Sarah should change the tag line "I'll show you how to get the home YOU want" to "I'll show you how I can get the home you want" There is NO WAY a builder will let your painters into the house before closing. There is no way your builder will allow you to have your cabinets sprayed. All those wall sconce's wiring is an upgrade. Having your stairs stained anything other than "natural oak" is an upgrade and painted spindles and risers is an even bigger upgrade. Builders attitudes are "this is what we are offering. Period." It would have been more inspiring for Sarah to just use what was offered by the builder. In essence, she is telling her audience that it is impossible to have a great looking house without breaking the bank, or she is underestimating her talent for making something spectacular out of something that is inexpensive.

I am going to have to disagree with you Kate. My husband and I built a house 3 years ago and we changed a lot and knew going into the process that upgrades are necessary when building. Basic builder finishes are gross and cheap so if you want to build your dream home (as Sarah is doing) you have to fork over some money for those upgrades. Even things that we thought were going to be small upgrades ended up costing a lot (like pot drawers being super expensive. I had the same reaction to that as Sarah did). And depending on the builder you are working with you can bring in painters before the house is done (you just have to ask and they will either say yes or say you have to use their painter and supply the paint). As for a builder not allowing you to spray the cabinets, that is so far from the truth. As long as you go through their supplier (which Sarah did) you can do whatever you want if you are willing to pay for it. We wanted a totally different stain on our cabinets than the builder offered so all we had to do was pay the upgrade fee. Building a home is all about the upgrades and Sarah is showing you how to allocate your upgrade budget. While my builder home is much much smaller than this one I find her tips great.

When we first looked into building a home the builders were all very upfront with us saying to make sure you have room in your budget for upgrades because you will want to make upgrades. Its how they make their money unfortunatly.

So while may people couldn't afford to buy a downtown home and spend 150k renovating it like Sarah has done in the past this is a more attainable way of getting the home you want. All of your upgrades are included in your mortgage when you sign your final papers so if you are in the market for a 450k house purchase a floor plan that is 375-400k and use the rest for upgrades. Believe me, its well worth it!

I really loved the kitchen in this home, its beautiful. I'm not crazy about the powder room, but its a pretty bold design statement and I prefer neutrals. I am going to do wallpaper in my powder room now though!

And that entry way is to die for!

Why can't I comment? :(  it keeps crashing...

The kids and I can not wait until the next episode, watching this new house evolve from start to finish is so much fun and informative.

We were once 'new build' homeowners.  I totally agree with the reactions both Tommy and Sarah have had when 'choosing' the finishes.  As far as upgrades are concerned, there are some well worth expensing, even with a meagre budget.   I do highly recommend the pot drawers, glass front cabinets, build out over fridge, and any extra storage that would otherwise not be available, plus any walls/half walls to be taken away if allowed to open up the space.  Makes for a classier more functional kitchen, where you get bang for your buck should you decide to sell.

One thing to remember here, is that Sarah is working with a builder (Double Oak Homes) that is willing to work with her.  Not all builders are this flexible, so situations will obviously vary depending on the company you are working with.

As for the front entry, I thought it was spectacular.  I visited the home during the open house this past winter, and the first thing I noticed were the cipollino tiles on the floor just inside the door.  Gorgeous!!  And well worth the $549 upgrade cost.  The "mudroom" is technically the hallway leading to the powder room, but choosing to use bead board and a bold colour makes it seem like a separate space.  The powder room was very whimsical and Tommy is right, where else could you use a wallpaper like that without it being overwhelming.

As for the kitchen, I thought it was beautiful.  I love the idea of a honed granite for the countertops - it looks much more expensive than polished granite.  And the fish scale backsplash was an excellent choice - subtle, but with a unique pattern.  I love how Sarah considers how the space will actually function, which is why she chose to add the sink in the island, and raise the bar counter height to hide any mess.

Well done, Sarah and Tommy!!

I'm just dying to know what the style name of the two pendant lights in the front entry are called. I checked the style guide and they are listed as Artcraft Lighting, but I can't find them on their website. Any way of finding out?

I adore this entry and the mudroom too.

I have all the episodes recorded and can't wait until tonight to watch the kitchen show.

Thanks!

