Redesigning An Open-Plan Living Room With A 1950's Theme | Sarah 101 | Abode

Erika and Michael long to reform their mid-century home's dreary living room and adjoining dining area, but want to keep the 1950s style after renovation. Half way through the remodel, Erika and Michael slate some of Sarah's fabric choices, but can she pull the final room together so they're pleased?
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From: Sarah 101 S2 E4
Content licensed from Blue Ant International to Little Dot Studios Network. Any queries, please contact us at [e-mail]

[@AbodeLDS]

EVERY SARAH ROOM MAKEOVER IN ONE COMPILATION: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2bYnoCDlKeUn6M

[@AGM-ts5bb]

Those original wood floors were lovely.

[@joannebutzerin6448]

They were, but they were also kind of limiting. Space was very dark, and that dark heaviness could never be lifted with the darker wood floors.

[@katehenry2718]

Before you go changing something in someone ELSE'S home, let them know what you are planning so they can "adjust" to something THEY like. I'd be furious!!! if you did that to my house.

[@maryanalyons7212]

they literally hired her to change their home

[@michellecook7586]

@@maryanalyons7212 But thats just it ~ They HIRED her, these people still have to like their furnishings in THEIR home

[@michellecook7586]

I agree 100%

[@Kevin-sm8pn]

If I remember correctly. It was actually a requirement that all of the homeowners had absolutely no control over the renovations. I'm assuming the makeovers were free. It's just a risk that you have to,take with free makeovers. You can't expect to have all the control and have someone else pay for it, lol.

[@michellecook7586]

@@Kevin-sm8pn From what I understood the only thing the homeowners didnt have to pay for was the labor, everything else they had to pay for.

[@katielivingston4106]

This whole process was painful to watch. The home owners were going in the right direction and they ruined it

[@lenesvingel4450]

Totally agree

[@alifloydtv]

I'm with you too. From the moment she kvetched about the instrument by the fireplace (I keep my piano by my fireplace, it's great), I knew this was going to be a car crash. The couch plaid is like something out of a mid-range hotel when the original fabric was so fun. 2 samey seating groups? Not a reading nook by the fire, or a spot for the piano? Binning the original floor is ridiculous, and what was the point of that tacky bit of marble on the fire? The next owners will rip that right out and be praying the brick under it isn't damaged. I coulda done them some curtains and not trashed the place!

[@hrichards9562]

@@alifloydtv Eughhh totally agree. And I thought the original orange velvet sofa fabric was amazing!

[@shirleysenkler781]

No one would overrule me on the colors in my house.

[@twistoffate4791]

Nor me!!

[@victorialine5984]

@@twistoffate4791: those so-called designers need to be put in their place. Time and again they impose their design aesthetic inappropriately, eg lots of white in a house with children and pets. Working parents don't have time to keep white furnishing clean. They have other priorities.

[@twistoffate4791]

@@victorialine5984 Well-stated.

[@M0odyBlue]

So why ask them in the first place?

[@shirleysenkler781]

Christine Z- I never ask, but you know people will always offer their opinion.

[@joantrotter3005]

Watched it twice, and still think that marble looks wrong. Can't believe I love and hate so much in one room!

[@dbrunsrtrom]

I agree. The amazonia sample would have fit so much better and wasn't much more money in the grand scheme of things.

[@scottwilliams5705]

Sarah has IMPECCABLE style and taste. Some folks leaving comments apparently don't agree with her choices. But obviously the homeowners hired Sarah because they liked her style and felt that she could elevate their existing style, while executing a cohesive vision for their space. As usual, Sarah accomplished that mission. And she accomplished it EXTREMELY well.

[@wallihaley5194]

I love the floral fabric but wish they had kept the original floors! The floors they picked will look dated in no time.

[@daljordan8921]

What do you call a style of hardwood floor that was used almost universally for 100 years? Classic. Never replace a classic element with a fad. Save the faddy stuff for upholstery and rugs, etc.

[@ctalcantara1700]

You're right. The house looks dated now as the makeover was done in the early 2000s. Actually the old room, with its dark moody jewel tones look look more current now in 2023.

[@camilledouglas117]

Ok, I thought they were wrong for ignoring the likes/dislikes of the owners, but after seeing the finished product, I was blown away. I'm still a huge Sarah fan!!

