Jenny Marrs Defends ‘Fixer to Fabulous’ Design After Fans Claim She Didn’t Build a Catio Correctly
Jenny Marrs and husband Dave Marrs faced some criticism for one of their recent Fixer to Fabulous designs. During the show’s Tuesday, February 4, episode, Jenny and Dave renovated a home to include a catio — an enclosed outdoor space for cats — but some viewers didn’t find it to be designed correctly.
“A catio is a screened enclosure that lets cats experience outside while being protected. The lovely room that you build really isn’t a catio,” one person commented on Jenny’s Instagram post about the episode. The HGTV star responded, “It was what Holly and Chris requested. Not a full Catio but a hybrid so that it’s considered square footage to increase the value of their home long term.”
There were seemingly more comments about the design, though, so Jenny expanded with a further explanation on her Instagram Story. “Seeing some questions about the Catio. It was requested to be a hybrid Catio/Sunroom for long term real estate value and for both the cats and the humans to enjoy,” she shared.
Jenny Marrs/Instagram
She also pointed out that not all the elements of the renovation process are shown in the 42-minute episodes. “The conversations and planning that takes place cannot all be included or each episode would span an entire season,” Jenny explained. “Just always assume what we do is ALWAYS based on what the homeowners ask for. It’s their home and we want them to be happy in it.”
Season 6 of Fixer to Fabulous is currently airing on HGTV, and Jenny gushed over the most recent project (including how “purrrrrfectly” the catio turned out) on Instagram after Tuesday’s episode aired.
“The Brookhouser’s home is so stunningly unique,” she shared. “I tested a dozen paint colors on this one because I had to get it right. Now, this rich, dark paint paired with the natural stone accentuates Dave’s gorgeous front door (the brass inlay!)! And, the landscaping + outdoor kitchen + welded fire pit makes it feel like you’re visiting a high-end MCM boutique hotel. I could sit in this backyard and never leave. It’s beautiful and incredibly peaceful.”
Fixer to Fabulous, Tuesdays, 8/7c, HGTV
Conversation33 Comments
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If the owners are happy with the job why should anyone criticize the Marrs work! I absolutely love the Marrs and their show, they are so down to earth and don’t over act or make fools of themselves like some do on their shows. Jennys decorating is top notch and Dave is an excellent craftsman.
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P
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Dave and Jenny are down to earth in their design and building.
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P
They are a wonderful couple that puts their talents and love into their great work and family. LOVE THE SHOW!🥰
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68 2
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O
Don't pay attention to couch potato designers. You're fabulous.
61 2
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I agree Jenny if they think they can do better and they know what's right then they should have their own game show and see how that goes
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G
I believe that they do a fantastic work!! Hater’s got to hate🤔 LOVE THE SHOW!!!
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J
I love their work, I wish I could have them design a home for me but since my husband passed away it is impossible. Keep up the good work, I think you two are the best on HGBT.
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So sorry for your loss
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I think they're fabulous and wish they would come to PA. I would love a Jenny kitchen. I also adore when their kids join them. They model the best parenting examples!!! Dave's easy on the eyes and his adoration for Jenny makes him even sexier. Superb craftsman. Very down to earth and always giving the best to the family they're working with on the show. Keep up the great show.
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I truly love everything y'all do; these idiots can go pack sand! Too many Karen's out there who think their opinion matters and they can do everything so much better. Truth be told they probably couldn't change a lightbulb.
Keep doing what you do.
They can walk on!
32 3
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B
Is that your opinion?
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R
It makes great business sense to have the room be double duty. I liked it. The cats and people win, they can enjoy each other together. And most importantly...its what the homeowners wanted!
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It's amazing how as a viewer one would think to insert themselves in a 400+ thousand dollar renovation decision without contributing a red cent. Do they really think that after shelling out all that money the homeowners would have been OK with anything less than exactly what they asked for? It's not the catio for you viewer but it was just right for the ones paying for it🤦🏾♀️
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B
I love this couple they are original and do excellent work together! My favorite show to watch!
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G
Jenny and Dave, just ignore the negative comments! Both catio and front door are beautiful!! You did what the homeowners wanted and that’s all that matters! I personally love everything you do and the thought you put to give all the homeowners the best and unique experience!! Keep up the great work!
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O
I was first thinking the same thing. Cats just don't sit, they climb and are very busy. That was more for dogs. IMO
Then I said Jenny normally research then build. This must be what the owner wanted, because that was not a CATIO.
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It’s exactly what I wanted because we also have a bird that needed a room to be safe in all weather as well. They gave me the perfect space and I’ve since added what my cats and fosters need to be stimulated and happy. It’s their favorite room.
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The CATIO had it wrong with plants. Cats chew on plants and those were dangerous if not lethal.
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If you don't have anything kind to say, just keep it to yourself. Know this that you are unaware of behind the scene conversations, and if the homeowners are ok with what was built for them, who are you to be the critic!!
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C
Someone should have just googled catio, homeowner even said they wanted to the cats to feel like they are outside, but safe. Screens NOT windows !!
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P
In all honesty, to build what the critics wanted is not realistic. I thought it was lovely and accommodates both owners and kittys. I hope they enjoy it!
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Love the show can get enough
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I think Jenny and dave are great they have good show make it intertaing to watch and I miss joe
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Love this couple and their show!
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Everyone will have an opinion but you guys are still good designers and you do a great job
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C
she always goes above and beyond everything she does and she designs from the heart. When I hit the lottery, I’m gonna ask you to come and build me a house and decorate it. You are both amazing. The cats will be fine with the room for themselves with screens when mommy and daddy aren’t around the house is beautiful
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B
There are always gonna be naysayers. Somebody's got a complaint, or it's just not a party, you know? I don't know who hired them to be the catio. Police but I think it was beautiful. As all of your other designs, you put your heart and soul into it.And you did exactly what the homeowners wanted, so to all the people who were being judgmental, don't watch.
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I think that they did what the OWNER wanted. Geez ppl, relax.
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P
I think some people have way to much time on their hands and should mind their own business. No one contacted them and ask them to do renovations on the house and there is a reason for that. 😁
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B
Then just call it a sunroom.
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R
Jenny said that is what the client wanted but that is not what the client said in the show that aired that the public watched, they called it a Catio
Nowhere did they say a some what catio, when I was watching I told my husband “that’s not what they ask for, that’s just a room with a cat condo in it” Sorry Jenny just admit this time you are wrong or show the clip of the client saying they wanted a half screen porch and half catio
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R
I generally like the design,but i was not thrilled about the front door. I couldn't see the inlays at all until the camera was inches from the door. It would have been better if the door had been painted black.bthen the gold inlays would have stood out. Other than that great design. Love the catio.
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Love the Mars, but that Catio was horrible. I'd give it a 2 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being best. There were no cat walks, no hammocks, and zero creativity. I was so disappointed, and felt there was a huge potential for a better outcome.
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