The One Question Joanna Gaines Always Asks Before Renovating A Home

Renovating a home soon, or wiling away hours planning your dream reno? There's one part of the process that people forget — answering questions. Whether you're knocking down walls or putting on an addition, questions arise at every point of the journey. Which knobs do you want on the cabinets? Solid hardwood vs. engineered? Do we need a permit for this? And then there's the dreaded one: Is this project way over budget, or just a tad?

But according to home reno extraordinaire Joanna Gaines, there's a simple question you have to ask before you get down to the rest of the nitty gritty. In her MasterClass on interior design, titled "Designing a Home That Tells Your Story," she gives homeowners practical guidance for cutting through the noise to design a home they'll love for years to come. The big question she says everyone must ask? "In three words, how do you want your house to feel?" It may seem simple, but for people who really take the time to consider the answer, Gaines promises it's the key to transforming any house into a timeless home.

Gaines is known for her ability to imbue warmth and personality into home renovations, helping homeowners design a place that looks as good as it feels. So, it's no surprise she encourages people to get personal during the process, especially if they're feeling overwhelmed by options. "Design is all about continuously grounding yourself so that what we build off of will stand the test of time," she notes (via TikTok). 

Your three design words act as a North Star. Without them, it's easy to say yes to trends you'll grow to hate, or make non-cohesive design choices. But if you design with your three words guiding you, it makes decision-making more seamless. Let's say you want a place that feels cozy, inviting, and serene. Rather than get lost sifting through lighting options, you'll know to start by looking for something serene like finding beautiful ways to decorate with candles. Have a choice between an artsy metal chair and the IKEA accent chair that doesn't sacrifice comfort for style? Can't even call it a choice — you know that you're going to go for the one that's cozy.

Since it's so important to land on the right three words to guide you, Gaines suggests looking for clues from everywhere. She loves actions as simple as going out into the garden and looking at a single flower or paying more attention to the feelings you have in your favorite spaces. By opening your eyes to the world around you, you'll push through the stuck mode and find creative inspiration everywhere.