[@daljordan8921]

This is an excellent example of what old house restorers call remuddling. Someone will come along and undo it all, I hope. There are ways to update a house without destroying it's original character.

[@jannibal9273]

People need to start watching reruns of "Restored" on Discovery+ - it's one of my favorite shows and taught me to appreciate original things in architecture, to respect and honor it and try to retain and restore them, not tear everything out including perfectly good hardwood floors (like the Property Brothers always do - makes me grind my teeth every time) that only need a few boards laced in and a refinishing or a darker stain. Why are you buying a Craftsman style home if you DO NOT WANT A CRAFTSMAN? Why are you buying a Tudor style home if you DO NOT WANT A TUDOR STYLE HOME? Geez Louise! If you want a house that looks like everybody else's than build yourself or buy a McMansion.

[@vaderladyl]

@@jannibal9273 I fracking hate when they destroy real wood to put stupid vinyl on!

[@Jen.O]

This show is from 2012, and clearly the room already looks tired and dated. Lesson learned!

[@vaderladyl]

I think you meant remodeling not remuddling.

[@annszot7932]

I love what they did

[@diane161061]

I would give Sarah and Tommy cart Blanche with my home anytime - no questions asked. 😍I especially love how they shop in 2nd hand furniture shops and breathe new life into old stuff. Those upholsterers are amazingly skilled! 👏

[@karenking5357]

I agree with your last statement....The UPHOLSTERERS ARE DEFINITELY ARTISANS. INCREDIBLE ‼️ I DONT LIKE THE PLAID, THE GRAY CHAIRS OR THE DINNING CHAIRS OR BENCH...YUK. TOO MUCH FURNITURE, IN SOME WAYS THE ROOM LOOKS SORTA GOOD...BUT RIPPING UP EXISTING HARDWOOD FLOORS AND THE PLAID SOFA AND CHAIR....SO BLAH

[@merryhunt9153]

I can't imagine letting somebody else select fabrics for the pillows, etc. in my home. Shopping for and selecting such things is one of the joys of modern life.

[@carolinebcollier]

Some people have absolutely no innate abilities and/or interest in selecting home furnishings but still desire and see the value in a well put together space. This ultimately creates jobs for people who *are good at making design decisions. That’s not a bad thing I think. You must have good taste and an innate talent to feel so strongly. As a designer myself, I completely understand how you feel about not letting someone else make those selections for me. 🙂

[@valeriepritchard3533]

That’s why they hired a design firm!!!

[@janetpattison8474]

Then U wouldn’t hire a designer, that’s all.

[@jackandpiper]

The original coffee table, and different end tables by the couch would make the whole space 1000% better. I love MCM…I think they missed the mark…

[@CK1000ism]

The mindset that we should rip out perfectly good floors and put in new ones when we could just stain the original is a bummer. The bland after is a disappointment and I usually love the designs. The new layout is great, really like what happened with the dining room table but the original couches were more interesting and the flower pattern doesn't feel modern at all.

[@SweetPea2022]

Cost was about the same, that's why they did it!😊

[@graceandglory1948]

I absolutely love the relationship interaction between Sarah and Tommy! How great it must be to work together in such harmony.

[@catharina2022]

The house is very full, it looks like a furniture shop.....and buying art for someone else is not done, that is way too personal. My biggest hate is the mirrored wall, it ads to the overall cluttered look. A wrong choice of curtains for privacy.😥

[@karenryder6317]

That's one of my biggest gripes with designers--too much clutter. In that same vein, more opaque curtains would weigh the room down even more. The curtains are my favorite part of this reno. They do provide privacy since the figures of the family and the furniture are indistinct behind the light and airy fabric.

[@stephanie1044]

Ikr! So many chairs! And you know everyone will be fighting to sit on the one sofa.

[@helenlesley5456]

@@karenryder6317 ....Totally agree with your perceptive comment, I have noticed that the majority of American designers plus several of the top rated British ones like Robert Kime for example can't resist the clutter of material that clash and shout ...and never miss an opportunity to spend the client's money....less is more as the saying goes.

