Dave and Jenny Marrs' 'Rock the Block' House Reveal

Dave and Jenny Marrs transformed their Rock the Block home into a timeless, charming space for a family.

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Rock the Block

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The Team: Dave and Jenny Marrs

Husband-wife team and hosts of Fixer to Fabulous, Dave and Jenny Marrs, are used to tight budgets and tough challenges. But during Season 3 of Rock the Block, they had to leverage all their tried-and-true techniques. Using timeless charm and a mix of old and new materials, they added tons of personality and lots of value to their blank-slate house.

Getting Started On the Challenge

Dave and Jenny recognized the potential in the plain, open space. As parents of five, they decided to design a home they'd want to buy — one made for a family.

The Kitchen, Before

The kitchen, dining room and living room make up one of the most important zones in the home, so Dave and Jenny justified spending big dollars to make big changes to their open-concept space. They vowed to use $50,000 of their total $225,000 budget to makeover the kitchen.

Building a Bright and Airy Space

To bring in as much natural light as possible, the designers planned to incorporate bigger sliding doors and large windows throughout the room.

The Kitchen, After

Dave and Jenny know how crowded a kitchen full of kids can get. So, they reoriented the island to accommodate a rustic dining table with room for eight and added five counter-height island stools. This effectively maximized seating and created extra space for traffic flow. The final kitchen also boasts hardwood floors and sunny, expansive windows.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Kitchen, After

A 60-inch, bluish-gray Italian range is the focal point of the new kitchen. Even better: the hood vent is recessed, allowing the handmade backsplash tiles to shine. Dave and Jenny nixed the awkward corner cabinet, opting instead for functional (and attractive) light gray cabinets. Silestone countertops add durability to the high-traffic family-friendly kitchen.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

A Hidden Nook

The more pantry space the better! The designers got rid of the powder room behind the kitchen to maximize storage. They also incorporated a secret room decorated as a children’s play kitchen, accessible through a hidden door within the pantry shelves.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Judges Make Their Decision

New Kids on the Block singer and Farmhouse Fixer host Jonathan Knight appeared as a guest judge alongside his brother Jordan. Impressed by Dave and Jenny’s ability to marry old and new materials and creatively design the space, they named them the winners.

Keeping It Open

Dave and Jenny were set on an open plan living space. Week two required them to carry what they'd started in the kitchen and dining area to the front of the house. With a goal of keeping their renovations within $15,000 of their remaining $176,000 budget, they got creative and resourceful.

Building a Custom Fireplace

Jenny knew she wanted to make a statement with a fireplace. They best way to save money on an impressive one? Have Dave build it, of course. After framing the fireplace surround, they measured for built-in benches and floating shelves.

The Living Room, Before

In addition to building their own fireplace, the duo also planned to save money by replacing the windows in the living room with two sets of French doors they'd taken out of the dining room. They also brainstormed ideas for the entryway.

Judging Week 2

Jasmine Roth host of HGTV’s Hidden Potential, Help! I Wrecked My House and Rock the Block Season 1 winner stepped onto the block as a guest judge for the living room challenge. Dave and Jenny showed Jasmine the airy space, pointing out how they used their prize money from week one to add value to the living room.

The Living Room, After

“I could live here,” said Jasmine Roth during the judging walk-through. “It feels like a warm hug.” Dave and Jenny married the living room to the kitchen and dining room with a sophisticated coastal design. The fireplace and floating shelves check boxes for added value in the room’s appraisal. The built-in bench rounds out seating options.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Living Room, After

Dave and Jenny’s decision to install French doors leading onto the porch adds charm to the Charleston home, while the light finishes play off all the natural daylight coming through the windows. While it remains a family-friendly living room, the sophisticated wood furniture, white curtains and textured upholstery take it to the next level. Adjacent to the entryway, the designers installed a powder room to replace the utility that they lost by eliminating the powder room that was originally near the kitchen pantry.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Powder Room, After

The relocated powder room adds function to the first floor of the home. Moody floral wallpaper, a chair rail and traditional sink base add simple sophistication to the windowless room. Though Dave and Jenny did not win the second challenge and the $2,000 prize, this additional square footage adds undeniable value to the home.

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From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Main Bedroom, Before

In episode 3, teams were tasked with renovating the last space on the first level of the home: the main bedroom and bathroom. Dave and Jenny strategized ways to make it family-friendly while only using $35,000 of their remaining $151,000 budget. Their goal was to create a gorgeous escape for the parents occupying this room in the future.

