunis wanted to take down all the walls, but Giannasio felt that an entry enclosure was needed to keep the space from feeling like a big city loft, which she knew they didn’t want.
“I think she took whatever we did put together and made it not only come to life but made it a million times better,” Kunis says.
“Seeing my parents’ reaction to the condo for the first time made everything worth it. All the stress, the timing, everything and anything became null and void when my mom started crying,” says Kunis, who was pregnant during the beginning stages of the remodel and took a three-week break from coordinating the project to deliver her baby.
“There’s more air and light in that room, and I think that will translate into their own life,” Kunis says. “I definitely think there’s going to be a lot more Sunday dinners there.”
Dayton floor mirror: Galaxy Home
Watch now: Don’t miss Mila Kunis’ parents’ tearful reaction to this condo makeover
Get the look: Shop products from this makeover
Your turn: See how to make and use Houzz ideabooks for your own home project
“I think she took whatever we did put together and made it not only come to life but made it a million times better,” Kunis says.
“Seeing my parents’ reaction to the condo for the first time made everything worth it. All the stress, the timing, everything and anything became null and void when my mom started crying,” says Kunis, who was pregnant during the beginning stages of the remodel and took a three-week break from coordinating the project to deliver her baby.
“There’s more air and light in that room, and I think that will translate into their own life,” Kunis says. “I definitely think there’s going to be a lot more Sunday dinners there.”
Dayton floor mirror: Galaxy Home
Watch now: Don’t miss Mila Kunis’ parents’ tearful reaction to this condo makeover
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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Would love to see more condo renovations. More and more baby boomers are down sizing and moving into condos, most of the condos are 25+ years old and definitely have restrictions, stories such as this give great ideas!
Sweet!
Beautiful renovation and wonderful expression of gratitude that looked nearly as welcome as populating that large table with grandchildren! Congratulations to all!