Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis - General Discussion

[TVbitch]

Notorious house flipper, interior designer, and radio host Jeff Lewis is back as a successful, single father and businessman running his thriving company, Jeff Lewis Design. His no-nonsense attitude and celebrated design aesthetic continue to attract famous clients seeking his expertise with home improvements on every scale. With a small team of trusted project managers, it’s non-stop laughs and drama.

[UMAngela]

I’m really enjoying this series. Dare I say that Jeff has… mellowed? 

[chessiegal]

Is this show on cable or streaming?

[absolutelyido]

7 minutes ago, chessiegal said:

Is this show on cable or streaming?

Prime Video

[UMAngela]

1 minute ago, absolutelyido said:

Prime Video

But it’s actually on Amazon’s FreeVee service… so steaming for free with commercials. 

[chessiegal]

So, Amazon Prime like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?

[UMAngela]

15 minutes ago, chessiegal said:

So, Amazon Prime like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?

Yes. But if you don’t subscribe to that, you can join this for free. Regardless, the episodes are with ads no matter how you access. 
https://www.amazon.com/adlp/freevee-about

Edited June 24, 2022 by UMAngela

[dleighg]

I'm really enjoying it. Jeff seems very nice and seems to be really trying to please his clients.

I have to say that lion wallpaper is butt ugly (at least to me). It's so small that when repeated it's really not that special. I assume it was ridiculously expensive.

[chessiegal]

49 minutes ago, UMAngela said:

Yes. But if you don’t subscribe to that, you can join this for free. Regardless, the episodes are with ads no matter how you access. 
https://www.amazon.com/adlp/freevee-about

We subscribe to Amazon Prime. I'll look for it, thanks.

[UMAngela]

13 hours ago, dleighg said:

I have to say that lion wallpaper is butt ugly (at least to me). It's so small that when repeated it's really not that special. I assume it was ridiculously expensive.

It’s definitely not my favorite but I’ll say this… I appreciate seeing all the bold choices and people trying to have personality. I’ve grown tired of design shows where everything is grey and neutral. 
 

It’s also very fun for me to critique these expensive remodels. All the finishes in Melissa’s bathroom were high end, but it drove me nuts how shiny and reflective all the surfaces were. 

Edited June 25, 2022 by UMAngela

[jabRI]

150K for a bathroom? that's about what we paid for our first house.  Sorry, she could up the charity donations instead.  And I thought the lighted mirror looked tacky.  Who needs a 750 toilet paper holder. Beyond ridiculous.

[lgandkihei]

I'm so very glad to have Jeff back, because I've always enjoyed him, even when he was being a dick.  (Yeah...I know...what does that say about me?)  He has very definitely mellowed, and these days, he actually seems happy, or at least, content.  I've missed him.  I could do without Zoila, because I never saw the appeal there, but so far, she's had just one little visit.  

Basically, this show seems to be much more about the actual designing and far less on Jeff's personal life.  That's fine, and we're all still treated to the house porn that's always part of the appeal of these various high end real estate offerings.

I get it.  These folks are filthy rich.  Good for them.  Yeah, I suppose I'm jealous and I'll own up to that.  Must be nice....  However, I can't say anything good about the whole Melissa Rivers bathroom remodel, even in a purely vicarious "see how the other half live" way.  $150K on a bathroom that was already better than most people could ever hope for in the first place?  I'm sorry, but the whole things just struck me as obscene, and I actually found myself depressed.  

I'm not sure when exactly these shows were filmed, but airing them now, when we're in the grip of this insane inflation isn't a good look.  In my area, people who were fine a year ago are now looking to local food banks to help out.  Any disposable income has dried up as the costs for necessities continues to rise. The prices keep going up, but of course, our pay checks don't.  With utilities, groceries and gas prices all through the roof, it's a very different world, and we're still struggling with the effects of Covid shutting things down.

So, to have someone who was born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth and has done nothing since but use that connection in every possible way show up to shove her conspicuous consumption down our throats is galling.  Again, I get it.  It isn't fair to hold it against her that she inherited megamillions from her mother.  And yes, they made a point to try to show that she made big pledges to charity.  Still, its one bathroom and no one bathroom on Earth (especially one that's already perfect and a showpiece, mind you) can possibly justify ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY F-ING THOUSAND DOLLARS just because, as she put it, "she wants to "zhuzh" it up a little"!!!!  $750 dollars for a toilet paper dispenser? 

