Inside Sterling K. Brown’s Heartfelt Renovation for His Nanny, Zoila

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Sterling K. Brown is showing the woman who’s been a part of his family for years, his nanny, Zoila, just how much they love her. On this week’s Sterling K. Brown Celebrity IOU episode, the star of This Is Us teams up with Drew and Jonathan to take on the work of transforming the heart of Zoila’s home, her kitchen, into a space she’ll love to share with her family.

Zoila and Sterling have known each other for seven years. She came into Sterling’s life when his youngest son was just a year old, helping him raise his little boy and keep their home organized. He says Zoila changed his life, also adding that “to have someone in your home that you trust implicitly is irreplaceable.”

You can really feel the love they have for one another’s families in the way they speak so fondly of each other. When talking about Zoila’s character, Sterling says, “She is love. She’s incredibly dependable. She radiates joy and light everywhere she goes.” While Zoila says, “I don’t see them like my bosses…and they don’t see me like ‘the nanny.’ We have a really, really good connection. Both families…they trust me a lot.”

Zoila has four children of her own, two of which still live with her. As a single mom, she’s had a lot on her plate already. But when she saw the circumstances one of her granddaughters was living in a couple years ago, she knew she had to step in. So she worked hard to adopt Destiny, taking her family from their apartment in LA and saving up to buy a home that would have enough space for everyone. She says, “Family means everything for me. I want to protect them the most that I can.”

Zoila’s put in so much work to make her house a home for her family. But there are some structural and functional changes she’s wanted to make in order to get the kitchen and dining room better suited for their needs. Sterling recognized this and called on the Bros to help him get it done. Sterling says, “I want to give her something she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”

Celebrity IOU: Sterling K. Brown

Before and Afters

Light, Bright, and Open

“Though her current kitchen doesn’t look bad at a distance, functionally, it’s just not working,” says Jonathan. In Zoila’s kitchen, there were some things that needed immediate addressing. One of the issues had to do with the wall between the kitchen and the rest of the home. With a baby in the house, Zoila was constantly worried about not being able to see Destiny while cooking. But by taking down the wall and replacing it with a beautiful, oversized peninsula, Sterling and the Bros were able to create a seamless flow between the rooms. Not only did this expand how large the kitchen feels, but it also made the entire floor look more cohesive.

A Functional Breakfast Nook

The dining area also received a gorgeous upgrade. Drew and Jonathan utilized the wall space to craft a banquette, which actually created more room on the opposite side of the table. They made use of the wall by installing open shelving above the bench, creating visual interest that moves the eye upwards. The natural wood from the cabinetry is also reflected in the ceiling woodwork. This creative nod back to Zoila’s personal design style is both subtle and impactful. Herringbone wood floors add a simple but effective contrast to the space while creating a smooth transition between both rooms.

Hidden Storage and a Large Two-Sided Peninsula

Sterling and the Bros made great use of the new kitchen island. Not only did they incorporate more seating for guests, but the cabinets on the peninsula offered more functional, hidden storage for Zoila’s coffee bar on one side, and a chic cocktail bar nook on the other. The breakfast bar will allow guests (as well as Zoila) to feel comfortable between the two rooms. It also opens the whole space up to conversation while Zoila cooks her delicious meals.

Kitchen Details

Hidden Storage for a Coffee Nook

The pocket cabinet doors in Zoila’s coffee nook are a subtle detail that actually saves a ton of space. She can close the doors when she wants the appliance out of sight and open them right back up for her morning brew.

Open Shelving With Heartfelt Personal Items

Putting Zoila’s collectables on a beautiful display with elongated open shelving really added the perfect personal touch. Her kitchen and dining room are not only beautiful, but they’re also beautifully her. Photos, collectables, and memorabilia line the walls and show off her most loved people and memories.

Sparkling Chandelier on a Gorgeous Wooden Backdrop

The combination of the sparkling chandelier and natural light bouncing light off the ceiling is one of our favorite parts of this reno. It opens up the room, calls attention to detail, and makes everything glow that much brighter.