“It’s literally transformed!” Desi Perkins’ Cozy Living Room Makeover | Architectural Digest

Interior designer Erick Garcia of Maison Trouvaille returns to Architectural Digest for another episode of Replace This Space, training his eye today on the living room of make-up artist and KZbin personality Desi Perkins. Desi feels the current design lacks the warm, inviting vibe the rest of her rooms have attained - and Erick has more than a few ideas on how to unify it with the rest of her home. The existing TV-a little too big and overpowering -was swapped out with The Frame TV by Samsung, recessed into the wall making it look custom-made for the space. The Frame transforms to art when you’re not watching TV and you can personalize with customizable bezels (shown with Teak bezels. Sold separately.) to perfectly blend it in with the décor and space.
Shop products featured in this video:
Akron Street Tenon Table: fave.co/3FEznbC
AllModern Maley Pedestal Coffee Table: fave.co/3KmgqhD
55" Samsung The Frame 4K TV: fave.co/3rAD4Kr
When you buy something through our retail links, we earn an affiliate commission.
Personalize your space with The Frame by Samsung. Your TV turns into a beautiful work of art when it’s off and features fully customizable bezels. Availability of bezel styles and colors may vary by TV size. Bezels sold separately.
Photos of Desi's upstair living spaces courtesy of Ye Rin Mok.
Shopping footage shot on location at Berbere Imports.
berbereimports...
#DesiPerkins
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[@Archdigest]

Shop products featured in this video: Akron Street Tenon Table: fave.co/3FEznbC AllModern Maley Pedestal Coffee Table: fave.co/3KmgqhD 55" Samsung The Frame 4K TV: fave.co/3rAD4Kr When you buy something through our retail links, we earn an affiliate commission.

[@marysanchez2886]

Can you source where the rug is from please

[@ysantana10]

How about the white pedestal coffee table?

[@hilar3052]

Hi, thanks for sharing the products. Could you also share a link of the sofa slipcover? Thank you!

[@cierrapedersen4429]

Where are the built in book shelves from?

[@davidbarrera4984]

Where are the sofas from?

[@Andrea51108]

I love how he warmed up the space. Not crazy about the smaller, recessed TV.

[@Janelletiffani]

Same! I’m not sure how functional that size is for a room that big… and If they intend to watch things on it that’s not a good size but he did a great job !

[@edenassos]

He's clearly not a tech guy

[@NEESHiMinaj]

My first thought is what happens if it breaks or if I by a new video game console… how do I plug it in 😭😭😭

[@darryl4986]

@@edenassos If he would recommend a Samsung 'The Frame" TV, he's definitely a tech guy.

[@jellybeanarmyjellybean9898]

@@NEESHiMinaj actually the frame tv has all the connections ia a separate box not on the tv

[@queenpotato7766]

I actually really love this transformation; the colors are so much warmer and inviting; the coffee table is way more functionable and I love that you can overlap them. There is more storage space so it is more functional. He was very thoughtful with the fabric of the chairs and I think that will be for the best. Overall, the material and color choices were for the best. The slightly fluffy chair in the chisme room also adds to the cozy feel, although they might be hard to wash. He was definitely correct about the TV needing to be made smaller, even if it hurt me a little to see it shrink :O . Hopefully they just moved the other TV to another room. I'm also glad that he changed the color of the rocks/crystals in the fireplace; I don't know if I would've ever thought to do that.

[@ValentinaMitchell1]

Not much as changed. Bunch of BS

[@queenpotato7766]

@@ValentinaMitchell1 Not much needs to change for it to look good. There is no reason to spend hundreds or thousands tearing down walls, redoing floor plans, ripping up the floor, etc... especially when a space could look a lot more cozy and nice with just a few layout changes, color changes. Honestly, just the changing of the couches and their direction along with the new coffee tables would've have pleased me, already makes the space more open to the outdoors and the wooden coffee tables definitely felt more like "outdoors inside" that the glass table. It isn't a "bunch of bs" you just had expectations different from the actual goal of the renovation. The room is still modern, just a bit warmer.