Get over yourself, Melissa!  I suppose you're trying to put yourself out there and try to help your "brand" or increase your exposure for whatever it is that you do, but I think this particular little venture will backfire.  You just come off as a super-entitled brat!

The other celebrities featured have varying amounts of fame and fortune, but they manage to avoid coming off as nearly so obnoxious.  BTW, lest it sounds like I'm gunning for Melissa personally, I'm not.  It's honestly just the juxtaposition of the obscene conspicuous consumption of her bathroom against everyday life for the other one percent of us.

[ArtFossil]

On 6/25/2022 at 10:47 AM, jabRI said:

150K for a bathroom? that's about what we paid for our first house.  Sorry, she could up the charity donations instead.  And I thought the lighted mirror looked tacky.  Who needs a 750 toilet paper holder. Beyond ridiculous.

I felt nothing but contempt for Melissa Rivers after this episode. Actually, wasn't the final cost $165K? Melissa inherited $100 million from her mother and likes to cosplay being a philanthropist. Imagine what she could have done for the homeless and hungry in LA with the cost of this bathroom.

[jabRI]

13 hours ago, ArtFossil said:

Melissa inherited $100 million from her mother and likes to cosplay being a philanthropist. Imagine what she could have done for the homeless and hungry in LA with the cost of this bathroom.

Exactly, you go to the bathroom in the morning to do what everyone does.. wash you face, brush your teeth.. i don't see how it can be the highlight of your day and make you feel good.  something really wrong here, seriously feel sorry for her.

[Juneau Gal]

8 minutes ago, jabRI said:

Exactly, you go to the bathroom in the morning to do what everyone does.. wash you face, brush your teeth.. i don't see how it can be the highlight of your day and make you feel good.  something really wrong here, seriously feel sorry for her.

I was startled by her appearance; she seemed squashed with her shoulders pulled up to her ears, a bit heavier, and yikes the plastic surgery. None of this appearance stuff would matter a damn except she just didn't seem right. Perhaps menopause has hit her hard, along with the loss of her mother and her son now almost a college grad......and how did that happen so soon? I feel like he was just a little  guy tagging along after his nana.

[SunnyBeBe]

I thought Melissa said she uses her home bathroom to get ready for her tv appearances, red carpet stuff, etc.  She has the professionals come to her, so a nice set up made it comfortable.  For a big shot celebrity, I get it.  Hopefully, it’ll add to the value of the house for when she moves.
 

Spoiler

I recently read that Melissa had seriously considered adopting a child, but was reconsidering, due to her age. I sense she has a lot of love to give and is very lonely.  I hope she can find some happiness. 

Edited June 27, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[UMAngela]

On 6/27/2022 at 6:45 PM, SunnyBeBe said:

I thought Melissa said she uses her home bathroom to get ready for her tv appearances, red carpet stuff, etc.  She has the professionals come to her, so a nice set up made it comfortable.  For a big shot celebrity, I get it.  Hopefully, it’ll add to the value of the house for when she moves.
 

  Reveal spoiler

I recently read that Melissa had seriously considered adopting a child, but was reconsidering, due to her age. I sense she has a lot of love to give and is very lonely.  I hope she can find some happiness. 

Melissa did say that. And Jeff made the point that for us normies, a $150k remodel on a bathroom that was already pretty nice is crazy. If I had more money than God, I can’t say I’d be any more rational, but I did think Melissa’s excuse about already having made her charity designations was disingenuous. I guess she did scrap her closet remodel for budget reasons, so I’ll give her that. 

[SunnyBeBe]

The pool renovation seems very challenging.  I bet it will be beautiful though. 
 

I never did warm up the redo with the Lion wallpaper.  Not my aesthetic, as Jeff said. He was diplomatic about it.

I look forward  to Anthony’s reveal too.  

[absolutelyido]

I'm really loving this series. I love that it is focused on the design and renovation process without all the drama that was on Flipping Out. And no Jenny or Zoila! (Yay!) I like that the people on Jeff's team now all seem to enjoy working together which makes it more enjoyable to watch.