I am so happy Sarah is doing a new build in the burbs.  Love what she's done so far - especially the kitchen which is my dream room.  Builder finishes are often blah and the cost of upgrades is where they make their money.  But on the other hand things that require plumbing or wiring need to be done before drywall goes on.  Sarah is the best and I love all of her projects to date.

I have to agree with Kate, most builders who are doing a large development won't let you change much at all.  When we bought our home the only thing we could change (at a cost) was the additional island sink. I wonder how many developments they had to approach before they found an owner willing to sacrifice his building schedule for some free publicity?

Personally I find this show a little out there.  Most people who buy a home cannot afford to spend an additional $100,000 upgrading it, especially after spending at least 750k to buy the house (at least in Metro Vancouver)

When we watch the show, my wife counts the amount of outfits Sarah wears.  We stopped watching the kitchen episode last night when Sarah reached 12 outfits.  The show is more about Sarah's ego and her little yes-boy Tommy.

I think this house is not just $750,000 plus $100,000 in upgrades...don't forget it's on a ravine. I can only guess what that upgrade cost in Toronto. I love the Sarah's House shows but I'm finding this new build a bit dull and although I love the photo of the entrance buffet, most of the house looks cold and over decorated for my taste. Did anyone else notice the builder himself seems to be overseeing the work. How often does that happen in a real subdivision situation! ...never. But, our friends just built through a contractor who only puts up 3 or 4 houses a year and they were able to everything that Sarah has been able to do (paint colour, any upgrade they want, etc). Plus their builder is letting them purchase things outside his line and only charging if there is any extra installation.

Hate the wallpaper in the bathroom. Don't like the artwork in the foyer (an oil tanker..really?). Compared against the chandelier, the two coach lamps are too big/heavy....overpowering. Do like the colour schemes. But agree with "Kate".  Builder would not let the average buyer do one-third of what Sarah was allowed to do.

Enjoyed the episodes last night.  The lanterns over the island in the kitchen were gorgeous and affordable!  The entryway was lovely and the chair perfect.  The sideboard turned console was pricey but suitable for the entryway and the overall cost of the house.  Not so keen on the orange walls in the 'mud room' and bird wallpaper in the powder room.  Since I could see the bright orange from the entry/hallway, I would have chosen the same 'Bubbles' colour for the 'mud room' but that is my personal taste.  All in all, I look forward to the next two episodes and hope Sarah and Tommy have some great new episodes coming for 'Sarah 101'  when Sarah's House is over.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the kitchen/family room.  I wish that she carried more of this contemporary style throughout the home, just to see something different.   I think the entry way is BEAUTIFUL!!!!   I really like the bathroom too, but just not sure how it fits with the rest of the home.  

Oh yes - I totally loved the rooms so far - the kitchen is fantastic.  I loved the wallpaper in the powder room - I can't imagine getting bored with it, and to carry the orange into the mudroom was a great choice.  BUT - how pretentious has Sarah become - telling Tommy I am going to show you how the other half lives!  Most people have to live in the suburbs, raising families and trying to make ends meet and a lot of us would die to have this upgrade budget.  I found Tommy and Sarah's attitude condescending and it ruined the show for me - which is a shame because she is the daughter I dreamed of having.  Go back to the Sarah we used to love - and Tommy, stop being so snobbish!!!  Love you though!!

Not even going to comment, as I didn't catch the episodes.  -Brenda-

Great show so far and as always!  Love the art above your entry console, its different than what your used to seeing which adds simple character to your home! I don't think Sarah meant any harm by what was said and what alot of people are freaking out about "I am going to show you how the other half lives!" If you notice most homes Sarah and Tommy decorate are downtown and older character homes.  So basically she's working on something different than what everybody is used to seeing watching her shows.  I think its great, its what keeps us watching...wouldn't it be boring watching the same routine all the time?  I also bought a new construction home, we were able to visit the home during the construction process, also we were able to have our own painters come in before closing aswell...just remember not all builders are the same!    

OK, seriously.... did I really see a $4,000 price tag flash up on the screen for the console in the front hall? And then Sarah called it a place to drop your keys and mail when coming thru the door? That's a heck of a lot of money for that. Doesn't this take up a HUGE part of the $6,500 budget?

Don't get me wrong - I think it LOOKS great, especially with the two benches, chair and entrance tiles but WOW that's too rich for my blood.

