What’s better than a new series starring one of your favourite Home Network stars? How about a new series that pairs two of them up? Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler’s show is almost here, and given how long we’ve watched them work their renovation and realty magic, we can’t wait to see how they’ll do as judges on Renovation Resort.
While we’re sure the guys will have a hard time not getting their hands dirty, we also know there are four impressive teams on deck. These reno-design duos are ready to prove they’ve got what it takes to win. On the line is $100,000 and bragging rights, not to mention Scott and Bryan’s stamp of approval. So who are these duos, you ask?
April and Arnold
These Chicago natives have been working together for the past four years, and they’ve definitely made a lasting impression in the residential design-and-contracting space during that time. April is a retired US Air Force Reservist who served more than 21 years in the military. A single mother of three, she co-runs a design firm that creates classic and quality designs.
As for Arnold, he’s a self-taught techie and builder who began his own contracting firm in 2018. He continues to blaze trails in his community and works with Black youth while breaking barriers for racialized contractors.
Together this power duo will bring a modern, luxe, and sunny design that represents them both, which is why they feel they’ll win. “[We’re] bringing together our favourite designs and things we’ve wanted to do for years on other projects and bringing that to our cabin,” Arnold says.
Rotem and Troy
This respective design and contracting duo have years of experience in everything from complete gut jobs to custom builds through their contracting company, which they run together. The husband and wife team both hail from immigrant families and have been creating together since they met. They’re confident their “A Game” will help them win this competition — which they want to conquer for each other and for their daughters.
When asked what kind of design style they’ll bring to the show, Rotem describes their work as “earthy” and “eclectic.” Troy adds they will have plenty of natural finishes to bring the outside in. They’re most excited to tackle new kitchens and bathrooms, but so long as they get to put their own customization and flair into these renovations, they know they’ll shine.
Jena and Sean
These business partners and best friends have worked together for the past three years. Judging by the things they’ve created during that time — from cosmetic refreshes to complete gut renos — they truly believe they have found their calling by teaming up.
Jena is a 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC artist, designer, and thinker, and she has an overall goal to empower girls like her to follow their dreams. If you ask her, their design style is edgy, a bit of je ne sais quois, and head-tilting. “We’re not here to do the norm; we’re here to have fun,” she says.
Sean is on board with that, joking they will, “Win this competition by lying, stealing, and cheating our way to the top.” That couldn’t be farther from the truth, given his impressive background, which includes years of building experience and even teaching himself how to weld.
“We’re not afraid of trying new things,” Jena adds. “We’re here to take risks, make bold moves, and make magic.”
Kyle and Savannah
It can be difficult to be in business with your spouse, but after working together for 14 years, these married, high-school sweethearts have figured out what works for them. And they think that’s exactly why they’re in a great position to win Renovation Resort.
“It’s very helpful that we’ve been married as long as we have,” Savannah, the designer, says. “We’re gonna win this competition because we are definitely pushing the limits when it comes to design on this project.”
With a successful DIY blog that has amassed more than 200,000 social media followers, we believe her. Especially since her style is a modern and colourful vibe with a mix of tradition.
As for Kyle, a third-generation contractor, he counters that he and his wife will win the competition because they’re good. He notes that he’s often able to execute almost anything creative that Savannah comes up with and he adds that his wife comes up with some pretty great stuff.