[@melcalcin]

So using laminate is quality, and then having MDF cabinets over precious wood furniture - that looked like walnut, by the way - that came from the art deco period, is elegant. The pattern on the shades…I’ll stop here, because I am hyperventilating and have the same nauseating feeling as when I watch youtube videos of people painting over in white perfectly fine pieces of furniture, just because they don’t posses the ability understand design and quality.

[@mattneillninasmom]

50 shades of greige. It's like a bland box, from the floor on up and with kids, it will look dirty in no time.

[@janweyant8902]

I LOVE this jumping off fabric, the natural wood elements, and the lighter floor. It lightened up the space and kept the mid-century components but with a more modern approach. It looks amazing!

[@TW-ps2cr]

What a waste of time and resources. Re-upholstering those two beige side chairs alone could have made a fabulous impact, whilst maintaining an authentic mid century aesthetic. Instead, the end result is one that is generic and completely lacking personality.

[@vaderladyl]

Especially wasted good floors!

[@murielbaith5445]

The only thing I liked in the before room was the 2 chairs that looked Luke beige leather.

[@lynnrobinson8885]

Note to self: Never hire a T.V. decorator.

[@reneshay889]

You can tell a professional designer designed this. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@vaderladyl]

Frack I would love to have that furniture! Just needed some update on the decor around it and rearranging. The floor had nothing wrong and it is real wood for God's sake!. Are these some of the supposedly decorators that have no real appreciation for vintage stuff? The episode is not even that super old.

[@deettekearns9092]

I loved this episode. I didn't love some of the furniture choices (coffee table and pendant lights) but I love the overall effect. Her jumping off fabric was so bold but she used it well. The painting she chose is magnificent and made the space in my opinion.

[@pollyg4160]

Wait a minute! Lots of people can't 'see' how a fabric will work or imagine the finished work so a designer has to listen to their overall wishes and go from there. Sarah has SO much experience putting things together and the client should choose a designer after seeing some of their work and if it isn't right, don't go with the designer. Also midcentury is a very definite look and keeping that vibe and also refreshing it at the same time is tricky! I think this project is well done and very beautiful and the family talks about it functioning for them.

[@barbaracollignon5365]

I am surprise that some of the furniture's were not kept because they were very beautiful and they are becoming trendy

[@pollyg4160]

@@barbaracollignon5365 We all go through times of giving up pieces. For me I'm relocating to a different state and I have to decide what to take and what to give up! Each house has its own style, look and some pieces don't work in each house! I have memories of some blue and white I gave up (it's back in style) and a wing chair that didn't fit size wise in our cottage. I still say that Sarah works with the client and in the end they get what fits the house, is updated and the old stuff goes back into circulation for 2nd hand buyers. Peace.

[@habitationathighaltitude]

@@barbaracollignon5365 That's because this was filmed almost a decade ago! A lot of the things that would be trendy right now and probably kept - like the unpainted panelling, the rust velvet of the sofa, lots of wood furniture, original floors and so on - only really got back in style over the last few years. At the time, the cooler gray palette (with bright "pops of colour") and the shiny surfaces (chrome, mirrors, high gloss) were what was trendy!

[@mackereltabbie]

The end result is "modern a decade ago", not midcentury modern

[@sindysimms4001]

I love that floral and the art. They go together so well. You guys are so talented.

[@crazygreenlady7907]

Ends up looking like a furniture showroom.

[@ginacrusco234]

What I love: the ottoman (form and fabric), especially with the large artwork of similar color but contrasting geometry; white chairs, plaid upholstery, dark blue cushion, carpet; dining table and pendants. What I don't like: grey chairs (ugly shape); marble fireplace inset (gaudy and unnecessary); tall storage piece (clonky and too tall); sunbursts on wall (no explanation necessary). Overall what I most enjoy is the shopping and selection process. I'd love to know where and how they found that tree trunk and glass side table.

[@andreesimoneau437]

I haven’t been able to watch these two for a long time. It hurts too much way too much layers for me and what? Mirror? Are you kidding me.