[jabRI]

Yeah, I thought the pool project was a bit much.  Aren't all the kids grown already?  6 adults in a jacuzzi?  I bet the pool guy is not really doing this at a loss.   The pregnancy photos were nice, but not for a dining room, thank god.  But with the pool project, I'm not sure what Jeff is contributing.  The pieces are already in, the design done, contractor hired...?  Love Jeff when he's snarky, like with Ashlee and Evan not sleeping in their main bedroom, 'they are living in a 7 bedroom house, come on'!

[pasdetrois]

These clients seem like they were chosen for the PR boost. All are D-list except for Mira Sorvino. There are unsavory stories about some (most?) of them. I think Jeff's big mouth drove away many potential celebrity clients.

Jeff has definitely calmed down from the old days, but he still is intolerant of having to support someone else's vision. He took repeated pot shots at the designer who was leading the pool house renovation, just because she was lead designer and he had to accept her decisions and assertive nature.. His minions snigger along with him to stay in his good graces.

It has seemed for several years now that Jeff is no longer the power developer he once was. I think his focus has been drawn more to appearing on TV, and podcasts when he cannot be on TV. I'm not sure COVID is to blame, because where I live, the renovation market went nuts once COVID hit and people were stuck at home.

Edited July 8, 2022 by pasdetrois

[Erh3d]

I’m so happy to see Jeff Lewis back on tv. I’ve always loved him

[Erh3d]

I love how Wilmer thinks he’s all deep and creative, when he’s really just tacky as hell and cluttered. 

Edited July 5, 2022 by Erh3d
Spelling

[SunnyBeBe]

58 minutes ago, Erh3d said:

I live how Wilmer thinks he’s all deep and creative, when he’s really just tacky as hell and cluttered. 

I was trying to think of the best way to say it. 😆 I’ve always wondered if you can learn good taste or not.  It seems you have it or you don’t.  Most people who don’t, don’t realize it.  Which is good.  They can still be happy with their own aesthetic.   It’s a good thing he’s happy though. It sounds like Jeff will be returning to do the nursery.  

[sadie]

Enjoying this show, and Jeff seems much more mellow and less mean. I think he’s wildly talented.

Mira Sorvino seems “off” and like a nightmare client that kinda sorta knows what she wants but changes her mind a lot, “adds” things on constantly and has kind of unrealistic expectations. I do think the inside of their home, based on what a dump the outside appeared to be, must be really bad. I get they had a fire but all the junk just laying around outside and the unkemptness of it all makes me think that house is a horror show. And yes I know, it’s probably worth $20M based on the location alone. 

[SuprSuprElevated]

On 6/26/2022 at 9:45 PM, ArtFossil said:

I felt nothing but contempt for Melissa Rivers after this episode. Actually, wasn't the final cost $165K? Melissa inherited $100 million from her mother and likes to cosplay being a philanthropist. Imagine what she could have done for the homeless and hungry in LA with the cost of this bathroom.

Is there a website where one can follow the charitable donatons made by celebrities?  Does anyone know what she donates?  Is she supposed to give away 100%?

Edited July 9, 2022 by SuprSuprElevated

[TVbitch]

Finally caught an episode (the one with the Wilmer reveal). I still enjoy Jeff and think he is so talented, but I wish he would leave his lips alone. He is a handsome guy, but the lips are getting hard for me to look at.

Loved him snarking on Mira S needing all of her adult children to fit in the jacuzzi together. 

I know Megan was on Flipping out. The one assistant was also, right?  

[SunnyBeBe]

I think several former cast members from Flipping out have appeared on this show.  
 

I can’t say that I’m wild about the podcast studio design on this last episode.  Maybe, it’s because that wallpaper is so popular.  Feel like I’ve seen it a thousand times.  
 

I can’t wait to see Anthony’s yard.  I’m having trouble envisioning the design.  
 

[dleighg]

4 hours ago, TVbitch said:

Finally caught an episode (the one with the Wilmer reveal). I still enjoy Jeff and think he is so talented, but I wish he would leave his lips alone

you mean he does that intentionally? I always thought "good looking guy; too bad about the unfortunate lips."

[Athena5217]

8 hours ago, dleighg said:

you mean he does that intentionally? I always thought "good looking guy; too bad about the unfortunate lips."

His lips look fuller than they used to on Flipping Out. I suspect he gets fillers.

I am excited he is doing more work for Fortune. She is funny, and I like that her house is nice, but not a mansion. No $750 toilet paper holder for her!