[@jamiechaa]

the chairs in the chisme room literally made me gasp. I am in love!! it’s such a warm and cozy space now. a VIBE!!!

[@Brie-C]

Now it looks like a waiting room in an office. Her style before the makeover was beautiful!!

[@GlobalCitizen55]

The TV doesn’t even fit well into the wall. Loathe the uneven gaps between the frame and the wall. But do like how the place looks warmer.

[@SaikolaM]

My thoughts exactly. Makes it look cheap which it obviously wasn’t

[@preezy1981]

Nailed it with this comment! It looks terrible imo. Looks like sloppy work in all honesty

[@eleedov]

My husband would kill me if I got a smaller tv for a reno. I agree, that tv is way too small. Poor dad!

[@MrsSalGirl]

I think he partially understood the assignment

[@JessicaGonzalez-yh7ls]

I love how much warmer it is. I think Desi decorated it a lot better though I loved her pieces in the built ins. I agree with everyone else tv is way too small. I don't think the bigger tv took away from the fire place at all. either way it all looks so beautiful and she has a beautiful home.

[@imkeekees]

I don’t mind the natural edges around the tv, however the size of the tv is too small. Even if you’re not a tech person, it doesn’t flow with the big black fireplace underneath it. I love black features in a home, but I think they should have painted out the black on the fireplace to match the plaster, or something similar. It would have made the new tv look less small and more of an “art” piece.

[@dont7189]

Agreed.

[@farrin_camille]

I agree. The black is so harsh looking now

[@evicaf4e]

I agree about the size, it could be a bit bigger, but about that black for the fireplace I think it's good, because the place need some contrast. If everything would be cream, beige and brown it would look bland. The black ads some nice contrast, but still fit that natural colour scheme. You must understand that there is some black framing of the windows and doors, the lights are also dark, so nope the fireplace does not stick out... it flows nicely.

[@TheEveroser]

The tv looks so creepy! Maybe it's the weird gray of the matte board that makes it look like when you take a photo of a white screen and the colors turns into that gray color

[@user-vx2tu3lb9k]

The TV isn’t just too small, it’s also too high! TVs should be at eye level in the center when the viewer is seated. They could have put the television to one side or the other, or lowered it significantly since they were redoing the fireplace anyway.

[@nightbender9250]

Even Desi looked uncomfortable initially with the idea of a smaller tv. I would never ask someone to trade their tv with a smaller alternative. The designer should be incorporating that into their design

[@TheKaurK]

A designer needs to be bold and understand their client’s needs better than the client themselves. I was hesitant at first too, but I definitely like the smaller TV. It doesn’t make much of a functional difference but it flows so much better with the design.

[@RICHARDGERMANE]

A cabinet would have been ideal

[@nigerianhurr90]

@@TheKaurK designers can still be wrong. They are their to give you ideas that you may not have known youd like or would not have tried yourself but they can never no a person better than they know themselves. Him saying he wants to make the space more practical but how is a smaller TV practical for someone who has already been used to having a larger tv.

[@PitaaaBby]

@@TheKaurK I agree, the tv is not overpowering. Smaller, frame tv makes it seamless

[@lutherjohnson8205]

I concur. I purchase large tv's for a reason, so downsizing would NOT be an option.

[@fricti0nnn__00]

I love how small the tv is & that it isn’t the focal point anymore! The warmth he brought in is soooo dreamy, cozy and much needed

[@lorenuca]

Mmm the recessed TV looks kind of weird, specially with The Frame model... you wouldn't put framed artwork recessed like that, would look better on top of the stone! Love her outfit for the final reveal tho :D she looks amazing

[@69surf1]

I so agree !

[@stephvsrudy27]

Smaller tv 😱 it’s a nono 😩 sectional needs to come back, but flipped to the opposite side❣️

[@iDalisMediaTV]

Love the slip cover on the sofa color is beautiful . I love how he considers function AND design. so cool.

[@Mary-et7ed]

I kinda really liked the before better in the living room. I would have only moved the sofa to face the door. It was already beautiful.

