New Kitchen, No Problem: Transforming A Retro Kitchen To Be Modern | Sarah 101 | Abode

Lisa's big kitchen has all the makings of a great family hub - it's just 20 years out of date! Good job Sarah and Tommy are in town to update the space without spending a truckload. There's lots worth keeping here, so the lovable design duo aim to modernise the room without tossing out the old - showcasing some great tips using a tin of paint and an eye to up-cycle.
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From: Sarah 101 S1 E9
Content licensed from Blue Ant International to Little Dot Studios Network. Any queries, please contact us at [e-mail]

[@marieslabbert6009]

I love the idea that everything was not just ripped out, but lots were repurposed. The floor would need to grow on me though.

[@katbar6066]

Agree- why put in cheap cupboards when the timber ones were in perfect condition. Did not like the flooring at all though. I thought it was a bit too much. The rest of it looked beautiful. I really liked how they fixed the problem of the pass through into the laundry too.

[@arabellahorwitz2622]

...and the backsplash

[@cristinap7133]

@@katbar6066I agree with you.. the floor is way too busy in colors..

[@kathleenbifulco8129]

Lovely but I would never put in a store without countertop on either side!

[@sandiwalker761]

Love everything but the floor. I think it's going to age quickly. Any single color would have been my choice. That said, I love anything Sarah does!!😁 Sandi

[@serenakoleno9338]

It's retro and in keeping with the style of the mid century modern house.

[@lovly2cu725]

dont drop anything red on that floor. Marmoleum stains.

[@victorialove9104]

This is the strategy I'm going to use on my 1953 kitchen. Amazingly all the appliances still work(!) And the wall oven is a beautiful mint green. Since my husband and I are retired we decided to keep the 1953 appliances until they die. We will use our budget on new countertops, lighting, and sink. We are keeping the solid wood birch cabinets and repainting the cabinet frames soft white with the flat front doors and drawers stained walnut. We are removing the linoleum to reveal the original 1940 oak floor. This will make the flooring consistent throughout the house. The footprint remains the same. I think this will turn out to be charming beautiful and cost efficient. Also sustainable. Looking forward to it and with Sarah Richardson videos for guidance I know we can create a great small kitchen that functions now while respecting the heritage of the house.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Wishing you well on your kitchen.

[@afolsom685]

Gorgeous! I love being able to again watch Sarah and Tommy and crew. Sarah's shows have always been among my favorites. HGTV lost major points with the discontinuation of them.

[@CarlaLR74]

The backsplash and counters are nice but the floor doesn’t go with the kitchen.

[@rachelbennett8041]

Needed round table... that corner is gonna get everyone

[@Leah_Michelle_21]

This is one of my favorite kitchens that Sarah has done - I remember watching this when it first came out and being so impressed with it. I love that she reused the cabinets!

[@AbodeLDS]

So good!

[@virginiatolles1664]

Love it, except -- I would have used a reproduction of Eero Saarinen's tulip table in white, of course.

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

Do you know of other similar shows on KZbin, to these? There aren't enough of these...

[@mapleleaf0]

@@jessicaveganjessica2208 There are some Property Brothers videos on KZbin. Candice Olson is similar to Sara and there are some of her episodes on KZbin.

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

@@mapleleaf0 Thank you! I'll check them out!

[@forry2905]

Beautiful work, Sarah, painting cabinets is a budget keeper that can turn out bright, fresh, and repaint-able for the next trends and colors. As a retired Architectural designer I know that no one wants to see the side of the range. A 3 to 6” wide filler base w/ counter and self edge could balance-out the euro hood, and provide a place to drop a spoon, just my penny’s worth 😃❤️

[@susan1380]

all is great EXCEPT the floor... to much

[@josephforsuh6929]

This has to be one of my favourite design updates where the same footprint was respected. But the individuality of the look is all there. Love the chairs and great stools. The use of 2 stools allows the island/kitchen to breathe, which you do not often see. Even better if the home has just 2 resident. 👌

[@sreeladasgupta8795]

Absolutely love the concept of repurposing what one has. I love everything-- especially the ronin blue island. Little iffy on the flooring -- but that's just me

[@beec9741]

Agree with you about the floor.