[@nataliejones6626]

Some people are making comments about not letting a designer be in charge of design decisions. You dont hire a designer to be the middle man to get you fixtures and furnishings; you hire a designer to design. If you want total final control, dont hire a designer. You would just waste their time and Spend money for a service you dont want

[@ginger1549]

This was a miss IMO, and I am usually a Sarah & Tommy fan. She over rode the homeowners hatred of the fabrics which I would not have tolerated if it was my house. Even in the finished room I hated the plaid and that gaudy floral.I also didn't like that ugly piece of stone by the fireplace.And she could have reused the coffee table & end tables - they were perfect. The couple wanted a curtain for privacy at night but they used such a sheer fabric it was see thru at night anyway. So how is that private?

[@marquamfurniture]

You are spot on. Overbearing and obnoxious indifference to clients' objections. Cheapest marble was ghastly. The slab of Brazilian marble was the way to go. Could have been any number of solutions other than plaid..... just so wrong! Odious decorators never once worked with the owners.

[@marquamfurniture]

@@AngelFish007 "Clients never want what’s good for them…" A bit of a sweeping generalization? Good designers find some level of accommodation. They inform, they educate, and yes.... cajole. At times having to find alternative solutions. These two clowns are making snap decisions and bulldozing the client just to make a YT video. Not the way first rate designers work.

[@jacqueline-jackietorres3455]

I agree

[@patsygoddard2791]

I totally agree. It was difficult to watch this episode bc it upset me so much. Had it been my house I would have insisted they make changes right infront of the camera and made it clear how much I hated it.

[@mariabunch3541]

I agree completely.

[@rustythecat2163]

Missed the mark with a mixed hodge poured of styles IMO.

[@betsyfloyd3336]

It's modern, but not mid century modern. You took away the beautiful wood look that reflects mid century. A big miss!

[@DeborahCaldwell77]

yeeks that’s glorious

[@lapernice6978]

Can I have the round art deco table from the “before”😅😍?

[@christijennings9064]

The visual design is so stunning. I think her fabric design choices really worked out so well. You made the right decision with the fabrics and by sticking to your vision. It is beautiful.

[@realgirl2704]

I love, love, love it! I can only dream of having something done like that to my home. It looked fabulous.

[@amiedavis5257]

This was a beautiful MCM home....Key word: "WAS"...Congratulations, you just devalued your home by at least 100k.

[@cynthialambert9067]

Exactly. And for what? A really mediocre and pedestrian design. Phooey.

[@grat2010]

Wow. What a change. I'm glad the owners embraced the fabric choices in the end. I admit I was a little skeptical too but the final look is beautiful.

[@terrybuckalew6874]

funny because the 50s furniture is new now I know people paying so much for this furniture

[@patty4709]

I must put my personal touch on MY home. I might seek color or placement ideas but ultimately I will make decision. People comment on my decorating choices in my condo as being very comfortable and tasteful. I have excellent taste with a beer pocketbook. You do not need to break the bank to have lovely home.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

This is one of the MOST beautiful redesigns Sarah, Tommy + team have done -- out of 30? I've viewed. Sarah has the confidence of knowing WHY an element is perfect, because she's somehow capable of seeing the entire package/feeling of a space in her mind's eye.

[@feewaybilz]

Sorry Sarah & Company, but those fabric combinations are not a homerun they're a home ruin

[@twocorgimom]

I absolutely love Sarah's work, and in this example she saw beyond the samples and knew they would look amazing on the pieces. She wins another one!

[@tigermoon44]

Didn't like the plaid furniture and it wouldn't have been allowed in my home. It's ugly no matter how you look at it. With that being said, I enjoy decorating my own home but find these videos interesting and informative to watch.

[@jannibal9273]

Some of them fairly scream at you DO NOT DO THIS EVEN IF YOU ARE SARAH RICHARDSON.

[@rosezingleman5007]

That house is WAY COOL even without a stick of furniture. I love the color of the bricks, that buff tan. As an architectural historian I love helping people see how they can live in their historic home without being on display. I get that Sarah is an interiors person, but with some screening plantings (not hedges in front of those windows please!) in the yard, they can have privacy and still keep the integrity of the house’s design strengths. And that plaid looks awful with the floral. It’s dead. Just keep the fireplace untouched. I just hate when people think they need to “update” something that’s a total classic. Like adding lipstick to the Mona Lisa because she’s not contemporary. Sheesh.