[SunnyBeBe]

I like Fortune too. I looked her up after episode 1 and am surprised that I wasn’t familiar with her, since she’s from NC.  
 

I can’t stop thinking about Jeff letting his cat walk on his kitchen island.  It’s so unsanitary.  And, with Diana Ross’s son as a guest!  I have friends who do this and I just can’t believe they aren’t aware how it concerns guests.  
 

[TVbitch]

Tyler was definitely on at least the last season of Flipping Out. Looks like he got a deserved promotion. Megan looks like she is doing well, too, judging by her home. I like the calm, but still fun and witty, rapport Jeff has with his new assistant much more than the overly enmeshed vibe he had with Jenny. Glad to see everyone working together more professionally as Flipping Out really kind of devolved into in-fighting, trash talking and a lot of hurtful tirades by the end. 

+1 for no cats on food preparation and eating surfaces! 

[dleighg]

On 7/10/2022 at 8:41 AM, Athena5217 said:

I am excited he is doing more work for Fortune. She is funny

I haven't watched the last one or two episodes, but she seems like such a joyful human being. 

[SunnyBeBe]

Does anyone know much about the Malibu beach homeowners?  Are they celebrities?   I thought the way Jeff described them having bags of stuff all around outside their house was odd.  Stuff inside a plastic bag left outside would be ruined due to mold, mildew, insects, etc,  Why would you do that?   I had a friend who stored books in cardboard boxes underneath her house sitting on the ground!  When she moved them they were rodent infested and ruined.   

Edited July 11, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[Athena5217]

4 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Does anyone know much about the Malibu beach homeowners?  Are they celebrities?   I thought the way Jeff described them having bags of stuff all around outside their house was odd.  Stuff inside a plastic bag left outside would be ruined due to mold, mildew, insects, etc,  Why would you do that?   I had a friend who stored books in cardboard boxes underneath her house sitting on the ground!  When she moved them they were rodent infested and ruined.   

I think you are talking about Mira Sorvino and Christopher Backus. They are actors. Mira won an Oscar for Mighty Aphrodite, and she is daughter of actor Paul Sorvino. All of the people on this show are celebrities—it is part of the premise.

I think the reason for all the garbage bags was because their house was severely damaged in a fire. That is why they are having their pool redone. Jeff said they did not invite him inside their house, and I wondered if that is because of the mess from the fire. It is probably still being repaired.
 

[SunnyBeBe]

Oh, I see.  I wasn’t familiar with them.  
 

I still don’t understand what would be stored outside in plastic bags.  If it’s smoke filled clothes or bedding, it should be sent away for cleaning or thrown away.  The bags  would need to be picked up within a few days to prevent a breeding ground for all kinds of things.  And, I got a funny feeling the inside of the house contains more than smoke damage.  From what she said, it was the smoke that infiltrated their furniture, clothes and bedding.  That happened months ago, even when that was filmed.  It seems odd.  

[Showthyme]

On 7/12/2022 at 2:37 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

Oh, I see.  I wasn’t familiar with them.  
 

I still don’t understand what would be stored outside in plastic bags.  If it’s smoke filled clothes or bedding, it should be sent away for cleaning or thrown away.  The bags  would need to be picked up within a few days to prevent a breeding ground for all kinds of things.  And, I got a funny feeling the inside of the house contains more than smoke damage.  From what she said, it was the smoke that infiltrated their furniture, clothes and bedding.  That happened months ago, even when that was filmed.  It seems odd.  

Maybe the intention was for Jeff to do something in the house but then the fire happened and they are waiting for the insurance company to pay out. Jeff does good things with backyards. That will make the house look like even more of an eyesore.

It will never happen but I would like to see Jeff film with Kathy Griffin on a redo. Forget the politics. They both are funny individuals.

Melissa Rivers needs a serious makeover. With all of her fashion sense she still keeps those awful bangs that hang in her eyes. 

[SunnyBeBe]

I got the impression the family was enjoying the pool until the fire and subsequent damage….then they contacted Jeff about the fix. That stuff had been sitting around a long time. That’s why I suspect there’s even more bags of stuff inside the house.  It’s like the joke on LPBW last night…What’s the difference in collecting and hoarding?   Shelving.  Lol

[dleighg]

I really did not get what happened with the whole pool/spa/kitchen/fire pit "tense discussion about budget." It seemed like the contractor just caved and gave them everything they wanted for 60k less???? Is he crazy, or did he way over-bid, or what?

