Delco Home Named ‘Ugliest House in America’ by HGTV

In a notable episode of HGTV’s popular series “Ugliest House in America,” Retta, a renowned television host, and interior designer Alison Victoria made a bold announcement at Justine Mays’ home in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, declaring it the “ugliest house in America.” This striking proclamation was met with enthusiasm and confetti, highlighting the unique thematic recognition that comes from the show.

Mays’ residence featured an array of unconventional design choices, including decorative doors repurposed as artwork, a unique wallpaper crafted from cigar boxes, and a grill affixed to a second-story exterior accessible solely through a window. These artistic yet perplexing elements contributed to its accolade, enhancing the home’s reputation for eccentricity.

After nearly a year of anticipation following her victory in the sixth season finale aired on June 30, Mays finally unveiled her home’s new status. Winning the contest came with a substantial prize: a 0,000 home renovation. Post-transformation, Mays expressed her delight about her reimagined residence, which she described as vibrantly pink, aligning with her distinct aesthetic vision.

Mays’ journey to homeownership began in 2022, when she, having accrued savings while working in the biopharmaceutical sector, successfully navigated the home-buying process. After several disappointments with different properties, she discovered the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom dwelling with a striking underwater mural on the front porch.

The interior boasted eclectic features, from a collage of maps adorning the entryway ceiling to a kitchen island embedded with global currencies and memorabilia. Despite the previous owner’s unconventional artistic influences that left the home with a chaotic charm, Mays was drawn to its original hardwood floors and generous space, ultimately purchasing it for 4,000.

Mays’ home was painted in peculiar styles that reflected the creativity of its former owner, a person who operated a nonprofit arts program. The combination of environmental consciousness and artistic flair gave the home a distinctive character, which Mays embraced as she considered herself lucky to own such a unique property.

After moving into her new home, Mays received an unexpected opportunity—an invitation to appear on “Ugliest House in America,” despite having never previously watched the show. Initially skeptical about the authenticity of the casting contact, Mays conducted due diligence and decided to participate.

During the filming, Retta provided candid reactions to the home’s idiosyncrasies, dubbing it the “Collage Barrage.” The quirky architecture and design flourishes were explored in detail, with Retta commenting on the unusual use of doors, mirrors, and nonsensical installations that characterized the home.

Ultimately, Mays triumphed over other contestants, with her home claiming the title in a finale that showcased five finalists. Following her victory, she officially transitioned into a renovation phase where she was required to vacate her property briefly while renovations were completed.

The renovation process, overseen by Victoria and supported by local contractors, introduced a fresh aesthetic to the once-controversial residence. The striking updates included a black-and-white exterior and elaborately decorated interiors, resonating deeply with Mays’ preference for pink.

Mays expressed joy at the blend of original characteristics with new updates, emphasizing that her home remains a testament to its colorful past while embracing a vibrant new chapter. As “Season Six” of “Ugliest House in America” gains traction, viewers can explore Mays’ captivating transformation through streaming platforms such as MAX and Discovery+.

This remarkable story exemplifies how personal expression and creativity can redefine spaces and narratives, setting a precedent for unconventional design in home renovation.