[@daydreameraj9777]

Me too

[@debradeininger6976]

I agree -- before was better. All it needed was repositioning the sofa. Not much I like in after.

[@phiakate]

I agree, it’s like he took away all the glamour. The tables and chairs are too small and the sofa fabric is ugly.

[@tonyad1937]

Definitely agree!

[@HR-re6mr]

It is warmer but NOT better. The old couch was better IMO. I know he said you didn’t have access to the backyard but why couldn’t it be flipped? He could have slipped cover it like he did the new ones? The stone wall adds texture but using a smaller tv but keeping the black surround on the bottom just made the tv look dinky and the fireplace out of proportion. I would have liked to see maybe an oversized mantle that was overextended to help balance the old tv’s size. I also felt like the gossip room was boring and missing a soul. The white chairs with that too small tequila table just looked unfinished and sparse. But with budget and time I’m sure something may have not been possible. As long as she and her family love it, great! Sidenote the pic of the primary spaces was way more impressive than these two IMO.

[@hs-bv5zx]

Stunning transformation! I love the thought behind every room. Desi’s home is a dream, and she’s one of my favourite creators ❤️

[@yrammath61]

The speaker on that small recessed TV is gonna sound GREAT

[@Andrea51108]

😂

[@SeaToSummit1969]

You don’t think they have a full hi-fi system but into their entire house?…

[@thatgirlyesher8845]

It's functional and cozy. I love! Sometimes it does not have to be exaggerated but about calmness and space.

[@cheisarestrepo3394]

Personally love the chisme room update. As for the living room I would’ve kept the tv size and the sectional couch, maybe just switched it to face the backyard door instead. The new couches don’t give off the “family” room vibe, not comfy enough. And the tv looks way too small for the wall. I would’ve honestly just reduced the size of the fire place instead of all that black surrounding it.. but I do love the the updates to everything else. Just for me, personally, as a “family” room the previous couch & tv gave off a more inviting feeling than the new. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

You're right the couch didn't attract my eyes 🙄

[@farrin_camille]

I hate the new couch. And the tv looks too small for the wall now lol

[@ThePricipleOfParsimony]

Same.

[@rainitesam-reading5734]

seriously just what she needed! i’m obsessed, more family friendly and warm

[@axreason]

the whole point of The Frame was wasted when they decided to build it into the wall. framed artwork isn't a part of the wall, it's hanging ON the wall. makes this look really off.

[@Frugalista77]

It looks horrible built in

[@fashionbeautyrocks]

The way he ends every sentence as a question is driving me INSANE lol

[@bibimaritza]

The new transformation does reflect desi sense of style with neautral tones. The couches facing the outdoor space was brilliant. However something was missing, I can’t place my fingure on it. Maybe a bit of color since there’s a toddler in the home. But as long as desi loves it, that’s all that matters. So proud of her 🙌✨

[@lisahuber9329]

there's going to be more than enough colour once all the toys are out lol

[@arthurfilemon6038]

What sense of style? What sense of style is there when it's a copy of a hotel lobby or any other lobby, impersonal space? Horrible house and horrible sense of style.

[@brigitteleafbarnes1441]

Agreed

[@toad1694]

Wow! I love his work! He really warmed the place up and improved the design! It looks very welcoming!

[@naomi8679]

I love how he warmed up the space, from watching desi for years this space definitely reflects her asethetic well. However, I think the TV is now too small for the space and looks out of place, if anything I think they should have completely removed the TV replacing it with a painting/art piece and moved the TV to another space

[@MelissasMuttHutt]

I was thinking a Frame TV with Art featured, but this one is too small.

[@muhammadludwi9872]

The TV now even more stand out. It really catch the attention in the living room :(

[@mileech2107]

100 percent agree

[@stephanielorraine6]

I think the smaller tv does look better, however it is more their family room that they spend a lot of time in. I'd just hang my bigger tv back up after they leave lol

[@shans.762]

me too girl lol

[@sforsapir]

They have a theater room so they prob use that too 😂

[@emoryf.3905]

Me too 🤣

[@sdust251977]

Hahaha I was thinking the same!!

