We’re Obsessed With Tamara Day’s Old-Meets-New Style

Bargain Mansions host Tamara Day is all about staying true to a home’s architectural design and historical context. But she always finds a way to mix in modern elements. Check out 15 gorgeous rooms from the show with her signature modern-yet-traditional style.

By: Deanne Revel

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Mid-Mod Stunner

Hello, copper. Tamara paid big bucks to have this range restored, but it paid off and she created the perfect statement piece and focal point for this midcentury modern living room.

Gorgeous Vintage Mantel

As soon as Tamara and her dad Ward Schraeder saw this fireplace, they knew they had a gem on their hands. Tamara replaced gaudy tiling that wasn’t original to the fireplace with subtle, modern tile so the original wood carvings of the mantel would be the star of the room.

Dreamy Reading Nook

Tamara created a massive, 900-square-foot master suite in this 1905 Colonial mansion. The new suite features an airy nook with tons of natural light and luxe velvet chairs.

Cute Half-Bath

This half bath features Tamara’s signature mix of old and new. The farmhouse sink is vintage, but the wallpaper is fresh, floral and on trend.

Old World Library

Tamara preserved the original stone fireplace in this 1905 Colonial smoking room. She turned the space into a vintage-inspired library with built-ins and tons of natural light.

Cathedral Kitchen

Tamara and Ward removed the kitchen’s ceiling beams to create a jaw-dropping, over-the-top vaulted ceiling. They also added a large window that overlooks the backyard and adds tons of natural light to the space.

Quirky Study

This 1892 Craftsman study now has a great mix of old and new. Tamara kept the original fireplace but added funky, modern touches such as a custom pendant light made from old books.

Dramatic Hearth

This eat-in kitchen featured a giant hearth with tons of potential, but the facade was super dated. Tamara updated the stone and extended the bench to cover the entire back wall for a dramatic focal point.

Traditional With a Twist

This 1927 Tudor family room remains true to its style with the ceiling beams and window panes, but it also features new, modern furniture and decor. Tamara likes to call this "traditional-yet-modern."

French Chateau

Tamara finally got the chance to tackle this French chateau property after dreaming about it for years. In the formal living room, she preserved the home’s original stone fireplace while adding French doors and shutters to create a rustic-yet-elegant look.

Massive Tudor Kitchen

Tamara and Ward took a tiny kitchen and blew out walls to create this over-the-top space. The new mega kitchen features a giant island, breakfast nook and tons of natural light.

Colorful Living Room

The green tile from the fireplace was a jumping off point for design in this 1905 Colonial living room. The luxe, green velvet sofa riffs off the tile and the pink pillows add a contemporary, on-trend element.

Luxe Master Bath

This may be a Craftsman home circa 1892 but the updated bathroom has gorgeous European-inspired details. We love the soaking tub and the glass window shower enclosure.

Breakfast Nook With Exposed Brick

Tamara took this 1980s, walled off breakfast nook and turned it into a bright, airy and modern space. She left the original exposed brick on the back wall for additional texture but mixed in new decor for a funky, hip vibe.

Charming Vintage Bathroom

Tamara wasn’t able to save the original floor tiles in this 1892 Craftsman bathroom, but the new black hexagon tiles she used blend perfectly with a vintage farmhouse sink and classic, white subway tiles.