Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson's Best Design Ideas for Every Room

The brilliant duo behind HGTV’s Married to Real Estate transform the ugliest houses on the block into spectacular spaces brimming with style, function and value. Here, their best ideas for every room. Prepare to be inspired.

By: Susan Hall

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Photo By: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Photo By: Jessica McGowan / Getty Images

Photo By: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Photo By: Jessica McGowan/Getty

Photo By: Jessica McGowan/Getty

Photo By: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Photo By: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media, Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Photo By: Jessica McGowan / Getty Images

Photo By: Jessica McGowan / Getty Images

Egypt and Mike’s Knockout Style

Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson are the creative, talented and upbeat powerhouse couple behind Married to Real Estate’s astounding home makeovers. Their real estate, design and construction prowess is as core to their work as their lighthearted-but-hardworking approach to every twist and turn of each renovation job. See how they’ve brought dream home magic to their clients, and get inspiration for your home too.

see more: Married to Real Estate

In the Kitchen: Romance and a Big Focal Point

In this romantic Charleston, South Carolina, kitchen — designed for Rock the Block Season 3 — luxury and functionality meet and mingle. An elegant, oversized hood above an immense 60-inch gas range and double oven is the room’s dramatic focal point. The white-washed cobblestone backsplash evokes the charm of an old Lowcountry lane, and open shelving feels spacious and warm. A waterfall island provides plenty of storage for avid home cooks, while bamboo stools beckon guests to perch and linger.

see more: See the Winning Design: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson's 'Rock the Block' House Reveal

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Kitchen: An Entertainer’s Paradise

Contemporary and clean was the design goal with this black-and-white open-concept space from Season 1 of Married to Real Estate. Mike exposed a soaring vaulted ceiling in the living room, its height enhanced by the sweeping peppercorn-hued shiplap fireplace. In the sleek kitchen, porcelain countertops and backsplash are a durable, nonporous, cost-effective and beautiful alternative to marble. A double oven, expansive range and impressive hood further elevate the refined space.

see more: Our Favorite Farmhouse Kitchen Designs From 'Farmhouse Fixer'

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Kitchen: Bringing the Outside In

“It’s all about the windows in the kitchen,” says Egypt of this airy, reimagined space from Season 2 of Married to Real Estate. She chose dark, Essex green subway tile to pull the vibrant hue of the sprawling backyard inside and echoed the color on the large island cabinetry. The back wall of open shelving further draws the eye toward the green focal point inside and out. Quartz countertops are durable and beautiful, and satin brass hardware adds a touch of glam.

see more: Mina Starsiak's Best Design Ideas for Every Room

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Pantry: Smart Storage Galore

“Pantries are huge for resale value, especially for families,” says Egypt of this custom walk-in storage space. It features a coffee bar; drawers with shallow fronts that allow the homeowner to easily peek inside; glass- and solid-front cabinets for displaying — or hiding — items; and shelving in nearly every shape and size to house kitchen necessities from canisters to cookie sheets.

see more: 30 Kitchen Pantry Ideas You'll Love

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Eat-in Kitchen: Bistro Chic

A cozy kitchen corner was the perfect place for an inviting eat-in area with a custom built-in banquette crafted by Mike. A driftwood-gray pedestal table, simple black bistro chairs and oversized brass lantern add a casual elegance to the space. Blue cafe curtains add a pop of calming color, and throw pillows in pretty organic prints amp up the cozy factor.

see more: Jasmine Roth’s 20 Best Decorating Ideas

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Dining Room: Modern Twist on a Classic

This dining room features wow-worthy wall decor: framed, leaf-pattern wallpaper panels, which strike the perfect balance between formal and fun. The inviting space pairs elegant French country-inspired, cane-back chairs with a casual-leaning dining table with chunky legs. The silver-green drapes pick up the calm colorway of the wallpaper, and the natural fiber rug with ivory floral print is low maintenance yet chic. The recessed ceiling and chandelier lend classic-meets-irreverent flair.

see more: Dave and Jenny Marrs' 40 Best Decorating Ideas

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Bar Area: Fun Tile and a Subtle Palette

Moody blue walls give this basement-bar space a relaxing ambiance. The recessed dry bar boasts white countertops and cabinets, a playful geometric tile backsplash and sophisticated floating shelves. An architecturally appealing slat wall along the staircase allows light into the terrace-level space. Vinyl plank flooring is durable and attractive.

see more: Egypt Sherrod Used the Coolest Paint Trick in her Winning 'Rock the Block' House

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Living Room: Laid-Back Luxury

This coastal living room, designed for Rock the Block Season 3 in Charleston, South Carolina, is brimming with soft, seaside charm. Egypt and Mike used exposed beams and striking accent walls above custom built-ins to draw the eye toward the grand fireplace with its warm brick surround. Driftwood coffee tables and floating shelf decor add beachy style without leaning coastal kitsch. Curved elements in the sitting chair, side tables and artwork add geometric energy to the crisp, neutral space.

see more: See the Winning Design: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson's 'Rock the Block' House Reveal

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Living Room: Midcentury Magic

Soaring ceilings appear extra elevated in this 1950s living room, thanks to dark, exposed beams and lofty, narrow windows that exude midcentury style. Egypt and Mike transformed this dated home into an enticing retreat filled with a myriad of cozy seating areas like this sectional-framed nook. A plush, geometric-print rug, angular wooden lounge chairs and burnt orange-and-yellow accent pillows complete the midcentury vibe.

