When Hearst TV calls and says, “Would you consider hosting an interior design pilot for our new show with Good Housekeeping, called ‘Designer for a Day’?” you say, “YES”! The wonderful people behind the scenes at Hearst TV had already found and started interviewing a darling family here in Sacramento and were beginning to work out the details. We all connected via phone, email and eventually FaceTime to get to know each other and learn about the family’s wants and needs.
The show allowed for a $5,000 budget to transform a single space in 24-hours. Our homeowners, Jason and Jennifer, decided they wanted to focus on their bathroom or their bedroom but we had the final decision. We knew we had about a month to get a few key furnishings and materials onsite and would have to shop locally for others, but our timeline was still very short, especially with supply chair challenges. Ultimately, we decided to transform the owner’s suite, knowing our budget was small and that we had to get it done in the 24-hour time frame while making a dramatic impact.
Once we decided which room to do, it was time to get to work. We immediately began sorting through what we could keep and repurpose, what was to be new and what could truly get here in time for filming. We put a plan together, shared with our friends over at Hearst and set it in motion. Jennifer and Jason put full trust in our team, so they had no idea what was coming, other than hoping it turned out like some of their inspiration photos. We couldn’t wait for the grand reveal!
Q: What was the inspiration for the style of the home? A: This was truly a situation of marrying styles. Jennifer was leaning toward a farmhouse aesthetic and Jason was leaning toward a more modern style. We brought those looks together by giving them an statement wall using Sherwin-Williams Grizzle Gray SW 7068 and a geometric molding pattern for a more modern touch. We contrasted the wall with a white bed, hotel bedding and accent pillows that had more of a farmhouse pattern using the black, white and rough-hewn leather. Additionally, we paired a vintage Feizy farmhouse inspired rug with modern abstract art for balance. There truly is a masculine and feminine touch in this space.
Q: What was the client’s biggest “ask”? A: Jennifer and Jason wanted their space to be elevated, sophisticated and to feel like a luxurious hotel room. Jason had some specific requests like a mirrored ceiling, but we had to give our expert design advice and veto that request. With a dark accent wall, luxurious crisp white bedding, beside lamps for ambient lighting and soft, textured drapery, we gave them just that.
Q: Tell me about a certain space or room that you loved designing and installing most. A: We loved transforming the bedroom but what the couple didn’t know was that we had a secret up our sleeves. We wanted to surprise them and transform their closet as well. We gave them all new Container Store rods, and shelving and not only edited down the clothing but organized it all in a beautiful way, even giving Jennifer a “moment” for her jewelry and designer handbags. This transformation ended up being our favorite of the two spaces, not only for the surprise but for the functionality. This closet is truly “sparking joy”.
Q: Tell me about a design obstacle that you overcame to make the project a success. A: One of the biggest challenges we faced was getting everything we wanted within budget. Let us tell you, even repurposing existing furniture, it is extremely difficult to transform a room for $5,000. Talk about teamwork, we couldn’t have done this without our interior design dream team.
Q: What do you think your clients will most look forward to in their new space? A: We know the family will love piling in the bed and having a movie night with the kids with the TV mounted up on the wall. Now everyone will be able to watch with ease. We think they will also enjoy spending more time simply relaxing with a good book, sleeping-in a little later with the blackout drapes, or getting camera ready in their gorgeous new boutique closet.
Want to see the episode? Watch it here at Very Local and read more about the process at Good Housekeeping—let us know what you think!