[@jasz28]

Facts hahaha the new tv is way too small

[@BiancaColacin]

Ocean’s little storage space was the highlight for me.

[@kathryngitonga4466]

From a designer's point of view....I feel like there are too many gaps with the execution--the space feels like it's still asking for something else! It feels incomplete to some extent. The sectional couch should have definitely remained....aren't they now getting less sitting space? The TV doesn't look proportional to the height and width of that fireplace. As much as I understand the concept he was going for , I feel like Desi's Colour pallete was beautiful executed but the functionality of the space considering how big her family is leaves alot to be desired. The previous design that was done by Desi felt more 'homey' and more functional; maybe what they would have done is just tweak the colour pallete abit.

[@Kee29130]

Agree!

[@jamesrightasrain795]

Completely disagree. The two sofas always create more seating that the same linear feet of a section due to corner. The tv is proportional to the firebox and surround. Perhaps there is too much stone now. But the old tv stood too proud and was too much.

[@baileymartin9]

Love love love Desi. Beautiful remodel… love the picturesque aesthetic and openness to the backyard. I would probably put the old tv back lol

[@kenia7771]

Erick has such a warm and friendly personality! I want to be his friend! lol

[@Ynot_Xowhat]

That transformation is marvelous. Very cozy & practical, also trendy coz of earthy & round edges furnitures.

[@DesiHanSch60]

YAAAAASSSSS! I want those chairs. Anyone know what style they're called? Modern, Contemporary, ______??

[@katiedecker9835]

I like Erick's thoughtful design and explanation. Also, the couches are not water resistant, but they are Ocean (her son) resistant. Too cute!

[@franceslovato9842]

This is very nice & beautiful! The before was also nice. Great job! I personally never see the need to match every room, this creates boredom. I think each room has it's own shape & personality. This concept of differentiality in each room works for me & my family in my home. I also love color in my home!

[@feliciabailey0411]

I agree. I think the flow should feel cohesive but nothing should match. Especially smaller spaces. You can be a lot more creative and colorful with them.

[@carolebuckle7977]

It was cold, now it feels warm & welcoming 🇬🇧

[@baekksong3970]

he did great with the space, but the gaps between the tv frame and the stone wall really irk me. makes it look sloppy imo

[@scottbrown7071]

Beautiful and warm! I can’t imagine the husband is thrilled about the smaller TV though!!

[@deniselehzen]

OBSESSED with the after it’s so cozy! omg!

[@g0ongurl78]

Would love to work with a designer like him. It was so refreshing how much he asked for her input on ideas. You can tell it was great business and personal transaction.

[@breyukie773]

This is my dream home. My goodness. Love her aesthetically pleasing and signature neutral style.

[@emills767]

It's lovely but I can't imagine a world where someone would personalize my book collection for me

[@karlalopez5190]

I really liked the prior living room way more

[@filippaolsson2903]

I love this makeover, it’s amazing!

[@nicolelou4327]

Desi first home video is my all time favorite, I have the same sectional (not color). I enjoyed the new ideas because I have a 2yr old.

[@sineadmcvey131]

Anyone else think she didn’t love it 😂

[@phiakate]

There’s nothing to love he made it completely boring. I hope she didn’t have to pay for any of it.

[@indemne3302]

@@phiakate same, i also hope she doesn't have to pay to fix the tv wall that this guy did. it's too small and too high. i can't believe he built it into the wall so they can never fix it without someone completely remodeling the wall...

[@tl1110]

I didn't love it. But then again, I didn't love the before either.

[@krisztinarozsos710]

I loved this transformation. Those fluffy chairs oh boy they look so comfy. Great job!

[@willcollins2883]

He did a great job, so much more inviting, chic and fun, bringing in more warmth and textures. He's very charismatic - even he could talk me into a smaller TV lol.

[@itsABREEze]

I know a lot of people are saying the tv is too small but I disagree, to me the tv is set up to be more of a decorative piece versus the focal point of the space, I honestly see the view as the focal point IMO

[@katieakin9397]

I love the transformed aesthetic but personally would have kept the tv size and plop-down-able couch size/configuration. The new couches feel more like a living room vibe as opposed to a lie-down-and-watch-a-movie family room vibe.

