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In 1987, at just 21 years old, Marlee Matlin became the youngest Best Actress winner, as well as the only deaf performer to win an Academy Award. She’s been a beacon in the Deaf community, and her friend Lisa has been right by her side for the past 30 years as her confidant and dear friend. Lisa is also deaf, and the two actually met at the Deaf Olympics back in 1985 in Los Angeles. From that point forward, the two were a force together. And on this week’s Celebrity IOU Marlee Matlin episode, we got to watch as Marlee gifted Lisa with a life-changing backyard remodel.
Marlee, Drew, and Jonathan wanted to transform Lisa’s backyard into a deaf-friendly place, where their friends could come hang out with enough room and good lighting to properly see one another while they’re signing. To do this, they had to alter a few things and customize some pieces to better fit their needs. They included a U-shaped seating area around a gorgeous modern fire pit, not one but two pergolas, and a hot tub where Lisa and her friends can relax and unwind.
To avoid any visual barriers, most of the plans included rounded tables and counters that would certainly make conversation easier. They also included specifically placed lighting to create high-contrast that would make signing less complicated at night.
Shop the Look
Check out the decor, furniture, and more seen in this episode–and get it for yourself!
Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Room | Item Type | Product Name | Company | Product Code / SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Throughout | DG STABLIZER | Core Path | Core Gravel | |
| 2 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Dining Lounge | PERGOLA | 12X10 HAWTHORNE TRADITIONAL STEEL PERGOLA WITH SAIL SHADE SOFT CANOPY | Backyard Discovery | |
| 3 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 21/06/2024 12:34 PM | Dining Lounge | CHAIRS | HAMILTON Swivel Lounge Chair | Oasiq | |
| 4 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 21/06/2024 12:37 PM | Dining Lounge | SOFA | HAMILTON Chaise Lounge Arm Right | Oasiq | |
| 5 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 21/06/2024 12:39 PM | Dining Lounge | COFFEE TABLE | HAMILTON Coffee Table with Teak Top | Oasiq | |
| 6 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 21/06/2024 12:40 PM | Dining Lounge | DINING CHAIRS | COPENHAGEN Stackable Armchair teak with rope | Oasiq | |
| 7 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Spa | HOT TUB | A7 Plus with Platinum Interior and Timber Exterior | Bullfrog Spas | |
| 8 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Spa | FIRE TABLE | 60” x 30”rectangle firetable in gray with Lava Rocks | Grand Canyon Gas Logs | |
| 9 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 10/06/2024 05:06 PM | Spa | DECKING | Yosemite Gray | CALI | |
| 10 | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Kelly K. | 06/06/2024 02:56 PM | Outdoor Kitchen | WINE COOLER | 24" Outdoor Rated Wine Cooler | TrueFlame |
Before & Afters
A Culinary Host’s Custom Kitchen
This outdoor kitchen boasted some awesome features, like the huge grill and wine fridge. Because Lisa loves to host, Marlee and the Bros knew that they needed to take this zone to the next level. So this custom kitchen area had everything Lisa needed to cook in style and comfort. They also included pathway lighting for added visibility.
A Cozy Fire Pit & Hot Tub Near the Lemon Tree
Drew, Jonathan, and Marlee wanted to go above and beyond for Lisa, so they created the ultimate chill zone. Not only did they install a hot tub, but they also added a fire pit. This is going to make for countless nights of fun and relaxation in the summer months. Because the hot tub and fire pit areas lead into one another and both are rounded, conversation between the two will be a breeze.
Smart Additions to Make the Space Deaf-Friendly
The rounded quartzite countertop makes conversation easier. Now, Lisa can have all her friends watch her whip up her favorite meals and snacks for the crowd while still communicating with one another in the same space. Beautiful wooden barstools and a stone facade make this culinary area especially chic.
Two Pergolas and Four Zones for Multiple Hangout Options
Drought-tolerant grass and a gravel stabilizer system made Lisa’s new backyard easier to navigate and care for in the hot California sun. All in all, her new oasis had everything she wanted: A place to cook for her favorite people, a rounded table where she could eat and drink, a cozy fire pit and relaxing hot tub, and an area to sit and catch up with friends.
A Tale Of Two Kitchens
With one win already under his belt, Jonathan decides to go big with his kitchen…
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