Ep 1. Designing Kitchens

This Old House has been a beloved television program since the 1970s, showcasing beautiful home renovations and giving viewers tips for their own projects. Season 44 kicks off with an episode titled "Designing Kitchens," which promises to provide insight into creating a functional, stylish kitchen.

The episode opens with Kevin O'Connor, co-host of This Old House, introducing the project - a rundown colonial-style home in Belmont, Massachusetts that is in desperate need of a kitchen renovation. Homeowners Bill and April have lived in the house for 25 years, but their cramped, outdated kitchen is no longer serving their needs. They bring in the expert team of This Old House to update and redesign the space.

Kevin meets with designer Tracy Martin Taylor to discuss the plans for the new kitchen. Tracy explains that the homeowners want a larger, brighter space that incorporates contemporary design elements while still retaining the classic look of their home. To achieve this, the team plans to remove a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room, creating an open floor plan that will allow for more natural light and better flow.

Next, the crew brings in a contractor to assess the current layout of the kitchen and begin demolishing the existing cabinets and countertops. The team encounters some unexpected issues, like uneven floors and hidden pipes, but they work together to find solutions and keep the renovation on track.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process as the crew tackles everything from plumbing to electrical work. The team also works with local suppliers to choose materials like custom cabinetry and countertops that will fit the homeowners' vision for their new kitchen.

As the project progresses, Kevin checks in with the homeowners to see how they're feeling about the renovation. They express their excitement for their new, more functional kitchen and praise the This Old House team for their expertise and attention to detail.

Finally, in the last segment of the episode, viewers get a sneak peek at the finished kitchen, which is transformed into a bright, modern space that still has vintage charm. Tracy explains how every aspect of the design was carefully chosen to meet the homeowners' needs, from the custom island to the unique tile backsplash.

Overall, "Designing Kitchens" is an engaging, educational episode that showcases the talent and passion of the This Old House crew. Viewers will come away with inspiration for their own kitchen renovation projects, as well as a newfound appreciation for the design process involved in creating a functional, stylish home.