Ep 1. A New Kitchen for an Old Friend

Christina on the Coast is an American reality television series that premiered on HGTV in May 2019. The show follows designer Christina Anstead as she assists clients with home renovation projects in Southern California. Each episode focuses on a different project and showcases Christina's design process, from initial brainstorming to final results.

In the first episode of season 1, titled "A New Kitchen for an Old Friend," Christina helps her longtime friend Cassie transform her outdated kitchen into a modern, functional space. Cassie's kitchen is cramped, poorly laid out, and lacks storage, making it difficult for her and her family to cook and entertain. Christina's challenge is to create a design that maximizes the limited space while also incorporating Cassie's personal style.

The episode begins with Christina and Cassie meeting at Cassie's home for a consultation. Christina takes measurements, examines the existing layout, and gets a sense of Cassie's taste and needs. Cassie tells Christina that she wants an open concept kitchen with a large island and plenty of storage. She also prefers a modern aesthetic with clean lines and a neutral color palette.

With Cassie's wish list in mind, Christina begins to brainstorm design ideas. She visits a cabinet showroom to pick out materials and starts putting together a design plan. One of Christina's main challenges is finding a way to incorporate an existing brick fireplace into the new kitchen design. She decides to build a custom island around the fireplace, which will serve as a focal point and also provide additional seating.

The renovation process begins with the demolition of the existing kitchen. Christina and her team remove cabinets, appliances, and flooring to prepare for the new design. One of the biggest challenges they face is relocating the sink and dishwasher to a different wall, which requires extensive plumbing work. Christina also has to overcome unforeseen setbacks, such as hidden electrical wiring and a damaged ceiling.

Despite the obstacles, Christina and her team work tirelessly to complete the renovation on schedule. They install new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, as well as lighting fixtures and a backsplash. Christina pulls together the finishing touches with accessories such as bar stools, a decorative range hood and a matte black faucet to complement Cassie's vision for a modern kitchen.

The episode concludes with Christina revealing the finished kitchen to Cassie, who is overwhelmed with emotion. The new design has transformed the space, making it brighter, more inviting, and highly functional. Cassie is delighted with the new island, which provides ample seating for entertaining guests. She also appreciates the expanded storage, which makes it easier to keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. To cap it all, the open kitchen now seamlessly flows into the family room creating a warm atmosphere.

In all, "A New Kitchen for an Old Friend" is an inspiring episode that showcases Christina's talent for creating stunning, personalized designs. Through her creativity and vision, she has transformed Cassie's outdated kitchen into a modern, functional space that perfectly reflects her friend's taste and needs. The episode highlights the complexities of home renovation, from hidden surprises to logistical challenges, and demonstrates the importance of trusting a seasoned designer to lead the way.