[@ginamacdougall9012]

Awww no, no, no, no, no! Not that, ewww ugly floor, ugly floor

[@jmpe.5289]

Thank you Abode for making Sarah's shows available! I AM SO GLAD! Would you please add more "Design Inc" episodes if possible?

[@lesleythompson6801]

Ew, those yellow and tan tones. They look dirty or old. Not for me.

[@janedoe805]

I love that they saved those beautiful solid wooden cabinets... Oh my goodness, that gorgeous pale blue on the island simply stunning!

[@tributetomama]

That is incredibly awesomely beautiful.

[@captinzoom]

this was a nice upgrade. im sure they have replaced the flooring and painted out that blue to white

[@GODSPEAKS898]

Beautifully done, I love everything about this kitchen even colors scheme, materials, fixtures, appliances, tile, lighting, and the placement of the appliances.

[@sitolm9791]

I love all of this except the floors!

[@desertfish6239]

Love, love, love that Tommy likes a simple, basic, easy to use range!

[@Syl_Lac0898]

Absolutely stunning! Some of the elements I was iffy on (backsplash and floor) but the end result speaks for itself. It is a bright, happy and calm looking kitchen. This is definitely a “10” for me! Well done!!

[@AbodeLDS]

This makeover is so good we are glad it's getting the love it deserves ...

[@annettesjoy]

The overall kitchen looks great but I would definitely change the backsplash and floor.

[@angelabatterman6381]

Another stunner! Colors are to die for and the floor is a brilliant idea. I sent this to my daughter since she and her husband have done a lot in their kitchen but need to take it closer to this one.

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

Do you know of other shows on KZbin like these? We love these!

[@evafort9441]

Love the design except for the floor. The stove should have a counter on both sides.

[@serenakoleno9338]

It probably was a budget issue. They would have had to rework the existing cabinets. Also would have put the person at the sink back to back with person at the stove. More elbow room this layout. But in a perfect world having the stove moved over would have been nice.

[@bjones6537]

I agree on both points. They could have moved the upper and lower cabinets to the end. The stove would have been between the repositioned cabinets and the pantry cupboard. If the stove being directly across from the sink would have made a “ too tight for two cooks in one space” issue, they could have switched the sink and dishwasher or moved the sink closer to the end. Sinks don’t have to be centered on an island and they had to re-plumb anyway.

[@thehungrygoldfish]

I know people are going to complain that this doesn't look like this was done on a budget. Keep in mind, everyone's idea of a budget is different. "Budget" doesn't necessarily have to mean "cheapest," which is a common misconception. Also, you have to be realistic with what your budget gets you. Yes, $1,000 is a tight budget, but you're not going to be able to get new cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring or anything. $1,000 is strictly a DIY project and everyone should know that Sarah doesn't do DIY. She's not going to paint your cabinets white and install peel and stick flooring herself. That's going to be on you, not a professional designer.

[@arabellahorwitz2622]

The oven placement is questionable - oil splashes will land on the floor and maybe the eating area.

[@lunaholiday8585]

This is one of my very favorites by Sarah and Tommy.

[@debbiewood3819]

Sarah, this re-do is beautiful!

[@philippapay4352]

Your Sunday brunch colors may be another man's French country colors, but they are terrific. It looks just wonderful redone. I hate mid-century modern, but this does not look kitschy at all.

[@bjspyder4148]

Sink right next to an electric stove? "Strange" doesn't begin to cover it.

[@michellepereira2328]

The kitchen is so refreshed. I especially like the way the pencil tile gives a striped feeling to the backsplash. I wonder if that table will be large enough frontiers family.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Loved this one, very appropriate to house while being playful. The blue island and ceiling made this kitchen. Metal stools and glass top table are too cold for Toronto winters. If you put your elbow on a glass tabletop it is uncomfortable. Maybe use a felt pad with oilcloth tablecloth in cooler weather and wood or upholstered stools.

[@caroldoyle8038]

Absolutely love this transformation! What I would give to have an amazing kitchen! Seems impossible, but you give me hope.

[@pamross4994]

Number 1 , did not like the floor. Number 2, that stove color is out of place for my eye. Number 3, you needed plastic or some kind of protection for the blue island. I think you would have shoe marks on the blue paint.

[@bbranett2188]

What brand of jeans is she wearing? Those are super cute.

