I love decorating. I’ve long admired Sarah Richardson and her work on Sarah’s House on HGTV. The new season airing in the U.S. has been especially inspiring as I juggle several home projects (I’m still catching episodes saved on my DVR). Even though Sarah sometimes starts with a large budget, her designs offer practical, stylish ideas you can adapt to your own home without needing a designer’s wallet.
Here are five Sarah’s House ideas I’m loving right now
1. Use color and finishes fearlessly
One of Sarah Richardson’s strengths is her confident use of color and mixed finishes. In this family space she pairs a bold red with soft gray, creating energy and balance. That kind of contrast gives the room personality without feeling chaotic.
Don’t let trends dictate what belongs in your home. Mix colors, woods, and finishes in ways that reflect your taste. When combined thoughtfully, unexpected pairings can feel fresh, modern, and distinctly yours.
2. Think outside the box
Instead of relying on standard builder cabinetry, Sarah repurposed a real piece of furniture into a bathroom vanity. Adding casters, a distinctive mirror, and a stylish sink transformed an ordinary space into something unexpected and full of character. Small inventive choices like these make rooms memorable.
3. Design rooms you’ll actually use
Good design starts with how people live. This craft room is a great example of multifunctional planning: a place for crafting, homework, and family projects that’s organized and accessible. When rooms are tailored to real routines, they become more useful and more loved.
4. Build storage into every room
Smart storage solves everyday clutter. Sarah used IKEA cabinetry styled to look custom-built to conceal electronics and odds and ends in the family room. You don’t always need bespoke millwork to achieve a built-in look; solution-focused storage keeps spaces tidy and functional, which is essential for busy households.
5. Create a personal retreat
That spa-like bathroom feels like a boutique hotel escape. You don’t need a mansion to create a retreat in your own home—start with small luxuries: plush robes, candles, layered towels, or a statement light fixture to elevate an ordinary routine. Designing a restful corner makes daily life feel more restorative.
Which Sarah’s House takeaway inspires you the most right now?
images via HGTV Sarah’s House