[SunnyBeBe]

1 hour ago, dleighg said:

I really did not get what happened with the whole pool/spa/kitchen/fire pit "tense discussion about budget." It seemed like the contractor just caved and gave them everything they wanted for 60k less???? Is he crazy, or did he way over-bid, or what?

Idk.  I suppose the guy was willing to forego the profits for the chance to be on the show. Plus, if Jeff likes him, maybe he’ll get more work with celebrities.  If he didn’t agree to her numbers, he could have just had to pack up and leave.  In the long run, he may get more business in that community.  

Edited July 14, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[dleighg]

9 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

If he didn’t agree to her numbers, he could have just had to pack up and leave.  In the long run, he may get more business in that community.

I guess I would have believed it more if she had to give *something* up. Somehow life doesn't work that way for me LOL.

[SunnyBeBe]

I wonder if these celebrities really do have to keep within budget.  I mean…..what’s $3000. to them?  It just seems fake to me.  The only homeowners who seemed really real about it was Fortune and her wife and they weren’t overly concerned.  

[TVbitch]

I really liked Ashley's new bedroom/balcony. But why spend a fortune on suede walls and then put in a huge headboard that covers up most of it. 

I guess Fortune is staying put. Liked the floors and new dining table, but am not into the sterile modern kitchen. I would never put in a marble counter top or island, cuz I'm just so sick of seeing them. 

That was rather shady of Jeff to try to get away with switching tiles on Anthony, although, I can't say I loved the darker tile when it was in, but it is not finished yet, so hopefully it comes together. It kind of pained me to see those big mature trees brought down. 

Also, am catching up on the earlier shows: The cameo of Zoila in episode one was a bit disturbing. I know Jeff paid for her to get a facelift, but I think I prefer the old face. 

[SunnyBeBe]

I haven’t seen the new episode. I usually catch it on Saturday morning.  Grab my coffee and relax.  
 

I’m not sure why Jeff dislikes trees so much. I get why I dislike trees. They are near my house where storms are frequent, have problem roots, block my view,  cost to trim, etc., but his clients rarely have those issues.  Cleanup is not a real problem.  Rich celebrities can afford to pay someone to clean up the tree debris.  He seems to think trees block the view of the house, but so what?  It adds to the look too.  I’ll withhold judgement until I see the finished project at Anthony’s.  
 

I looked up the pool homeowners and now realize who they are.  I really liked the wife in Mighty Aphroditie.  Her dad is a famous actor too.  

[dleighg]

2 hours ago, TVbitch said:

I really liked Ashley's new bedroom/balcony. But why spend a fortune on suede walls and then put in a huge headboard that covers up most of it. 

I had the same thought. Plus I didn't particularly like that "wall paper." I liked the little sitting area, but overall, the room was too busy for me. But their money, their house.

[SunnyBeBe]

Wasn’t that large green leaf design popular several years ago?  

[nb360]

On 7/3/2022 at 10:15 AM, pasdetrois said:

These clients seem like they were chosen for the PR boost. All are D-list except for Mira Sorvino.

Yes, but Anthony Anderson is not D-list.

Edited July 16, 2022 by nb360

[SunnyBeBe]

I looked up the homeowners and figured out why they are living in that area and have funds to renovate.  I figured them all out, except Fortune.  She’s my favorite, but can’t figure it out.  She must do well with her tours.  
 

Something is really sad about the pool situation.  The Wolsey fire that Jeff and Mira discussed happened in 2018!  So, all that stuff has been stored in bags around their house for several years!  Odd.  I wonder why local authorities or neighbors didn’t complain.  I hope things are on the way to mend.  She described a lot of loss in her life.  

[pasdetrois]

Mira was one of Harvey Weinstein's victims, I believe. She stated that he ruined her career by blackballing her. She did disappear after early promise as an actress. I loved her in "Romy and Michelle." She did have a recent role in the Monica Lewinsky production (played her mother).

[howiveaddict]

I've seen Fortune on a lot of things. Currently she is a supporting cast member of Kenan on NBC.  Hopefully they get a third season.

I would like for Jeff to have his good friend Shannon Beador on an episode.  She's on Real Housewives of Orange County.  I know Jeff can turn on someone like a dime, but I really like his shows.