The Main Bedroom, After

The designers took a chance and reduced the size of the main bedroom by two feet to create more closet space and to reduce the gap between the windows along the wall. Light green paint brings tranquility while natural wood floors and furnishings add a coastal feel.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Walk-In Closet, After

An expanded walk-in closet is outfitted with luxurious custom closet inserts, all handcrafted by Dave. Woven baskets offer additional storage for small items. A window in the room welcomes natural daylight.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Reading Nook, After

Dave and Jenny demonstrated their willingness to take risks by removing a small closet in the main bedroom. Green wall paneling, high-end wallpaper and a bench seat transform the space into a small reading nook. New doors create porch access directly from the main bedroom, increasing the overall value of the home.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Bathroom, Before

Dave and Jenny sought to transform this blank slate main bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat. They opted for high-end tile and fixtures to add richness to the space. As well, the couple sought to increase home value by upgrading the sink and vanity to coordinate with the rest of the space.

The Bathroom, After

Handmade, textured tile is the star of Jenny and Dave's luxurious spa bathroom. A standing shower lines one end of the room while a soaking bathtub occupies the other end, beneath a window. Dave’s custom-crafted vanity adds value and contributes to the bathroom’s upscale design.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

Infusing Local Significance

Mid-construction, host Ty Pennington invited the teams to the Mount Pleasant Pier. In this waterfront spot, he challenged the designers to embrace the coastal Carolina lifestyle and incorporate Charleston-inspired materials into their main bedrooms. Dave and Jenny left with a wheelbarrow full of sea glass and a creative plan to tie it into their space.

Adding a Surprise Sauna

Jenny’s inspiration for the sea glass was supported by the duo's decision to install a built-in dry sauna lined with cedar in what would've been the main bedroom's linen closet. Thanks to Dave's building skills, the transformation cost far less than a store-bought sauna. They inset the sea glass into epoxy, which formed a custom window for the sauna door. Though Dave and Jenny didn’t win the third challenge and the $3,000 prize, the creative sauna concept added value and wow-ed this week three judges: Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) and Page Turner (Fix My Flip).

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From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

Week 4: Two Big Challenges

Ty kicked off the next design challenge. Now that the entire first level of the home was done, the designers were tasked with enhancing two empty spaces: a second floor loft in the main house and the finished room over the garage (a.k.a. the F.R.O.G.).

The Loft, Before

Though it was clear during judging that there was no “right way” to use the loft space at the top of the stairs in the main house, Dave and Jenny homed in on what might be most functional for a family. Parents themselves, they knew how valuable it is to have a large, convenient laundry room on the second floor of a home. They dedicated $7,000 of their remaining budget to remodeling the loft into a laundry room.

The Loft, After

Now enclosed as its own space, a new laundry room sits at the top of the stairs. The room includes cabinetry for storage, a white countertop workspace, a farmhouse sink with a polished faucet and, of course, a washer and dryer. White walls help keep the room bright while natural woven accents layer coastal charm. The ornate patterned tile on the floor adds character.

The F.R.O.G., Before

Both Dave and Jenny are good at making the most of small spaces, so when it came time to design the F.R.O.G., they knew they'd be able to incorporate a bathroom, kitchenette and sleeping area on a $13,000 budget — despite the lack of square-footage. The duo also vowed to double the space as a home office, complete with a custom-built secretary desk that can be disguised when not in use.

The F.R.O.G., After

Dave and Jenny's multifunctional room over the garage serves as both an in-law suite for when out-of-town family visits and a work-from-home office. A kitchenette and a custom trundle bed built by Dave add function, while moody green walls add definition. An overhead projector makes it possible to stream television or work presentations on the wall. Finally, vintage accents, including the stained glass that overhangs the windows in the stairwell, bring one-of-a-kind charm.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The F.R.O.G. Bathroom, After

Dave and Jenny framed and built a sizable bathroom in the F.R.O.G. They decorated it with a mix of modern and vintage accents. Moroccan glazed tile in the shower glistens in the daylight, while adding character to the space 24/7.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

Dave and Jenny Celebrate a Big Win

Judges Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, hosts of The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project, arrived as week four judges. They loved the additional function and character in both of the redesigned spaces. And though they questioned the value of relocating water lines for the laundry room, they so were impressed with the versatility of the F.R.O.G. that they awarded Dave and Jenny as the winners. The couple will take their $4,000 prize into the next challenge to continue to add value in their home.

Week 5: Tackling a Massive Exterior Makeover

For week five, Ty put the designers to work finalizing the home's exterior and landscaping front-to-back. While other teams incorporated classic Southern elements, no one did it quite like Dave and Jenny.

Installing Classic Coastal Siding

Dave and Jenny sought to add as much Charleston character as they could, starting with a board-and-batten exterior on the main house and the garage. Brick steps and a skirt around the front porch add interest without competing with the signature color they had in mind for the siding.

