Growing up on a farm in the Midwestern plains of Salina, Kansas, taught Tamara Day, a creative homegrown do-it-yourself kind of girl, ways of finding old, dilapidated homes in her area to turn into beautiful spaces. Her father, Ward Schraeder, was her original teacher and still works with her today.
Tamara and her crew transform big, old houses she finds at bargain prices. While respecting the integrity and history of each home, she integrates modern design, function and style to the space, which is ideal for today’s families.
“I started my career by working on my own home during 2008 when times were tough and I had to scrape by but still wanted a great design,” she smiles. “I was able to save here and there, and there we had it, our first Bargain Mansion! I love working on old homes because I think the challenges in an old home are what makes each space have character. It’s really hard to put character and charm into a brand-new build. It’s the work around that give you character.”
Her interior design, furniture, décor and lifestyle business, Tamara Day Design, was born out of this initial inspiring experience.
Day shared they have a lot of design projects going on currently for private clients, both residential and commercial, that she is excited about. In addition, she has worked with RTA Outdoor Living to create a signature outdoor kitchen. Her Cottage X Collection adds a timeless, classic and charming touch to any home.
She also recently teamed with RoomMates Décor to create a collection of peel and stick wallpaper. Her collection features a range of designs, from bright bold patterns to calming neutrals, giving any space that designer’s touch.
Add to that her four new rug collections, Kaleen Rugs. The first collection, Juniper, is now available for purchase. She also has a partnership with Quorum and Cyan Design to create a collection hard-wired lighting, ceiling fans and decorative accessories this year.
When asked for tips she would give people desiring to design their homes, she comments, “I think the best trend I see happening is people designing what they like, not what’s on trend. I believe the best design always comes from the personality of the home and homeowner. Quirky is good, and color is fantastic!”
She truly has her dream job, but it’s a lot more work than it looks on the show. Her own house was her first ‘Bargain Mansion,’ and that is when the executive producer of the show approached her, and as they say, the rest is history.
“We have 10 episodes coming to the Magnolia Network this spring, and I’ve got to say, some of these homes are my favorite we’ve ever done!” she relates. “So much inspiration you’re going to love it. You are also able to shop everything you see on the show on tamaraday.com.”
Part of Tamara’s fulfillment comes from her husband, Bill Day, who she married in 2000. Their four children, Henry, Bobby, Thomas and Nora, keep her on her toes and have plenty of ideas for their busy mom!
She reiterates that no idea is a bad idea, and her daily challenges are what inspire her to find more old homes in the metro area to bring back to life and restore.
Everything she features is available for purchase on tamaraday.com.