[@alifloydtv]

Aye, 2 seating areas and a dining table and NONE of them with the fire as a focal point is idiotic. I'm currently renovating my 1850s home in the centre of Edinburgh, and you can be damn sure there'll be a fireplace focal there :) If you like architectural history, 'colony houses' are a fun part of Edinburgh.

[@lisahandley2552]

one of my favorites

[@hjcabc]

Ugh, the button detail and fabric on the couch totally killed the MCM vibe for me. Classic look to the room but not the cool mid-century look the home represents.

[@lthomas1757]

I typically love Sarah’s designs but two living rooms next to each other feels like a hotel lobby? TV? Books? A way to use it? It looks like two living rooms for conversation.. fabric and elements are beautiful tho. Also the floors.. nooooooo. :(

[@CarlaLR74]

I love that fabric, just not on such a large piece but the rest of the renovation is quite a neutral palette. I would love to own a mid century house like this.

[@jbtpa895]

What a waste of natural resources to tear up the floor. We just can't think that way anymore.

[@beverlydust5381]

Why did she take all the mid-century character out of the room she changed the floor and painted the built-in why take away the original character of the room? She isn't the one who is paying for it or has to live with it do as the customer wants! The customer hated the plaid so find something that the customer likes. I would never work with her as a designer.

[@wallihaley5194]

Except at the end, The client ended up loving it.

[@beverlydust5381]

@@wallihaley5194 They said they did on camera I wonder how long it stayed that way? I am willing to bet the plaid left quickly as well as the floral, you never see it 6 months later when they live with it and change it. I would be willing to bet if you went there now there is no plaid and that floral is gone.People say they like it, just like you would say you like a food your grandma cooked but you hate.What are these people going to say we spent thousands of dollars on something and admit to a world wide audience we actually hate it,I'm sure they have to sign a contract with the production company and then they have control of what happens, alot of these shows do what they want and the home owners have to change it to what they want afterwards. If you go back to alot the home renovation shows homes afterwards they don't look anything like they did at the Reveal.These production companies use rented furniture and staging for the reveals and it all goes away after the production is finished shooting.

[@VC-mo5yg]

I hope the owners sued ...big time.

[@marylclc1269]

@@VC-mo5yg There is probably an NDA in the contract to prevent people from suing.

[@gaylorddolores]

Hate the plaid with the tropical print

[@praeliora]

I was not convinced by the Copacabana fabric, but everything looked absolutely beautiful once in the house..

[@angelam3517]

Smoked mirror?! I didn't even think they made those horrid things anymore.

[@shanpowers]

AMAZING! I really loved this one. I think the comments that are freaking out about the fabric/furniture are just going off of the client's first reactions. It gives people permission to have a stronger reaction than normal. Can't get fooled by drama editing folks. A great designer like Sarah knows how all these elements BALANCE with everything in the end. I would LOVE to have a place like this!

[@mackereltabbie]

No, it's because some of us actually like MCM

[@momof1150]

Glad they were outbid on the floating glass Table at 12:20.

[@barb865]

I love the way Sarah never gives a hoot what the client wants. 🙄

[@barbarahaines7661]

The marble why?

[@misslizziep8439]

It’s a typical Sarah 101 formula to have the client “hating” her choices, and then loving the finished design. I wasn’t expecting to like it, but I do. It’s fabulous!

[@janetpattison8474]

Really beautiful redecorating. The average “Joe” can’t see the same potential w/ the blending of colors, fabrics, design, flow & pulling all the rooms together. The finished product is absolutely stunning!

[@eek1759]

I'm unclear as to what the little man in the glasses does. He is he Sarah's personal sycophant?

[@eleanoreagly4844]

Agree with the home owner regarding that plaid, but did not change my mind as did she. Love the painting and the two comfy used chairs that were reupholstered.

[@murielbaith5445]

Copa fruit n flowers with Scottish plaid? Glad the clients wound up happy. Love the mirrored banquette.

[@rickipacaci1338]

Amazing how it came together. I didn’t like the fabric either but when the rooms were done really fabulous ❤

[@denisethorne3956]

100% better. Just love it. Well done.

[@ewabluenineczka3927]

This change is absolutely perfect ! I loe it all ! Congratulations !

