Designing for the Sexes Season 4, Episode 8: Creating a Zen Zone in the Living Room

A Comfortable Family Room

Dave and Josie Beringer want to redecorate their family room. They both agree that something needs to be done, but they can't agree on what. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: recessed lighting vs. floor and table lamps, simple window coverings vs. swags and valances and an overall formal style to the room vs. comfortable. When finished, it's a formal yet comfortable and inviting room both Dave and Josie can enjoy.

30 min

Retro Vs. Classy Living Room

Don and Gloria Stasi want to redecorate their living room. They both agree that something needs to be done but they can't agree on a common vision. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: no window coverings vs. drapery, retro vs. classy furnishings and what to do with the fireplace. When finished, it's a sophisticated and inviting room with a retro flare that both Don and Gloria will enjoy.

30 min

Sophisticated Living Room

Jonathon and Wendy Simons want to redecorate their living room. They both agree that redecorating is a must but they can't agree on a common vision. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the fireplace treatment, sofa color and fabric, whether or not to have an area rug and drapery vs. plantation shutters. When finished, the room is dramatically sophisticated yet comfortable and inviting.

30 min

Kitchen Compromise

Dave Luce and Chris Mootz agree their kitchen needs a facelift but have different opinions on how the new kitchen should look. Michael Payne arrives to discuss the issues: slate vs. hardwood floors, light vs. dark cabinets and the overall look of the room. When completed, the room is a sophisticated blend of both Dave and Chris' ideas.

30 min

Versatile Guest Room

Gary and Sandy Wycoff want to redecorate their guest bedroom. They both agree they want a multi-generational room that will accommodate as many people as possible. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: bunk beds vs. a day bed with a trundle, whether to keep or change the existing mini blinds, and the color scheme of the bed linens as well as the overall color scheme of the room. When finished, it's a colorful blend of compromise that not only Gary and Sandy will enjoy, but all of their guests, too

30 min

Unified Family Room

Rob and Carol Haymer want to redecorate their family room. They both agree they want to remove the five-inch step down, which divides the room in half, but the agreement ends there. Michael Payne arrives to outline the problem areas: flooring surface, the existing plantation shutters, the existing bar and fireplace and whether or not to have a sectional sofa or several lounge chairs. When finished, the Haymer's family room is an enlarged and unified room, complete with a non-sectional sofa, several lounge chairs, slate flooring and a wonderful sitting nook. This is a family room the entire family will enjoy.

30 min

Problem Living Room

Bentzi and Sue Gershon want to redecorate their living room but can't agree on a common vision. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: leather furniture vs. upholstered furniture, the color of the furniture, whether or not to keep the existing brick on the fireplace and what to do with the TV cabinet. When finished, the room is a stunning array of dramatic color and sophisticated fabrics.

30 min

Simple Family Room

Rick and Giselle Page agree their family room needs to be redefined but they can't reach a compromise on how it should look. Michael Payne arrives to outline the problem areas: a leather sectional vs. two chenille sofas, white walls vs. colored walls, a wall unit and window treatments. When finished, the room comes alive with its soft yellow walls, cozy green chenille sectional and beautiful, yet practical custom-built wall unit.

30 min

Master Bedroom Makeover

30 min

Long and Narrow Living Room

Jack and Lynne Hook agree they want to create a separate dining and living area in their very long and narrow room addition they refer to as the ""bowling alley."" However, their agreement ends there. Michael Payne arrives to outline their differing opinions: furniture style, what to do with the brick barbeque and wood sliders versus French doors. When completed, the room is an integrated part of the entire house with the elimination of the separating walls and cabinets. The room is full of colorful compromise both Jack and Lynne will surely enjoy for years to come.

30 min

Little Boy's Car-Themed Bedroom

Peter and Gail Field agree they need to redecorate their three-year-old son Jake's room but can't agree on much else. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: a room entirely centered around a car theme complete with a car-shaped bed or a more traditionally-styled room with cars as accent pieces and a more conventional bed that's able to sleep an occasional guest. Another area of contention is how to store Jake's abundant toys. Peter wants them easily accessible and Gail wants them stored out of sight. When finished, the room is a car aficionados dream with clever car accent pieces and a trundle bed that's perfect for both Jake and an occasional overnight guest!

30 min

Family Room Redesign

Rob and Ava Gold are rooms apart in their family room redecorating project. Michael Payne arrives to outline their design dilemma: the overall purpose of the room, whether or not to have a hidden or exposed TV and whether or not to keep the existing sectional sofa and bar. When the room is finished, it's full of subtle fun and color with beautiful cabinetry to hide the TV and a fabulous new countertop that's perfect for serving.

30 min