[@ginamacdougall9012]

I stand by my remark.... FLOOR.... EWWW

[@sawdust2556]

Gorgeous! You never disappoint, Sarah and Tommy! My favorite interior designers!💕

[@denisepaul7274]

“I’m nothing if not bold and daring.” I love Tommy!

[@ginacrusco234]

Oh, heavens to betsies, I just love it. Makes me want to paint my cabinets. I wasn't sure about the floor but it works so well. Most brilliant idea: turning the pass-through into lucite-backed open shelving. Gorgeous and functional.

[@merryhunt9153]

No kind of paint is going to be as tough as the professionally-applied, high tech finish that those cupboards came with. That white paint may be trendy, but in four or five years the owner will be regretting it.

[@thehungrygoldfish]

But getting new cabinets would be significantly more expensive. I'm not talking about $500 more. I'm talking about at least 20,000+ more. You may think that's an overestimate, but don't forget the kitchen is huge. The only way to get new cabinets and cut expenses would be to get rid of more than half the cabinets and go for the cheapest crappiest wood, made by Chinese starving orphans.

[@pamelaspooner8335]

You can buy new factory doors, professional finish, won't chip like overpainting.

[@Maggie22002]

Like it, with one caveat. I absolutely would have to have stools with a back on them to be more comfortable. High enough to rest my back against. Also, I know some designers hate them, but I consider a ceiling fan light, a must have to circulate the air in your home. Rather than the fancy pendant lights.

[@luv3pugs]

I’m about to embark on a kitchen remodel. Love this video except for that floor. Will use to guide me. My kitchen has good bones too. Just need to raise a window about 4 inches higher to extend my cabinets. My wall color is SW6106 Gilim Beige. My new cabinets will be white. Ceiling recently painted white. I need to pick an accent color. Backsplash will be the arabesque shape. Need new fresh counters in granite. Thank you Sarah.

[@rochellefreed1287]

Great ideas!

[@lorrainemoreau9536]

Definitely not my favourite transformation. That said, I’m always amazed by Sarah’s trendsetting genius. Many of the fixtures used in this kitchen are years ahead of when they became popular.

[@ccee7184]

Super LOVELY and just the inspiration boost I need. But, what happened to the peek through to the laundry area? Was so hoping to see how that finished and functioned. Love, LOVE your channel and practical solutions. You two are challenge solvers with flare.

[@kidzfromthebloc]

Every episode I watch, I see the pieces individually and think its horrible and then when they show the final product it just works and looks gorgeous. Kind of breaks my brain. That chrome table and the rattan chairs. Why does it work?!

[@ingridpear1882]

I don't mind the table chairs natural wood,but I would put a solid ocean 🌊 sky blue seat cover. The yellow squares in the floor look like an aged tone as opposed to a light yellow -or white could also work, otherwise it's not bad - but maybe a more durable material? I prefer a fridge -to - stove - to - sink/chef's style ingredient area,prep area, cooking area,clean up area,to serving plating area organization of layout. I probably wouldn't pick a backsplash with so much grout .

[@blueberryblues3365]

Love Sarah and Tommy. Wish they would say how much they spent in the end. She does not seem to budget for some things. Like the blinds and lighting. Maybe the show gets things from the companies? Everything looks great, not my taste but it looks so much better and they reworked the space well. I don't care for the floor, and would tire of it. Too bad the range could not have had another counter on the other side. I have the same thing in my kitchen. I do like the idea of a old banquette though and maybe there could have been one piece on the back wall. Also why was the window closed off? Maybe use the shelves but leave it open? Oh well each to their own. And the homeowner likes it. Xo

[@eileenfile6157]

Beautiful. Sarah and Tommy are awesome. Thank you for making these youtubes.

[@jayburris6252]

I could not deal with the range at the end of the cabinets. They could have been re-arranged so that a cabinet and countertop could be on either side of the range. Save on the dishwasher but spend WAY too much on 2 stools when they have room for 3????? Not smart.

[@bettylou3709]

I don't like the fridge positioning. I always need a counter to put things down beside the fridge. Because I am a senior the yellow is a problem we see yellow differently as we age.

[@helenruth5024]

Wow! Beautiful!

[@MISERABLE66]

Everything was beautiful but I hated the chairs and the table was too small.

