20 Ideas on the Brady Bunch House Interior Layout Before and After

Introduction:

The Brady Bunch house is one of the most iconic homes in American television history. Most fans remember it for its unique split-level design, cozy mid-century modern interiors, and unforgettable charm that shaped the 1970s family sitcom culture. Interestingly, the home’s interior, as seen on television, was never real. The exterior was filmed from an actual house in Studio City, Los Angeles, but the inside was entirely a Hollywood set. That all changed in 2019 when HGTV took on a massive restoration project called A Very Brady Renovation. They purchased the real house and rebuilt the entire interior to match the fictional one — layout, furniture, colors, and even small decor details — while also introducing modern upgrades that enhanced functionality without sacrificing nostalgia.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through 20 before-and-after layout ideas that transformed the Brady Bunch house from an ordinary suburban home into a living replica of a beloved television classic. Whether you’re a fan of retro design, mid-century modern aesthetics, or simply love a good home transformation story, these ideas will inspire you to blend timeless design with contemporary comfort.

1. Reintroducing the Iconic Split-Level Layout

One of the defining features of the Brady Bunch house was its split-level design. Originally, the real home did not include this architectural layout. During the renovation, HGTV raised the ceiling and restructured the interior to create a true split-level effect, connecting the living room, kitchen, and upstairs bedroom spaces with a seamless flow. The reconstructed layout adds both dimension and authenticity while maintaining accessibility across levels.

2. A Centerpiece Staircase That Tells a Story

The open staircase in the Brady Bunch living room is one of the most memorable features of the show. Before the renovation, this did not exist in the actual house. The team recreated the floating wooden staircase with black metal railings, just like the original set. Positioned strategically in the living room, it now draws the eye and serves as the architectural centerpiece — instantly recognizable to any fan.

3. Wood Paneling: From Outdated to Stylishly Retro

Wood paneling was once seen as outdated, but in the Brady Bunch home, it’s a signature design choice. In the original home, this detail was missing. During the transformation, HGTV installed mid-century style wood paneling on the walls of the living and family rooms to replicate the 70s aesthetic. Paired with modern lighting and furniture, the paneling now feels warm, nostalgic, and surprisingly trendy again.

4. The Return of the Sunken Living Room

Sunken living rooms were all the rage in the 1970s. The Brady set featured a sunken space that created intimacy and character in the main gathering area. The real house’s living room was completely flat before renovation. To stay true to the show, the renovation team dug down and built a lower-level seating area that matched the original structure perfectly. This not only recreated a famous visual but also added architectural interest to the open floor plan.

5. Kitchen Nostalgia with a Tech Upgrade

The Brady kitchen was cheerful, functional, and distinctly retro with its orange countertops and wood cabinetry. While these colors may seem bold today, HGTV brought them back with precision. Using custom cabinetry and modern appliances cleverly disguised to match the old aesthetic, the kitchen now feels like a museum of mid-century style but functions with today’s smart technology, including energy-efficient ovens, refrigerators, and lighting.

6. Creating Better Dining Room Flow

In the original TV set, the dining room was semi-open, allowing for interaction between spaces. The real house had a more closed-off dining area. Post-renovation, the team created a more open concept, connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This not only mirrors the TV layout but also improves the home’s practicality for modern families who enjoy open living.

7. Expanding the Family Room with Backyard Access

The show often featured scenes where the Brady kids ran in and out of the backyard. In the renovated home, a sliding glass door was added to the back of the family room, leading to a lush outdoor space. This change improved the indoor-outdoor flow, making the family room a bright, connected, and functional space for entertaining or relaxing.

8. Bringing Back the Brick Fireplace and Built-ins

Another classic detail was the built-in wooden shelves flanking the large brick fireplace in the living room. These elements were absent in the original house. The renovation team meticulously recreated them using reclaimed materials to stay environmentally conscious. The result is a cozy focal point that offers storage, style, and a throwback to TV’s golden age.

