Designing for the Sexes(1998–)

Living Room Redo

Patrick Vincent and Dina Bloomfield want to remodel their living room. They both know the room lacks character and color. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: selecting wall color, the style of furniture, flooring and what style of door to put in. Payne draws a plan for the couple's living room that will add color and character to satisfy both Patrick and Dina's needs. When finished, it's an elegant and inviting living space with lots of subdued color.

Battle of the Bedroom

Rich and Helene Ellis want to remodel their master bedroom. They both agree the room lacks style and storage space. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: selecting wall color, bed linens and what to do with the awkwardly-shaped closet. Payne draws up a plan for the couple's bedroom that will add style and a walk-in closet to satisfy both their needs. When finished, it's an elegant and organized room with added storage space.

Living Room Woes

Bob and Sue Steinberg want to redecorate their living room and dining area. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: whether or not to create one large living space or two separate and distinct areas, what to do with the fireplace and selecting a dining set that will satisfy both Bob and Sue's needs. When finished, it's an elegant and sophisticated room they can both live with.

Help For a Barren Living Room

Mike and Joanne Romanelli are at a total loss over their nearly barren living room. Michael Payne arrives to add some insight to their unusual design dilemma. Joanne envisions the room as a formal sitting area, which is in stark contrast to Mike's vision. He wants the room to have a relaxed, masculine feel to it. Payne discusses his plans at his drafting table and once the couple sign off on his plans, they all head to Scavenger's Paradise to shop for a wall sconce and then go to the Leather Factory to shop for furniture. Finally, Payne visits again to see how all their hard work has paid off. The once barren room is now a comfortable and elegant sitting area both Joanne and Mike will enjoy!

Spacious Office

Mitch Waldow and Ellen Lutwak want to remodel their home office. They both agree that they need more space. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: creating space, organizing Mitch's enormous collection of books and recording equipment, and selecting furniture that fits both of their needs and desires. When finished, the organized and spacious room is both functional and inviting.

Spacious, Elegant Kitchen

Les and Dawn Kozlowski need to remodel their kitchen. Both know they need to open the room up and create a greater sense of space. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the lighting, the cabinets and what type of materials to use for the counters and floor. He draws a plan for the Kozlowskis' kitchen that will expand the space by removing some of the existing upper cabinets. When finished, it's a spacious, elegant room with a beautiful tile mural, granite counters and lots of natural light.

Kitchen Update

Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas in Dave and Terry Martin's kitchen: the cabinets, the lighting and what type of materials to use for the floor. He draws a plan for the Martins' kitchen that involves expanding the space by moving the cook-top counter and integrating the service port into the kitchen. When finished, it's a spacious room with lots of natural light, new cabinets, appliances and a new floor.

Sharing Space

Frank and Debbie Winton can't even agree on whether or not to redecorate their family room and the disagreement doesn't end there. Michael Payne arrives to outline the problem areas: whether or not to integrate a home office into the room, choice of wall color and flooring. When finished the room is a warm and inviting space that integrates both Debbie's need for a home office and Frank's need for a comfortable TV room.

Hollywood-Style Kitchen

Donick and Kim Huffman want to remodel their kitchen. They both know they need to remove the wall separating the butler's pantry and the kitchen but they can't agree on much else. Michael Payne arrives to outline the problem areas: whether or not to keep or replace the existing windows, hardwood floors vs. tile, granite countertops vs. cement, wood or stainless steel. When finished, the kitchen is one large open space full of color and texture.

Contemporary Kitchen

Nancy Lyon and Mark Daniels need to redecorate their kitchen. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: refurbish the existing cabinets or buy new, natural stone countertops vs. solid surface and what type of material to use for the floor. He draws up a plan that will open up the room and create a greater sense of space. When finished, it's an open room with a fresh contemporary look that maintains the integrity and charm of the old room.

