Ep 5. Living Room Refresher

Dear Genevieve focuses on home design and renovation, featuring interior designer Genevieve Gorder. In season 6 episode 5, entitled "Living Room Refresher," Genevieve tackles a dated, cluttered, and underutilized living room in suburban Chicago.

The episode begins with Genevieve meeting with the homeowners, Kristin and Neil, to learn about their vision for the space. They want to transform the room into a functional and stylish hangout spot for their family, which includes two young children and a dog. Genevieve takes stock of the current space, noting the room's many architectural features, such as a stone fireplace, built-in shelving, and a bay window.

As she works on the project, Genevieve faces several challenges. One of the primary challenges is balancing the homeowners' desire for a comfortable and cozy space with their need for a more streamlined and clutter-free living room. In addition, she has to navigate the room's many different zones, including a play area, a reading nook, and a television space.

To start the transformation, Genevieve focuses on the room's architecture. She paints the built-in shelves and window frames in a soft, creamy white to brighten up the space and create contrast with the dark stone fireplace. She also removes curtains that had been blocking the bay window, allowing natural light to flood the room.

Next, Genevieve turns her attention to the furniture and decor. She replaces the bulky sectional sofa with a more streamlined grey couch and pairs it with a stylish leather armchair. She also brings in pops of color and pattern with new throw pillows and a soft area rug.

To address the family's need for a play area, Genevieve creates a designated space in front of the bay window. She installs a play tent and adds comfortable floor cushions and a storage bench for toys and games. She also adds a reading nook by the fireplace with a cozy wingback chair and a small side table.

One of the most striking changes Genevieve makes is to the room's focal point: the television. She removes the large, outdated entertainment center and replaces it with a sleek black media console. She also adds a colorful gallery wall above the television, filled with family photos and artwork.

Throughout the episode, Genevieve emphasizes the importance of functional design, incorporating storage solutions and comfortable seating options. She also encourages the homeowners to embrace their personal style, whether it's through bold patterns, colorful accents, or meaningful decor.

By the end of the episode, Kristin and Neil are thrilled with their new living room. Genevieve's changes have made the space more functional, comfortable, and stylish, while still honoring the room's original architecture. The room is now a true reflection of the family's personality and lifestyle.