9. A Spacious and Vintage Entryway

The entrance to the original home was cramped and dark. During the remodel, HGTV expanded the foyer to make it brighter and more welcoming. They installed vintage floor tiles, a mid-century modern bench, and period-accurate artwork. Now, the entryway sets the tone for the entire home, evoking both charm and nostalgia from the first step inside.

10. Shared Bedrooms Reimagined for Function and Fun

The Brady kids famously shared rooms — the girls in one and the boys in another. HGTV recreated these shared spaces with careful attention to detail, adding bunk beds, playful wallpaper, and vintage furnishings. They also made sure to include built-in storage solutions to make the rooms functional for modern living while keeping the whimsical 70s vibe intact.

11. A Master Bedroom Straight Out of the Show

The parents’ bedroom in the original TV set had bold wallpaper and a minimalistic layout. The real home had a neutral, dated master suite. This was overhauled with retro floral wallpaper, wood-paneled headboards, and period-accurate lighting fixtures. The result is a perfect balance of old-school romance and new-era comfort.

12. Restoring the Pink and Blue Bathrooms

No Brady Bunch renovation would be complete without the infamous pink and blue tiled bathrooms. These bright, playful spaces were designed with dual sinks and colorful walls. In the real home, these didn’t exist — but HGTV created them from scratch, using custom tilework to replicate the original look while installing modern plumbing and lighting systems underneath.

13. Kitchen Pass-Through That Sparks Conversation

A small but memorable detail from the show was the pass-through window between the kitchen and dining area. The renovation brought this feature back, adding an opening with a countertop that encourages conversation and makes serving food easier. It’s both practical and nostalgic — a perfect example of design with dual purpose.

14. Wallpaper That Tells a Story

Throughout the house, bold wallpaper designs play a key role in capturing the 1970s style. From the geometric prints in the boys’ room to the floral patterns in the hallways, the wallpaper was carefully selected to match the original set design. It adds personality to each room and gives the space a cohesive retro look.

15. Vintage Lighting That Illuminates Memories

The lighting in the Brady Bunch home was crucial to its style. The team installed hanging globe lights, swag lamps, and recessed fixtures similar to those seen on TV. These lights don’t just brighten the space — they transport you back in time while using LED bulbs for energy efficiency.

16. A Functional and Nostalgic Kids’ Bathroom

In addition to the pink and blue bathrooms, another kids’ bath was designed with shared counter space, large mirrors, and fun tile colors. The space was updated to meet modern building codes but kept the vintage charm, including retro faucets, towel bars, and light fixtures.

17. Transforming the Basement into a Retro Game Room

The original home had an unfinished basement, but the renovation team turned it into a 1970s-style recreation room. Complete with shag carpeting, beanbag chairs, and vintage arcade games, the basement is now a fun escape and a great homage to classic family hangouts.

18. Using Bold Colors With Purpose

Colors like avocado green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and sky blue are used throughout the house to reflect the original set. While these can seem risky, they’re balanced with neutral tones and wooden textures to create a space that feels energetic yet inviting.

19. Incorporating Show-Inspired Décor

The house is filled with small décor elements that mirror the show — framed photos of the Brady kids, vintage books, ceramic figurines, and patterned cushions. These items may be subtle, but they contribute to the overall atmosphere and tie the rooms together.

20. Layout That Blends Storytelling and Functionality

Every room was reconstructed with a layout that reflects the original while being fully livable. From widened doorways to hidden HVAC systems, modern conveniences were integrated in ways that don’t disrupt the period feel. The layout now supports large families, guests, and daily life — proving that good design is timeless.

Conclusion:

The Brady Bunch house transformation is more than just a design project; it’s a cultural tribute that brings television history to life. HGTV’s renovation honored the memory of the show while making the home functional and beautiful for today’s standards. These 20 layout ideas show how thoughtful design, historical accuracy, and modern upgrades can come together to create a truly special space.

If you’re inspired by the Brady Bunch house makeover, consider how you might introduce retro elements into your own home, whether it’s through color, layout, or decorative detail. Sometimes, the past really does offer the best ideas for the future.