Patio Transformation

Dave and Annette Taylor are redecorating their outdoor patio. They both agree the patio should be an inviting living and dining area but have different ideas on how it should look. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: whether to have a barbecue or a fountain and whether to have red brick flooring or Italian tile. When finished, it's an inviting extension of the house for both living and dining.

Update For a 1950s Bath

Barbara Zimmermann and Bill Christian want to redecorate their 1950s bathroom. They both agree something needs to be done but they have conflicting ideas on just how much should be done. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: a simple cosmetic update or totally regutting the entire bathroom; pedestal sinks vs. vanities and ceramic tile vs. natural stone. When finished, it's a sophisticated and handsome room both Barbara and Bill will enjoy.

Bookcase Nightmare

Fran Ferrante and Michael Mousseau cannot agree on a style for their living room bookcases and mantel, so host Michael Payne helps the couple reach an agreement.

Bathroom Battle

Follow a couple as they agree upon decorating ideas for their home. The Romans are renovating their master bedroom and bath. Host Michael Payne assists the couple in reaching an agreement that both can be happy with.

Beige Vs. Bold Bathroom Redo

Marjorie and Brad Hooper are in conflict over the style and design of their bathroom. Host Michael Payne walks them through the choices they face. See how the couple comes to a positive conclusion in their decorating delimma.

Family Room Fix-up

Cathee and Ivan reach a compromise. He can have his five-foot TV in the family room if she can have the entire family room redesigned. First, they go to Restoration Hardware to look at cabinetry and mantels. Then they check out different fabrics for their new furniture. The tile is put down, the paint is applied and the TV finds a home in the custom-made cabinets and mantel.

Kitchen & Bathroom Redesign

Naren and Cheri are in conflict over the redesign of their kitchen and bathroom. Michael Payne steps in to help out, and all three take a trip to a tile store, then a kitchen and bathroom design center. The couple decides on tile and countertops and the process of installation begins. Finally, kitchen and bathrooms are done and the couple is very happy with both

Garage Turned Office

Kathleen Marinaccio and Dana Moreshead are turning their garage into an office in order to accommodate Kathleen's graphic design business. Michael Payne takes Kathleen and Dana shopping at Ikea to look at industrial-style lighting fixtures for the space. Payne draws the plans for Kathleen and Dana's office and discusses the changes he designed on the closet and windows. Finally, Payne arrives to see Kathleen and Dana's finished office and is thrilled with the results of his design ideas.

Dining Room Dilemma

Nancy and Kent Duvall have a dining room dilemma in their new home, so Michael Payne steps in to outline the problem areas: open vs. closed layout, bay window vs. standard window and rustic vs. elegant dining furniture. After the renovation, Payne revisits the Duvall's to see the final outcome. The once sparse room has been transformed into a family haven filled with a bouquet of color.

Maximizing a Small Space

Penny Starr and Terry Ridgeway, newlyweds, just purchased a 492-square-foot single apartment in an historical building. They have the problem of how to make a small space suitable for one into a cozy home suitable for two. Michael Payne, knowing Penny and Terry's dilemma, draws a plan which optimizes their small space, creating a foyer by designing a small wall by the entry, also allowing for a hanging wall storage unit. With all the remodeling out of the way, Payne takes the couple shopping at Pottery Barn for furniture. He arrives to see Penny and Terry's finished project and what a transformation

Dining Room Design Disagreement

Michael Payne tours the dining room of Jackie and Paul Pepperman and they discuss the elements that they do not agree on. Payne takes the Peppermans shopping for ideas at the Century Furniture Showroom and finds the couple a fabric in a unique color palette that both like. Payne then introduces the Peppermans to Philippa Seth-Smith, a specialist in unusual paint techniques, who does a unique paint treatment on the walls of the dining room. Finally, he arrives to see how the four-year dining room standoff has been resolved.

Family Room Update

Jeff and Mary Wilson and their two kids have lived in a modest beach bungalow for the past two-and-a-half years. They want to update the existing family room without spending a lot of money. Having visited the Wilson home, Michael Payne sits down at his design table to come up with a new look for their family room. His plans include removing the sliding glass door and building a half wall, in which he will place a single French door and a window. When done, the furniture layout offers ample seating for quiet nights at home or festive get-togethers.

