Anthony Anderson Surprises His Brother With a Massive Home Renovation

Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson surprises his brother Derrick, a hardworking trauma nurse, with a season 3 Celebrity IOU makeover. With the help of Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, Anthony transforms the living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom of his brother's home.

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Celebrity I.O.U.

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Photo By: Dennys Ilic

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Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic, Dennys Ilic

Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Giving Back to an Essential Worker in a Big Way

You’ve seen actor Anthony Anderson play a funny family man and a hard-nosed detective, but in real life, his family is his world. His older brother, Derrick, has been working as an emergency room trauma nurse during the pandemic, so now more than ever, Anthony knew his brother deserved a break. "I’m impressed by the man he’s become. He’s on the frontlines saving lines, but his home projects have fallen by the wayside. He can’t keep up with the repairs while he’s working so much,” said Anthony. "I want to give him and his wife, Joy, the home they deserve.” Anthony partnered with Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott to make extensive repairs. With careful planning, they worked together to transform a dated and damaged home into a polished castle.

see more: Celebrity I.O.U.

Anthony Updates the Exterior of Derrick’s Home

Anthony and the designers tackled critical home systems, like the HVAC and roofing, as well as considered aesthetic improvements to transform the small house from ordinary to extraordinary. Part of the remodel included reorienting a kitchen window, which required the exterior of the home to be patched and re-stuccoed. To freshen up the entire exterior, Anthony voted to paint it white with dark trim. They also repaired outdoor lights and replaced a rickety awning that hung over the front entrance.

The Living and Dining Room, Before

Derrick's home lacked a dedicated entry space so the designers brainstormed ways to make the layout more functional. The biggest change? Removing the walls to create an open concept space. They opted to reorient the dining room table and use it in the kitchen as a cozy banquette. Framed photos would be retained and rehung in the new room. Dark furnishings would be replaced to help brighten the living area.

The Living and Dining Room, After

Opening up the room meant removing dividing walls and lifting ceiling joists into the attic space. The team had to install a new roof to make all of these changes possible. After entering through the front door, guests now have line of sight into the entire living area and kitchen. Art hangs over a new gray couch and pivoting swivel chairs add style and functionality.