[@susannee.colella6109]

I just love your designs. I plan to binge watch all that I can ❤

[@scottwilliams5705]

This was one of Sarah's best makeovers. Absolutely gorgeous while being timeless and fresh.

[@b.bernal6151]

I don’t understand why change a perfectly good floor. That hideous piece of marble on that mid century fireplace makes no sense. The mirrors were a good idea. Everything else is pleasant enough.

[@vaderladyl]

Those were the times when these ignorant decorators changed good real wood for stupid vinyl and everything in fracking white.

[@fleurdelis2976]

My heart sunk when they painted the beautiful MCM wood and installed smoke glass mirrors. I don’t think the style stayed true enough to the home.

[@hallymariah45]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@justice2255]

Wow WOW WOW. ITS 2024 AND EVERYONE LOVE MID CENTURY MODERN. THIS IS A GORGEOUS ROOM THAT EVERYONE WOULD LOVE AND PAY A VERY HIGH PRICE FOR. OMGOSH

[@christienelson1437]

Seems like they went from the 1950s and sixties to the sixties and the seventies. Not what I was expecting but maybe exactly what the homeowners wanted?😁🤨

[@bechworth1]

Her skills are not as fabulous as she thinks they are.

[@christijennings9064]

I would love to see a mid-century modern makeover where the wood panel walls are intact.

[@Watchoutforsnakez]

Isn’t this an old episode? Nowadays she would have made it like a cool Seattle MCM With greens and blues, walnut and original woods, bright, a rad sectional, big plant, a black cabinet with glass, leather or danish leather chairs. This fail would never happen today.

[@AbodeLDS]

Yes it is...

[@MaryLopez-hc7rc]

Fabulous!

[@einahsirro1488]

I LOVE that painting!

[@rochellefreed1287]

WOW!

[@maureengordon6496]

Outstanding ideas and design

[@mjznh]

Beautiful!!

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Exceptional!!

[@patriciakelly69]

Amazing. X

[@RadCenter]

I want to live there!

[@shelter9236]

I kinda agree on that plaid and I'm a boomer so remember colors and all of that back in the 50s. Remember the curtains we had in our home that were more the 40s floral so yeah, had some great things back then. I do like the ottoman but not the plaid, sorry, I'm glad the owners wound up liking it. Do like the layout of the rooms and house so glad they like it.

[@mckennasackett2766]

The original orange couch & chair with the coffee table 100% fit that space! The weird tropical fabric they chose does not fit at all. So sad. This space could have been so beautiful.

[@ryansoo4000]

At minute 13 25 Tommy starts talking about "how the sofa was only $25 and if she doesn't like it covered in our plaid fabric she can drag it out to the driveway and set it on fire for all I care". What an arrogant snob. Even if the show was called Tommy Smythe Designs to speak that was about a clients concerns is rude and unprofessional. It's even worse because he's representing Sarah. I'm surprised they didn't edit it out before they broadcast it.

[@OtikaOtikaOtika]

Agree!

[@twistoffate4791]

Agree.

[@ingesexton811]

I can’t stand them.

[@looloopomerania7988]

He’s loud and irritating

[@brendasnow8255]

People should choose their own artwork.

[@minervafranklin9750]

I like it 👌

[@CajunLady333]

I love the floral round piece. Adorable. The curtains are lovely.

[@AbodeLDS]

Me too!!

[@jocelynbrown20]

Home Run Deluxe!

[@beegood1215]

The overall plan is great. Love the mirror that reflects the garden. I hate the slab of marble. I wish there was more color.

[@dianefuchs9114]

I have always loved watching Sarah.

[@jeanlaubenthal698]

Fabulous! Here Sarah does her fabric mixing magic…selecting several if not more fabrics and they all work.

[@lawrencekelli]

Really nice home.

[@riohenry6382]

That plaid fabric in brown and grey is perfect for heavy duty use. It's the colour of dirt already

[@M0odyBlue]

I love this. They can come do my home anytime!

[@gladysclausing8785]

Ugh, I realize it’s not my style. The problem is that Sarah and Tommy disregarded the owners desires. Maybe the designing team is footing the bill? Either their way or no way Jose.

[@anitainlisbon8836]

Love the marble