Patio Problem

Guest Bathroom Remodel

Fred Beerstein, a middle school teacher and his wife, Denise, a geographer for the National Park Service have been married for five years and are both classical musicians. They moved into their 1964 ranch home three years ago and immediately began implementing major cosmetic changes. They have done most the work themselves, creating a home that reflects their traditional/contemporary style. Now it is time for them to update their guest bathroom, and they can't seem to strike a similar chord. Fred wants to do a major overhaul while Denise wants to keep the project simple. He wants a fun, colorful room with a skylight, while Denise wants clean white everything.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Creating a Zen Zone in the Living Room

Dan and Jeri Floyd have been living amongst a sea of boxes in their living room for over nine months because they can't agree on how best to decorate the room. Michael Payne figures out where the heart of the conflict lies: their overall style and color preferences. He draws a plan for the Floyds' living room that incorporates her need for tranquility and simplicity with his taste for color and warmth. When finished, the Floyds' living room is an elegant yet colorful space that incorporates both of their styles and enough new shelving for both of their belongings.

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.

Master Bedroom Makeover

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.

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!

Peachy Bedroom Dilemma

Ed and Carol Felman agree their master bedroom needs reviving. Michael Payne arrives to outline their design conflicts: wall color, armoire style, headboard style and the overall look of the room. When finished, the room is full of vivacious color and sophisticated furnishings both Carol and Ed love.

Family Room Feud

Driveway Reconstruction

Home Office: Prison To Paradise

Bill and Cindy Kane are at odds over their current hodgepodge of a home office. Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the existing window and the overall style of the furniture and room. He draws a plan for the Kanes' home office that incorporates both Cindy's and Bill's needs. When finished, the room is a tropical paradise with sufficient storage and display space complete with individual workspaces. The room blends simple, clean lines with fun and color.

Traditional Cottage Living Room

John and Elizabeth Hrovat are in absolute disagreement over decorating their nearly empty living room. Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: formal vs. informal, loveseats or sofas, whether or not to have a TV in the room and whether or not to leave the existing fireplace surround and hearth the way it is. Payne draws a plan for the Hrovat's living room that will incorporate both their needs. When finished, the once empty room is full of intimate conversational seating areas in handsome fabrics and an accent wall that really makes the fireplace stand out.

Living Room Redesign

Kent and Joanne Takemoto are in dispute over their living room furnishings. Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the style of the furniture, the fireplace and the overall style of the room. He draws a plan for the Takemoto's living room that blends both Kent and Joanne's needs. When finished, the room perfectly blends Joanne's desire for Zen minimalism with Kent's wish for a cabin retreat.

Nursery Rhymes

Expectant parents Mark and Janine Stern are expecting more than a bundle of joy. They're expecting some difficulty transforming their office into a suitable nursery. Host Michael Payne arrives to outline the issues: a sports theme vs. whimsical literary characters as well as style and amount of furniture. Payne draws up and pitches a game plan both Mark and Janine approve of. When finished, the nursery is truly a storybook come alive with its whimsical mural of sports caricatures at play

Kitchen Special

Host Michael Payne takes a walk down memory lane with a look back at three memorable kitchen renovations. His journey begins with Donick and Kim Cary, who are having difficulty deciding how to renovate their kitchen and adjacent butler's pantry. Payne devises a plan to turn the kitchen into one large space full of color. He continues with Dave and Chris Luce and their uniquely colored kitchen. Dave and Chris' conflicts focus on raising the ceiling and choosing appliances and cabinet stain. Payne comes up with a solution that will make the kitchen fit for a magazine cover with its expansive feel and visual splendor. Finally, Payne visits with Mark and Nancy Daniels in their vintage kitchen. Their conflicts are determing the overall style, choosing countertop material and deciding whether or not to refurbish the existing cabinets. After Payne's renovation, the kitchen is full of vintage color and beautiful cabinets.