see more: Midcentury Modern Style 101

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Living Room: Wonder Walls

Wood paneling can make a room feel dated, but Egypt and Mike made it work in this 1950s stunner. Pairing it with subtle, concrete-hued floor tile and curvaceous furnishings and fixtures softens the hard lines of the wall panels and ceiling beams.

see more: 20 Decorative Wall Paneling Ideas to Try in Every Room

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Living Room: Refined and Repurposed

This warm and airy living room is fresh and luxe, but it features smart, recycled elements. Before Egypt and Mike worked their makeover magic, the fireplace was clad in an outdated tile. A faux cast-stone treatment gives it an understated-but-luxe look for less. The custom entertainment console consists of extra kitchen cabinets from another project topped with a waterfall countertop and finished with a kick plate beneath.

see more: 20 Neutral Living Room Ideas From HGTV Stars

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Living Room: Smart TV Placement

First-time home buyers were taken by this two-bedroom cottage’s location and charm, but the tight layout? Not so much. Egypt and Mike removed the wall separating the kitchen and living room to create an open-concept living, dining and kitchen area, which made the space feel expansive and light-filled but left no logical spot for the TV. The design team devised an “anti-feature wall” to the left of the front door by crafting a frame that houses the TV and a display shelf to make it look like a subtle piece of art.

see more: 14 Clever Hidden TV Ideas

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Bedroom: Calming Colors and Textures

This Lowcountry bedroom, designed for Rock the Block Season 3 in Charleston, South Carolina, is the picture of tranquility. Ocean-going azure walls and generously sized side tables in a light finish marry seamlessly with striking antique sliding doors and an elegant shell chandelier. A gray upholstered bed and plush neutral carpet are the picture of comfort.

see more: See the Winning Design: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson's 'Rock the Block' House Reveal

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Bedroom: Reimagined Furnishings

For these first-time homebuyers’ primary bedroom, Egypt embraced a Bohemian aesthetic with bright pops of color anchored by a creative and cost-effective painted headboard. Simple floating nightstands frame the bed and help the small room live larger, as do strategically placed hanging plants (which draw the eye up) and a colorful striped rug, which elongates the space.

see more: 20 Vibrant Bohemian Bedrooms

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Closet: Dazzling Dressing Room

A primary closet decked out with a centerpiece of built-in cabinetry and a perimeter of chic and convenient shelving and hanging space is a win for current homeowners and future resale value. White cabinets and shelving allow clothes and accessories to stay organized. Ample lighting from overhead and within built-ins adds aesthetic function.

see more: Behind the Scenes of 'Married to Real Estate' Season 2

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Bathroom: Serenity Now

A soft gray pebble mosaic tile floor, freestanding tub and double capiz-style chandeliers make this primary bath feel like the ultimate at-home vacation. The “super shower,” as described by Egypt and Mike, takes the space to the next level, with dual rain showerheads, smart features, a sleek bench and an alcove for bath products.

see more: 75 Dreamy, Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Bathroom: High Drama

In this primary bathroom from Married to Real Estate Season 1, Egypt went bold and chic with a striking black and white theme. A glistening all black shower is set against large-scale checkerboard tile, a floating vanity and 6-foot soaking tub with prime backyard views. A clerestory window above the vanity and glam pendant lights on either side amp up the drama even more.

see more: 50 Black and White Bathrooms We Love

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Kids’ Room: Pure Fun

Two boys have free rein — and can literally climb the walls — in this ultimate kid-friendly play space. But there’s balance to the fun, too, with a two-seat corner desk where they can tackle school work before hitting the play gym, diving into their book collection or embarking on a Lego construction spree. Wallpaper in a playful fractured stripe and rug in bold colors and shapes inject the space with lively energy.

see more: 20 Themed Bedrooms for Kids

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Office: Light-filled Creative Space

Simple wood-and-metal shelving and a large sewing table comprise the foundation of a fabric designer’s inspiring home office. The basement space is flooded with natural light, thanks to new doors that overlook the backyard, and glass and iron doors open to a dry bar, family room and kids’ study and place space. “This room is like a launchpad for her business–and inspiration,” Egypt says of the homeowner’s new creative refuge.

see more: 10 Times HGTV Stars Pulled Off Coastal Grandma Designs

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Office: Simple and Chic

Working from home looks good in this office, where eye catching glass doors set the tone for the luxe but unfussy interior. Plush emerald green sitting chairs with clean lines, a simple white desk chair and abstract art elevate the distressed wood desk and hide rug — proving a home office doesn't have to be overdone to be elegant.

see more: 30 Home Office Design Ideas We Love

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

In the Office: Secret Space

What look like traditional built-in shelves in this stylish home office reveal quite the surprise: They open to unveil a hidden closet on the left (which makes the space a legal bedroom for future resale value) and on the right, they lead to a beautiful new full bathroom with shared access from the open-concept living space.

see more: Behind the Scenes With Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

From: Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

We Recommend

Get to Know 'Married to Real Estate' Hosts Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson

Mina Starsiak's Best Design Ideas for Every Room 21 Photos

Interview: ‘Married to Real Estate’ Stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, Season 3 Winners of ‘Rock the Block’

Related Pages