[@ohitsp]

I agree it feels less like a family room now. The stone edges are a distraction to what's on the screen and even more so because the screen is small now. I actually think the TV didn't take away from the fireplace. I would prefer the fireplace now with the old tv out of the semi-flushed in the stone.

[@geegee_509]

Damn, I want a chisme room now. Cause that’s a whole energy that requires it’s own space lol

[@duc25xr]

The TV is a fail. Yea, it looks more art-like but its too small for the room and way too high for good ergonomics

[@kathyv1]

I love the bar! Not the biggest fan of the sofas and smaller tv 🥴

[@diorg8456]

This was a hard no for so many reasons. As a subscriber of their magazine, I’m surprised AD signed off on this editorially.

[@msknucb1762]

I like the BEFORE rooms better, especially the living. room...the before furniture was more practical for living.

[@staceybenoit9991]

It’s so lovely and perfect for this amazing family!

[@jessislistless]

Knowing that they have a theatre room, this new TV is the perfect size. "The Frame" is a beautiful TV because when you're not watching Netflix, the screen looks like a featured art piece that fits the aesthetic more than the previous one

[@wolfordclay]

I love the new living room but am I the only one who thinks the smaller tv wasn’t the right decision? I hope they replaced it back to the old one after this was over!

[@Marissa821]

I love Erick. Such an amazing designer

[@DalienErgo]

love how real this is

[@deborahe3117]

It’s beautiful! Looks so warm and inviting! 😍

[@lilianaaguerrebere5366]

I loved the final result🙌🏻

[@sunitaray2135]

Love that he made the outdoor more visible, but agree with everyone on the TV…way too small and the recessed frame is really odd. I also think the stone wall would have looked better as gray concrete, and don’t like the color of the slipcover at all. I usually love Eric’s work, for example what he did in Karen’s (iluvsarahii on KZbin) house, but honestly I liked a lot of the “before” better on this one. Still a beautiful home, and Desi has an impeccable eye, so I have no doubt that she and Steven will make it their own!

[@phiakate]

Ugh, the slip cover is so ugly. I hope she changed that straight away.

[@brandoniswhoiam]

I love this series!

[@Userr608]

Great job! Love it allll the only part that I wouldn’t have changed was the TV. Bigger is better even if it interferes w my decor 😭😭😩 but LOVEEEEEEEE

[@apeaceout101]

I love your videos with him. He is so talented and inspiring.

[@cyjohn1083]

Using a rusty metal around the fireplace & a larger TV with a bronze mirror finish instead of black would have really elevated that space, but I love what they did within budget. That second area……. It’s a no from me. It looks like a before rather than an after. It’s missing warmth and personality. But totally aware they worked within a budget.

[@Kristrea]

I feel he tried to explain too much. The concept was there but the execution was a bit underwhelming. I think we watch too many makeovers. We now expect it to have a wow factor. She should have hired Studio McGee. They do the coastal aesthetic better than anyone out there.

[@nicole01516]

He did great at taking the fireplace from modern to 80s lol

[@karenmunoz969]

Beautiful job. I love the relax and beachy vibe he gave to the spaces with the textures. The only thing I prefer from the old style is the plants. The provided more freshness.

[@LittleTut]

From one Perkins to another Perkins. Hello! Funny I found this video of a Perkins. This was a great remodel. 🤗

[@deniereynolds6119]

Depending on the age of her little boy, those tables will tip every time he pulls himself up. One couch and two really nice architectural chairs would have been better.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

Yeah I also didn't like the tables. I like free space 😆

[@xxLovelyGarnetxx]

I agree about the coffee tables but having one less couch means less seating and clearly this is the main family/tv and entertaining room space. Having only one couch would be a complete flop and two architectural chairs to sit in would make the space too formal.

[@tikax2085]

Lovely transformation, suits her and her family !