A Blush Pink Exterior, After

While making a case for color on the exterior of the home, Jenny asked, “Where else would we be able to pull off a blush pink house than Charleston?” The pink siding is accented by white eaves and long white shutters. On the porch, three gas lanterns add ambiance. Clean shrubbery and brown mulch enhance the landscaping along the front of the home and surrounding the driveway.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

Operation HT

Dave and Jenny had a mission to install a pool in the backyard using the $4,000 winnings from the last challenge, but alas, couldn’t navigate the construction and permitting required in less than a week. Instead, they made a plan to install a desirable hot tub — a.k.a "Operation HT."

Making a Scene with a New Hot Tub

The hot tub would surely set Dave and Jenny’s home apart from the others. When it arrived, they paraded the new appliance down the street and helped the crews place it in the backyard.

The Hot Tub, After

A platform surrounds the hot tub in the backyard of the new home. The designers built the platform with several tiers to give extra space for towels, shoes and other accessories. They also installed a covered television on the side of the garage to up the entertainment value.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Backyard, Before

The yard behind the new build was flat and lifeless. In addition to scheming the new exterior siding for visual appeal, Dave and Jenny also considered how a future family would want to use the backyard. They made a plan that would offer space for entertaining and everyday play.

The Backyard, After

The duo opted to plant new grass sod around the entire exterior of the home and install a large patio off the porch to make space for an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Now, the family-focused backyard offers plenty of room for entertaining and playing.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

A Pet-Friendly Design Challenge

Ty welcomed the design teams to take a break at the neighborhood dog park and introduced them to several rescue pups from the local shelter. Then he challenged the teams to create a dog-friendly feature in their exterior yard design.

Upcycling an Old Boat

Dave joked that he and Jenny have as many dogs as they do children (five!), so this challenge was right up their alley. And of course, Jenny had a creative idea. The couple created a dog bed and a play sandbox for kids using an upcycled boat from the challenge — kid-friendly and dog-friendly!

The Backyard, After

The dog-friendly installation sits in the back corner of the property along the fence. Dave and Jenny also installed a shade feature to offer extra comfort for kids and pets playing in the yard. With a large dining room table, bright string lights and outdoor features, future homeowners will have a spacious and welcoming outdoor area to entertain friends and family.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

Showing Off for the Judges

The popular mother-daughter duo from HGTV's Good Bones, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen Laine, judged Dave and Jenny's home at the end of the exterior and landscaping challenge. Though the couple didn’t walk away with the prize money, the judges acknowledged that they slayed with their dog feature and recognized that they really embraced the challenge and took big chances with their design.

The Final Challenge: Create an Unforgettable Space

For the last challenge, Ty directed the designers to tackle the third floor bonus room. This 500 square foot area had limitless potential — the catch was the teams only had 4 days to complete the task. Leading into the grand finale, Dave and Jenny knew how important it was to create a space that would not only stand out, but prove their home’s value exceeded that of the competition. They opted to create a playroom and study space for kids.

The Bonus Room, After

The third-floor retreat offers plenty of space for toys and storage. Jenny's freehand wall murals add color and interest: scenic mountains adorn one wall, while marshy and oceanic images decorate the others. One side of the playroom even includes a custom climbing wall for kids (built by Dave, of course). The other side includes an exciting play feature.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Bonus Room, After

Dave and Jenny’s third floor playroom not only offers delightful murals and storage space for kid toys, but integrates itself into the second story level of the home. On a mission to go big for the grand finale, a custom platform is installed to surround a looping slide that offers a shortcut into a second floor bedroom.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Hallway, After

The third floor of the home has an expansive footprint, making it possible for Dave and Jenny to create a secondary space for study. The hardwood floors in the hallway extend between the playroom and into a room with spacious desks. Though the hallway has limited natural daylight, recessed lights and white walls help it feel bright and open.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

A Kid’s Bedroom, Before

Though not expected to be part of the final challenge, Dave and Jenny saw an opportunity to customize one more unfinished space in the home: a second story bedroom situated beneath the third floor playroom.

A Kid’s Bedroom, After

A slide installed in the third story bonus room spirals kids into the previously unfinished spare second-story room. The now-playful space promises to deliver on fun. A miniature house with cedar shingles boasts ample space for kids to read and play. A woven hanging swing offers a secondary reading nook. While the space can easily be used as a children’s bedroom, it also offers bonus square footage for a family that wants dedicated areas for play.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Study, After

With the goal of using the entire third floor bonus space to increase the final appraisal value, Dave and Jenny transformed the room at the end of the hallway into a study suite for kids. Built-in desks, task lighting and a simple chalkboard-painted wall make the space fun and functional.

From: Jenny Marrs and Dave Marrs

The Winning House

HGTV host and Property Brother Drew Scott arrived, alongside Season 2 Rock the Block winners and 100 Day Dream Home hosts Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt. They walked through each house, judging each in its entirety. In the end, the final appraisal value of all the homes was only $25,000 apart — but Egypt and Mike came out on top as the Season 3 champions, increasing their home value by a whopping $206,000.