Photo courtesy of Sara Touijer
Sara Touijer, a Rye-based interior designer, joins the cast of the upcoming show, Rachael Ray’s Rebuild, premiering October 23.
Earlier this year, Rachael Ray wrapped up her 17-season Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show. Although she is widely known for her 30-minute recipes and captivating charm, 10 families have recently turned to her for help in restoring their homes.
Recently, local designer Sara Touijer joined the American TV personality and contractor Anthony Carrino to rebuild and design homes for 10 families devastated by natural disasters. The featured families are from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They have all endured unimaginable disasters to their homes and are now striving to rebuild their lives. All 10 episodes of Rachael Ray’s Rebuild will be released on Hulu on October 23.
Rebuilding a life after a catastrophe doesn’t come with a playbook. Beyond the physical damage to the structure, people face nightmare scenarios with insurance companies, contractors, safety concerns, unforeseen financial obligations, and the emotional toll this all takes on a family. Rachael Ray has been through it herself, and now she and her team, including Touijer, are bringing their experience and resources to help families get back into their homes.

“I’m happiest when helping others. The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing how people come together as a family, as a community, as a crew,” notes Touijer.
From transitional to farmhouse modern, each home had its own blueprint. For Touijer, she relished the chance to bring her creative design style and her love of DIY projects to the table.
“I got to roll up my sleeves and get crafty,” she enthuses. In one episode, you will even catch Touijer painting a pattern for wallpaper and installing it in a home.

In 2012, after 10 years in the medical field, Toujier established Touijer Designs. With each passing year, she grew her business, reaffirming her decision to pursue a career in design. Touijer reflects, “I always knew it was my passion; it just took the long road to get back to it.”
Throughout her career, giving back has always been her MO. During the pandemic, Touijer founded One Room Wonders, a Westchester-based nonprofit whose mission is to create one-of-a-kind spaces that positively impact lives. Thus far, the organization has completed a project for the Ronald McDonald House and redesigned a home for a frontline nurse and single mother. “It feels good to give back, and we have new projects in 2024,” says Touijer.

Touijer jumped at the opportunity to join Ray’s team and help redesign homes for the 10 families and share such a special moment with them. Once the trio completes the reconstruction and furnishing– some homes starting out as rubble– they have a big reveal segment with the family. For the most part there’s crying, hugs, and excitement. Each episode concludes with the family and Rachael Ray sharing a home-cooked meal that’s requested by the family and made by Ray.
To learn more about Rachael Ray’s Rebuild or watch, head to Hulu on October 23.
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