Meet David & Chenoa Rivera of Rustic Rehab
Chenoa and David Rivera are the stars of Rustic Rehab, a new HGTV show that follows the couple as they remodel and restore homes in their hometown of Paradise, California. The couple shares a passion for transforming neglected houses into beautiful homes. With four kids and bustling business, we’re not exactly sure sure how they’re finding time to be with us for the Downtown Raleigh Home Show, but we can’t wait to get to know them and get their rehab tips. Below, we get to know them a little bit before they head to the show:
What’s an easy DIY project homeowners can tackle to improve their space?
Chenoa: Add an accent wall like wallpaper to update a boring space.
David: Painting.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
Chenoa: My baby asleep...I could stare at him all day.
David: A picture of my kids and wife.
If you had to move to another country, which would you pick and why?
Chenoa: I’d move to Italy and renovate an old historic home in the city... I love all of the architectural details in old buildings.
David: Dominican Republic. My mom was born there and I love the beaches and food.
What’s one thing we wouldn’t guess about you?
Chenoa: I love good coffee. My car has to
be clean or I feel like my life is unorganized.
DavidI: I’m a history buff.
What’s a common mistake homeowners make
when they take on a home improvement project themselves?
David: They don’t enlist the services of a liscensed professional when doing structural work
Fill in the blank: The three things I can’t live without are ______________.
Chenoa: Family, yoga, music.
David: Family, food and the gym.
What’s a must-have at any party you’re throwing?
Chenoa: Great ambiance, lighting, music.
David: Music.
What project have you been most proud to work on?
Chenoa: I love areas in all different ones, it’s hard to choose! I try to never copy my designs and add a new twist that’s still within budget.
David: My brother’s home.
Where do you go online to find inspiration?
Chenoa: Bloggers, Instagram, Houzz, Pinterest. Store websites.
David: I like to read a lot of books and blogs regarding residential redevelopers.
What’s one thing you wish every homeowner knew?
David: Owning a house requires a lot of maintenance.
What are your best small space living hacks?
Chenoa: Open shelves, light paint colors, great lighting, fun details, minimalist style, organization.
What’s something that folks should watch
out for when working with a contractor or interior designer?
Chenoa: Get a written bid always and make sure it includes everything. Hidden costs add up!
David: If they ask for a lot of money upfront be careful. And make sure to work with a contract.
What advice would you give to your 10 year
old self?
Would you rather upgrade your closet, bathroom or kitchen?
Chenoa: I would update my kitchen as it’s the central hub in my household.
David: Kitchen.
What are your best outdoor décor tips?
Chenoa: Think of it as another room. Lighting, comfortable seating and even fun rugs can be used to spruce things up!
David: Lighting can really make a backyard look nice:
Could you live in a tiny home?
Chenoa: I could live in a tiny home before I had four kids and a dog!!
David: Yes, I could live in a tiny home.
Which HGTV / DIY Network star would you most like to work with and why?
Chenoa: Joanna Gaines, she seems very down to earth and her designs are flawless.
David: Terek El Moussa because of the way he runs his business.
You’ve been interviewed many times. What is the one question you always wish someone would ask?
Chenoa: I wish people would ask me- How do you juggle it all? - sometimes I wish people realized how much work it entails. With four kids ages 20, 17, 5 and 20 months, life is extremely hectic but very rewarding. I had my eldest daughter when I was extremely young and early on realized I wanted the best for her and never looked back. I pushed the envelope in everything I did to get to where I am today, often taking it one day at a time. I think the biggest thing for me is I didn’t set limits on what I could accomplish. If I wanted to achieve something and make it happen I knew I had the power. All my past experiences have made me who I am today and have prepared me for my next venture... I wouldn’t change a thing.
Find more info on the couple, their family and residential business by visiting their website. The Downtown Raleigh Home Show takes over the Raleigh Convention Center September 14-16, 2018. Get your tickets online and SAVE $3.