[@alexislachance7384]

Y’all need to do a video about her entire house I’m obsessed with it

[@mattschaffer147]

YOU INSET THE TV INTO THE WALL?!? JUST DON'T PUT THE TV OVER THE FIREPLACE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHY. WHY.

[@mattschaffer147]

For real, what a waste. You bought a WHOLE NEW TV for this? Just MOVE the TV. Over the fireplace is the worst possible place for it anyway. How much extra commission did you make on buying an additional, smaller, more expensive Samsung frame TV?

[@mattschaffer147]

Also, sponsor disclosure much?

[@sunmaid6916]

i hate fireplace-mounted tvs but they somehow made the concept worse by recessing it. if the next owners want it moved they have to redo the entire fireplace.

[@FelixMartono]

THANK YOU. it will hurt your neck eitherway. TV should be mounted on eye level on the couch.

[@ambercosme2821]

Love love love …. So desi ! And definitely kid proof . I wanted to see the kitchen too!!!!

[@MaggieMagnoli]

my two ABSOLUTE faves in home decor!

[@MaggieMagnoli]

oh! I LOVE the boucle chairs in the Chisme room! Can't wait to see what that looks like at Christmas this year! :)

[@danikitttie]

I liked the update and warmth he brought in. I just think the whole tv-above-the-fireplace setting is soooo outdated and not functional at all. The ergonomics are completely off and this setup is a real nightmare for people who are prone to headaches. The living room would have looked way better by removing the tv entirely and making another room for media/couch potatoing,.

[@thatsyoya]

They have a theater room. I’m wondering if they use it tho.

[@lovingmayberry307]

"People who are prone to headaches." What a weirdly specific comment. I assume Desi is not prone to headaches...

[@jules1011]

Love Desi but I’m beyond bored with this look, nobody has any dazzle to anything anymore

[@lr929]

It's beautiful 😍 not a fan of the smaller TV it looks out of place, especially being the main family TV. I'd probably take the slip covers off the sofa too, I loved them as they were.

[@carmengrauwels]

Although I would spice it up a bit, i do understand that light, beiges & whites are really calming I find it much better than before ✌🏻

[@michellegirrrl23]

I love the after. The warmth and functionality is great. Definitely would want the bigger tv though since it is the mail room to watch tv with the family!

[@abigaledavis]

Love the look and how warm it is. I would've left the big TV though

[@InTheGardenWithClaudia]

Oh my gosh these are the vibes!! We are remodeling our house from top to bottom and this is giving me so much inspiration! This is absolutely beautiful! 🙌

[@favor2240]

He understood the assignment-It’s an A from me 👌🏾well done ✅

[@an5210]

huge difference. well done

[@kosala05]

Obsessed with this transformation!! Love the warmth it brings to the space ❤️😍

[@alohalani9743]

so interesting how we all have different styles

[@christyanne8322]

I love that these spaces match the upstairs vibe but once you notice his up-speak it’s all you can focus on. 🙃😭

[@matthewwwwww]

Any video with Erick Garcia is a video I'm going to watch

[@ashleyk3602]

He did an amazing job. It’s so warm and inviting. 10 out of 10 for me.

[@DannyDaCat]

For anyone wondering, like I was, that is a Santal 26 Concrete Candle in Grey at the 4:19 mark (with the hacky sack). It's a wonderful candle and scent, and you're welcome.

[@wellstyled]

Yesss! Chicanos! Mi Gente making me proud!

[@johnpinion8033]

I love the changes to the chisme room, but re the LR, if you had told me the "before" was the "after" and the "after" was the "before", I totally would have bought it! 😂🤣

[@kaaalohei]

Stunning ! I love this.

[@bianca_racc]

I agree, the tv doesn’t have to be so big, it’s competing with the fireplace

[@suziemiller6712]

Stunning transformation!

[@Thejoyofdecorating]

This is perfection!!

[@mazjohansson9250]

What a stunning space!!! Except for the recessed TV! A smidge too small and it's a frame TV, it's not supposed to be recessed...

[@christianeluna6187]

Such a facelift ❤ beautiful