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North-Georgia Home Restored to 90s 'Home Alone' Glory

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. orgia-home-restored-to-90s-home-alone-glory.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 14:51 GMT by WSB-TV
      Locale: Indiana, UNITED STATES

Restoring “90‑s Glory”: The Home Alone‑Inspired House Gets a Major Makeover

A recently‑renovated house that has captured the imagination of nostalgic fans of the beloved 1990s Christmas classic “Home Alone” has become the talk of the town. WSB TV’s “Trending” segment, hosted by the station’s well‑known local reporters, takes an in‑depth look at the transformation of a North‑Georgia home that mirrors the iconic movie house—complete with its red‑brick façade, winding driveway, and classic holiday décor. The article, titled “Home Alone House to Be Renovated, Returned to 90s Glory”, chronicles the journey from a drab, aging property to a lovingly restored 1990s‑style retreat that looks almost too perfect to be real.

The House That Inspired a Classic

The original “Home Alone” house sits in Winnetka, Illinois, and became a cultural touchstone after the 1990 film’s release. The film’s director, Chris Columbus, chose the house for its quintessential American suburban vibe—an empty, brick‑lined home that felt both familiar and mysterious. While the actual movie house is now a private residence, the house featured in the WSB TV piece captures the spirit of the film’s architecture: a two‑story, symmetrical structure with a generous front yard, a bright white front door, and the unmistakable “I Love Christmas” lights that are a staple of the film’s set dressing.

Why the Renovation?

The original property that WSB TV covered had fallen into disrepair after a few decades of use. Its windows were warped, the roof needed replacement, and the front yard had become overgrown. Local realtor Maria Hernandez (featured in the article) explained that the homeowners wanted to preserve the nostalgic “Home Alone” look while bringing the home up to modern standards.

“We wanted to keep that classic 90s feel but also make it functional for today’s families,” Hernandez said. “The house was basically a blank canvas; the renovation was about respecting its past while adding the conveniences that were missing.”

The Renovation Process

The article details the painstaking process of restoring the house, broken down into several key stages:

1. Exterior Restoration
   The original brick façade was cleaned and repointed to bring out its warm glow. The front door was replaced with a custom‑built door that mimics the iconic door from the film, complete with a miniature “home” sign. New gutters and a freshly painted roof brought the house up to code while keeping the aesthetic intact.

2. Interior Upgrades
   Inside, the renovation team replaced dated carpeting with period‑appropriate wood flooring that evokes the mid‑90s look. The kitchen received a modern update with a quartz countertop, a farmhouse sink, and vintage‑style appliances that look contemporary yet retro. A key highlight was the “recreation room” that mirrors the movie’s living space, complete with a faux fireplace and the same window view that the kids in the film enjoyed.

3. Lighting and Décor
   The homeowners, led by their design consultant, focused on lighting to create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. A mix of vintage LED bulbs, string lights, and an LED version of the classic “Christmas tree” lamp gave the house a warm glow. The living room also features an updated but stylized “Home Alone” movie poster wall.

4. Smart Home Integration
   Despite its retro look, the house is fitted with smart home technology. The article explains how the homeowner installed a smart thermostat, security cameras, and a voice‑controlled lighting system that can be activated by a simple “Hey Siri, turn on the living room lights.” The integration of modern tech was a point of pride for the homeowners, who wanted the house to feel both familiar and functional.

5. Outdoor Features
   The house’s original driveway was re‑paved with gravel to evoke the look of the “Home Alone” driveway. A small garden of potted plants, including the iconic “holly” plants from the film, gives the front yard a festive, nostalgic feel. The homeowners also installed a low‑profile mailbox with a “Home Alone” stamp to finish the look.

The Cost and Timeframe

The article provides a clear overview of the project’s budget and timeline. With a total cost of about $250,000, the renovation included materials, labor, design fees, and the cost of a small, temporary crew that worked during the holiday season to keep the house ready for a Christmas premiere. The project took approximately ten months to complete, with the first phase focusing on structural repairs and the second phase dedicated to aesthetic touches.

Community and Fan Response

WSB TV’s reporters interviewed a handful of local “Home Alone” fans and community members who visited the house. Many were blown away by how accurately the renovation captured the film’s essence. “I grew up watching this movie, and it’s amazing to see that kind of detail in real life,” said local resident Angela McDonald, who spent a weekend touring the property.

The article also highlighted an upcoming “Home Alone” viewing party being organized by the homeowners. They’re planning a Christmas‑season screening of the original film in the newly renovated living room, with the local community invited to celebrate the house’s revival.

The Cultural Significance

Beyond the architectural and aesthetic aspects, WSB TV’s piece delves into the broader cultural significance of “Home Alone” as a 90s icon. The film is celebrated for its blend of humor, heart, and the idea that family can be found in unexpected places. The renovation of the house—now a living testament to the movie—serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures and nostalgic longing that many people feel for the 1990s.

The article ends on a hopeful note: the house’s renovation may inspire other fans and homeowners to re‑imagine classic homes while preserving their historic charm. With its blend of retro flair and modern convenience, the “Home Alone” house stands as a perfect bridge between the past and the present.

In summary, WSB TV’s “Trending” feature offers a comprehensive look at how a beloved cinematic landmark has been brought back to life—through careful planning, respectful restoration, and a love for 90s nostalgia. It’s a heartwarming reminder that, sometimes, the best holiday moments come from turning a house into a home that feels like a piece of cinematic history.