HGTV's Hilary Farr Always Renovates These Two Rooms First (And You Should, Too)

When you get the itch to renovate your home, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the costs, time commitment, and sheer scope of the project. Whether it's the thought of tackling your entire home or just getting started, making that first move is tough. It makes you wonder how HGTV stars make it look so easy to transform homes. Hilary Farr, in particular, had a 19-season run on "Love It or List It," constantly amazing homeowners with her stylish and convincing renovations. With so many years of experience, she's collected some of the best tips and tricks for anyone in the renovation process. One of the best ways to help prep your home for a renovation is to have a plan, and that starts with deciding which rooms you're going to tackle first. This is where Farr's advice can really come in handy, as she always recommends renovating either the kitchen or bedroom first.

Farr recognizes the importance of both of these spaces, and her perspective on why she always uses these rooms as starting points offers plenty of useful insight to get your renovation rolling. If you choose to apply her method to your own renovation, there are plenty of pro tips to help make the process even more successful. It's easy to get carried away with wanting to change everything all at once, but taking a thoughtful approach like Farr can help you get a result that's truly satisfying, through a process that is a little less stressful.

When asked what specific room she recommends renovating first, Hilary Farr told Realtor.com, "The kitchen would be an obvious one. If it doesn't function and you have a terrible time trying to produce meals and you certainly don't enjoy the process either, you would tackle that room for sure." The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, so while it may be daunting to break down and rebuild the design, it can set the tone for a functional renovation process. Many expert designers encourage starting in the kitchen as well, not just because they're one of the most used spaces in the home, but because the renovation process requires the most time, effort, and costs. Given its high return on investment, it's best not to leave this space until the end of your home makeover, as you run the risk of tackling it with renovation fatigue and a worn down budget.

Farr's advice also highlights how important it is to have a functional kitchen, which is a key factor to keep in mind as you get started. Many of the kitchen renovation tips Farr swears by emphasize function, whether it's picking out top-tier appliances, choosing countertops based on your daily needs, or being mindful of scale. To improve your kitchen's function along with its style, take note of what isn't working in your current design, and focus on mending these details throughout the renovation process.

While the kitchen is a popular starting point for most professional designers, Hilary Farr also sees the value in prioritizing the bedroom. Her reasoning behind this choice comes from the fact that although it's not a highly-visible area for guests, it's a key personal space where we spend most of our time, and making it a priority in your renovation provides you with a great space to start and end your days. This is especially helpful to consider if you're someone who values your bedroom space throughout your daily routine. If it's nothing more than a place to fall asleep, maybe the kitchen is better suited to your plan. But for those who do everything from getting ready in the morning to answering late-night work emails in the bedroom, it can be a smart place to start.

The bedroom can also be a good option if you're looking to start small and ease yourself into the renovation process. There are plenty of simple ways to give your bedroom a refresh without spending a fortune, making the task feel less invasive and intimidating. Small changes like replacing rugs and lighting or introducing some functional furniture can have a big impact on the space. If your bedroom is always cluttered, it can translate to your mindset as you move forward with the rest of your renovation. By looking at areas where you can improve organization, you can create a personal space that lets you feel relaxed and refreshed everyday.