Vintage and Tropical Style Lounge

Things are a bit unsettled between Ron and LM Jobson when it comes to turning their extra bedroom into a comfortable lounge. Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the overall style of the room and its furnishings, the sconces and the wall color. He draws a plan for the Jobson's lounge that gives Ron and LM both a little of what they both want. When finished, the room blends Ron's need for vintage mid-century with LM's desire for tropical hacienda.

South Pacific/Mission-Style Bredroom

Greg and Eileen Smith are at a complete standstill in revamping their master bedroom. Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: mission vs. tropical, the style of the closet doors and wall color. He draws a plan for the Smith's bedroom that gives both Greg and Eileen a little of what they both want. When finished, the room is a perfect blend of each of their styles.

Living Room Reconfiguration

Larry and Maureen Varnes are looking for some common ground with their living room redecorating project. Host Michael Payne outlines the problem areas: the fireplace surround, the furniture configuration and the window treatments. Payne and the couple try a few different furniture configurations before finding one that works. With this new configuration in mind, Payne sketches a design concept that both Maureen and Larry like. When finished, the living room offers an unobstructed pathway through the room and its several entrances, as well as an unobstructed view of the backyard.

Living Room Redecorationg Project

Three Bathroom Makeovers

Michael Payne looks back at three unique bathroom makeovers, including a classic 1950s bathroom and two outdated spaces. In each of the makeovers, Payne was able to help the homeowners reach a compromise between their distinct design styles. Find out how he turned three hopeless spaces into sophisticated bathroom retreats.

Three Living Room Makeovers

Michael Payne takes a look back at three memorable living room makeovers. In the first space, Payne finds a compromise between a simple Asian-influenced design with muted tones and a dynamic, bold-colored look. In the second living room, he helps a couple choose between an informal look with simple curtains and recessed lights and a formal design with traditional swags and lamps. In the last living room, Payne is able to create a space both husband and wife like by combining traditional elements with retro accessories and vivid colors.

Three Bredroom Makeovers

Michael Payne looks back at three memorable bedroom makeovers--two master bedrooms and a guestroom. In each redesign, see how he was able to bridge the gap between feuding husband and wives and their conflicting design styles.

Challenging Spaces

Michael Payne begins his showcase of three unusual spaces and their unique problems with Mark and Linda Ryan's large multifunctional bonus room. Next, he details Jack and Lynn Hook's differing design vision for their long and narrow addition. Finally, he helps Penny Starr and Terry Ridgeway reach a suitable compromise with the design style of their 500-square-foot apartment.

Modern vs. French Country Living Room

Rick Rifle must combine a modern look with a floral, French country style.

Formal vs. Comfy Family Room

A family room needs to be comfortable, yet stylish.

Eclectic vs. Mid-Century Living Room

A design must combine an eclectic style and jewel tones with with the wood-toned style of the house.

Studio vs. Play Space in a Guest House

A couple cannot agree on how to use the guest house.

Spanish Colonial vs. Art Deco Master Bathroom

A couple wants to turn an old bathroom into an elegant spa retreat.

French Country vs. American Traditional Kitchen

A couple disagrees about how to achieve a functional, stylish kitchen.

Contemporary vs. Traditional Master Suite

A couple is ready to move into their master suite but cannot agree on design.

Casual vs. Elegant Backyard Patio

A couple is at odds about how to remodel their backyard patio area.

Traditional vs. Eclectic Living Room

Rick Rifle needs to merge a traditional style and an eclectic, contemporary one.

Morocco vs. Retro Backyard

Elements of an elegant Moroccan style is blended with a 1950's retro look.

Elegant vs. Comfy Family Room

A woman wants an elegant, traditional family room, but her spouse wants to showcase his large television.

Traditional vs. Contemporary

Rick Rifle creates a warm and inviting kitchen that is streamlined and functional for a tall man.