[@divineohnine]

I swear, Sarah and Tommy are Alexis and David if they had been raised by normal parents.

[@nannette994]

Warning: The exposed left side of the range is a horrible accident waiting to happen. To ensure that no one backs up into a hot pot or an open gas flame about 9" or more of the composite countertop or a tall metal roll out kart should be placed adjacent to the range's left side.

[@michelleowenwest4249]

It’s worlds better than where it started, but as soon as she noted her reference point as a 50’s diner, I was out. It’s a kitschy womp womp for me.

[@conniehusband1365]

I LOVE the colours, great ideas! Cheerful alright!

[@V.Hansen.]

The backsplash and floor are busy, but in general I love it. Acceptable color pallet

[@paulomontero12]

White and blue 80 percent of her kitchen design’s.

[@sarapawsonherrington2595]

I love this kitchen! The colors are fabulous!

[@sharonpayne1862]

I would love to see the rest of this house. The outside is out dated and tired. You spend the money to up date the kitchen. I guarantee the rest of this house inside is out dated. Why do one room and not the whole house. Bet the bathrooms ate awful

[@violetbennett2407]

I love the kitchen, but I don’t care for the floor and the blue paint on the island.

[@cathieharris6122]

That floor is horrible and it clashes with the color scheme. I would not want to the stove so close to the dining area. I'd get too hot eating after cooking on it or in it.

[@wendypennell9432]

Banquet puts baby in the corner

[@user-ur5pr2rd5vbillevel]

Looks great except the floor ... it's gross!

[@JenniferNefdt-tm5cv]

Love how they can see the finished room before they even start ❤

[@mariannegaetanopulma4077]

I didn't think I'd like it but I absolutely love it

[@matta8931]

Again I don't like its too white and looks really cold.

[@almacaco9153]

Your idea is magically beautiful iloveit

[@marywiklander-williams6493]

Sorry but the floor is a NO GO. The rest is lovely

[@dianna8626]

Really nice but I am not a fan of the flooring.

[@nmbr6kid]

Fabulous makeover!!! 😍

[@hutoxipatel3610]

Awesome colours n design

[@diannecoyne993]

Gee, as you were picking out the floor, I'm thinking... Oh, nooo... then I see the backsplash. and I'm thinking 'Yawn'... then they show the whole room pulled together.. and I'm thinking... LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Great colors- all works... Donna Reed will come through that door any second! Looks bright and beautiful! I love the extra line in the backsplash... nice!

[@sandramalone3522]

The dated cooktop is fabulous. Most interior designers RUIN good vintage pieces that show that era. Sarah could have worked around it so as to keep it, along with some improvements but NOT to destroy the feel of a bygone era.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Great work, as usual, Sarah. I'm not a fan of the baby blue, etc, and even though it's beautiful for those who do love it, I'd love to see you redo a kitchen like that with a nod to the earth colors, but with an updated, not so traditional look, still recycled and repurposed. Just a thought. Big fan, Lynn

[@ChaoticPeace357]

Hey Abode!! I love all the shows you put on here I wish y’all would try to get- I Brake for Yard Sales with Lara Spencer -it was only one season but it was awesome

[@donnasantamaria8317]

Love so many things about this design, especially the painted ceiling. It reminds me of the sky and somehow makes the ceiling feel higher or more open. Don't love the position of the stove next to the dining room table. I would hate this. Who wants to sit down to the table and look at the hot mess they just made on the stove. That said, the kitchen does sparkle! Love it!

[@dawnagamble1549]

WOW SO GORGEOUS

[@jeancater1388]

Beautiful.

[@WilldoAldone]

PERFECT

[@judithcatlett8518]

I so could not see the vision on this redesign, and that’s why Sarah is Sarah.

[@brendabradley6215]

I love Tommy. He’s so bold and daring.

[@ireneferrante2313]

Beautiful,love it!

[@mollypitcher9380]

I love Tommy.

[@KMJCAN1313]

Thank you, Abode; again, you made my day. :D

[@AbodeLDS]

I'm glad! Thanks for being part of our community

[@paulawray6042]

Love it

[@pamelafox7677]

Love it.

[@publictoilet1970]

The floor is horrible!! The dining table is awful as well. Everything else turned out very nice.