The bathroom wallpaper, Moroccon shelf & French bathroom light I'm sure aren't for everybody. I know my reaction to it was like Tommy's in the showroom. I wanted to throw up too.

I keep watching and hoping to find something to love in this house. Haven't got there yet....

Just watched the kitchen episode and found something to love. Everything about this episode was classic Sarah & Tommy. The colours, fabrics, finishes, trim work and overall layout were great. I'd take all of the above in a heartbeat.

All in all it's a great result and a really smart use of the design elements and space. Of course we knew that this is where the budget would probably get blown but hey - it's well worth it. Even the little extras spent in upgrade to the cabinet colours and honing the granite made a big difference in the appearance.

Awesome!!!

OMG!!!! THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN,MUD ROOM AND HALL. KUDOS SARAH AND TOMMY! MAGNIFIQUE!

I loved the front entry. But I have a question. Where do people put their coats and boots? I didn't see a hall closet there. If it is around the corner in the mud room area, then people have to carry their dripping boots around the corner?

Tried to comment yesterday but it crashed.  I don't see how it all ties together - can't get past the purple living room which seems like something one would tire of quickly.  And not keen on the orange wall.  Also, is the mudroom just some hooks?  Where is the storage?  Will guests be trekking past the family's junk in order to get to the powder room?  And if there is just one closet back there then shouldn't there be an armoire in the entry-way for guest coats?  Shoes and boots can go under the hall benches - love the benches.  Also, how does the entrance tie in with the living room?  That cushion on the hall chair seems to go in a completely different direction from the living room.

Loved the kitchen.  It seems more Sarah-style than the rest of the house which is kind of a mish-mash.

First thing I really enjoy Sarah's house.

Clearly though a lot of the comments here echo my feelings exactly.

Flipping the floorplan, being so heavily involved during construction and having the ACTUAL builder involved is completely unrealistic.

I agree with Kate that Sarah would have been much more believable and attainable taking the actual floorplan, used builder upgrades as is and not had this house overseen by the builder.

Another note is the timing of the projects. Did anyone notice the FINISHED kitchen at the end of the living room episode? Even if you could be 100% involved there is no way you could source, shop and approve a kitchen, living room and mud room AT THE SAME TIME.

Sarah as an entire team doing the leg work shopping across town and deciding what works, for any other homeowner with a full-time job this would be IMPOSSIBLE.

Trust me, not even Double Oaks was on stand- by while Sarah's team sourced, consulted, shopped with everyone .

Next time Sarah "show how the other lives AND manages to work and make time to decorate on a builder schedule" .

PROMISE I'LL WATCH.

I am a big fan of Sarah ...and Tommy.  I think they are a great pair and fabulous designers.  I always enjoy watching the show to pick up on styles or tips along the way.  I don't always agree with the overall design but there is always something for everyone to love.  

After watching this latest episode, some beautiful touches but there were a few aspects that I didn't necessarily agree with the choices.  I agree with Sue that there were some inconsistencies with the flow of colours.  I do not see the connection with the front room in lavender and the pumpkin back hallway, as well the fabrics in the front entry.  With the rooms being that close together, I'm not sure they would be my first choice.

Secondly, I'm not sure if I was the only one that noticed but the front rounded cap on the granite countertops looked awful.  I'm not sure if anyone else could see the seam all the way along the fronts, as a homeowner and designer, I would not be satisfied with that.

Overall, I think Sarah is on the right track with the 'theme' of this show but do agree that after spending over $100,000 in upgrades on top of the purchase of the house that not many would be able to afford some of the furniture pieces that are used in the finished design.  And for those who could afford it, they would also likely afford a designer to do the process for them!   I think it would have been a more 'realistic' show to use a floor plan that you are given.  From that floor plan, showcase that great design doesn't have to cost a lot to get noteworthy impact.

I love the kitchen and powder room. Listeners need to stop focusing on the bottom line and take away the decorating. You do not have to spend big money to get a designer look.

Entry way was great and I loved the tile, bathroom not too much.

Kitchen was a little over done, love the granite, but not everyone can afford it. Wasn't too impressed with Sarah's comment about laminate counter tops, cheap plastic, they're both so out of touch with the "other half".

I still miss the old "Sarah signature style"-calm,casual,simple and fresh. This house whole house is too busy-and "done" for me. And where's the "flow" ??

