Original Air Date:
Monday, April 27, 2009
Nate Berkus Swap Meet Makeovers:
Designer Nate Berkus has been invited on the Oprah Show a number of times to transform problem rooms into a beautiful area of a home. For this episode, Nate was asked to just that - swap meet style. Nate was given an assignment to transform 1 room in the homes of 4 families using the furniture and accessories they already had, what they were able to swap, and $500 for each house.
Nate commented that this was a new kind of challenge for him as he didn't know what was already in the homes to use or what they would be willing to trade.
Used to having an unlimited budget, Nate expressed how creativity is born from such struggles as he stepped out of his comfort zone. Nate visited the neighborhood outside of LA to meet the families and see what they would be willing to swap from their homes. Each family chose items to trade and brought them outside for the others; marking the new items they would like to see in their redesigned rooms.
Nate went off to Target to shop for the homes after the residents were finished looking at the items, the only store he was permitted to shop at for the new rooms.
Family #1 NDU and Mary Ann's First Look:
The first family, NDU and Mary Ann thrilled at Nate's reveal, which showcased their art and antiques. Using paint, a stenciling technique, and a darker shade in the dining room, Nate gave the family a great new look. Nate was able to re-do the room for just $167.94. The couple appeared on the show via Skype to share how much they loved their room. Mary Ann expressed that they wouldn't have been able to get the same look themselves, especially with such a low budget.
Judy, Stephen, & Stephen Patrick's First Look:
Judy, Stephen and their son, Stephen Patrick were next to get their big reveal. The family entered their room to find their bookshelves had been painted with a warm semi-gloss color with craft paper added to the back, their furniture had been slip-covered, and their table had been re-stained. Nate achieved the look for just $275.85.
Sarah, Jim, Oscar & Charlie's First Look:
Sarah was thrilled to see her new study for the big reveal. With new drapes, a bold paint color, and a streamlined look, the office was given a new purpose for just $291.88.
The couples appeared together via Skype to tell Oprah how much they love their new rooms and has brought them closer together as friends. Nate told viewers that you can get the same results at home by shopping among your own things - looking at your current furniture and accessories with a fresh eye. Taking items from one room and moving them into another can give your home a completely new look without any money.
Chelsea, Shawn & Ethan's First Look:
The final family, Chelsea, Shawn and Ethan, were last to get to see their new room. Though the family had a tight space in their home, Nate was able to bring in sharp colors and showcase Chelsea's items to give the home a cottage sheik look for just $167.88.
After each family had seen their own home, Nate showed off all of the homes to the neighbors.
Peter Walsh with Clutter Help:
Peter Walsh came in to help Chelsea and Shawn with their clutter problems. While the family had worked on the main living spaces, they were still struggling with their closets and garage. Chelsea explained that her issues with clutter came from a difficult childhood. Peter advised that it was necessary for Chelsea to change her relationship with her things and decide whether they sustained her in order to keep them. Peter's big suggestion was to consider selling items online to turn your mess into money.
After separating the family's items into trash, keep, donate, swap and sell piles, Peter had the family then separate their sell items into those for a yard sale and ones that could be sold online. Selling online, says Peter, can earn you 4-5 times more money than selling at a yard or garage sale. An option for online selling is Craigslist, which can save money on shipping charges.
After sorting through the items cluttering the garage and closets, Peter revealed the new organized spaces to the family, complete with order, zones, and simple accessories.
The family appeared via Skype and stated how the cleared out spaces helped to finish off what they and Nate had started in the home. The couple announced that they had already made $150 from their online selling, and would be re-listing their items soon. A garage sale was also scheduled with the swap neighbors for the coming Sunday.
Peter ended by sharing his idea of Karmic Cash - giving the items you don't use, need, or want to charities. Explaining that there is always someone more in need than yourself, you good deed will come back to you in great ways.
A DIY Disaster Surprise:
Oprah introduced Kenya Johnson in the audience who had a DIY disaster in her kitchen due to her husband. Kenya came home one day to find her kitchen gutted of cabinets and appliances. With 6 children to care for, Kenya had resorted to cooking with a hotplate and a microwave. Oprah surprised the couple with 4 new appliances from GE!