I was quite inspired with the bird wallpaper.  Not my choice, but it gave me a place to start looking for something that would work for me.  There are some gorgeous choices within the brand of wallpaper she used.  I don't quite understand the use of gray in this kitchen or many other kitchens she has done.  I find gray rather cold and dreary, especially in the winter months.  I heard some comments about not wanting "builder's beige" throughout the home, but I find gray just as common and drab.  Would love to see something other than gray and beige.

I wonder why Sarah has such a thing for bird wallpaper in the half bath?  The same as the farm house. I appreciate how gorgeous everything looks.I would choose different fabrics personally.  Sarah's personal style is more modern and geometric than mine.  However, when Sarah is working with a client she can really nail it for them.   Two things that were not made clear are 1) is there a formal dining room?  I would certainly hope so that table is not going to cut it. 2) Where does the mudroom connect to in terms of getting outside?  I thought about stone all the way through to the mudroom area.  Where do guests hang their coats etc. coming in the front door?  On a winter day you would have to take their boots and coats and move them over the hardwood to the mudroom?

It is all very gorgeous, that is what undeniable fact. However, I I think it would have been a lot more of a challenge if less money was spend on upgrades and furniture. Double Oak is a very easy builder to work with,a is not a regular builder either. FYI, this home sold for $1.1 mil without the furniture. That would have been another 150 000K.

I have to agree with Kate.  Perhaps in Toronto it is a different story, but most spec-home builders in British Columbia (unless they are custom-builders) will not let you change the interior or exterior finishes.  The builders have in-house designers put together different colour boards and you can select from them and that's it.  They are not interested in slowing down production to customize one-person's home even if they are willing to pay the additional upgrades.  They tell you right up front they are not willing to customize and if that is what you want then you need to do it after you move in.  In B.C. it is difficult enough for young people to purchase a single-family home never mind take an additional $100,000 in their mortgage to upgrade it!

I also wonder what the spec-home builders must think of Tommy and Sarah commenting about their processes on national television.  Even custom-builders will limit how many paint colours you can have as the trades will charge the builder extra to continually change and clean rollers to switch colours.

Also, I wonder who is going to buy this house and at what price to compensate for all the furniture in it and who would want to buy it completely furnished? Don't most people have some furniture they would want to bring that might be sentimental?

That said, I still look forward to watching Sarah every Tuesday and am glad HGTV and Sarah are on tv!

Wow, lots of expectation to have a TV show reflect your own lifestyle. I've always thought of Sarah's House as an extended "ideas" catalogue. More than once I've finished a decorating project, then found an old episode that had clearly influenced me even though I didn't realize it at the time. My version is always a lot less elaborate, and a heck of a lot cheaper, but Sarah and Tommy have educated my tastes and courage over time.

In the current house, I've been fascinated with the things she has done to transform subdivision living to something more grand. I live in the burbs in a subdivision (overlooking a ravine!) that had "modest" upgrades at the time of the build. I'm now moving through the house and making affordable but transformative changes. This kitchen was a treasure trove of ideas, and I adored the softness of the living room. I won't copy them, but I'll sure be influenced!

PS - My kitchen/ family/ great room (unintentionally) ended up looking very "Sarah's Cottage" with periwinkle blue walls, painted vintage furniture, white slipcovers, and a riot of cushions in blue, yellow and white patterns. It's a sunny day in here every day! Thanks for that, Sarah and Tommy!

I just love this series!

Loved the kitchen!! But what 2 paint colors did she use on the cabinets?

I may not like all the elements, but I defy anyone to say no to this home. Great work and love the mud room and powder room especially the wall paper. Could you give us a lesson on building door and window framing. Hate the stuff at the big box stores.

Sarah's dining room makeover is a fiasco ... there's nothing to like ... blue is ugly.  The dining room is not elegant in any manner whatsoever except maybe to the artsy crowd.  The paisley curtains are ugly, the walls are ugly, everything is ugly .. what happened to Sarah?

Finally watched the episode(s) and feel Sarah shared many valuable tips!  

My favourite spaceS have to be the Kitchen and Family Room  but in all honesty question her colour palette for the Entry Way, Powder Room and Mud Room as I see very little correlation (flow) between the spaces as a whole,  so am totally curious what she is opting for the other rooms.  

-Brenda-