The Room HGTV's Jenn Todryk Instantly Recommends Splurging On

Designers have stressed that you don't have to break the bank to transform your home. There are plenty of ways to make your dwelling feel like new without spending a fortune. But if you are going to go all out, there's one room that HGTV's Jenn Todryk suggests: "[The] Kitchen," she says excitedly in an interview with Texas Monthly. "It's one of the first rooms the buyer enters. It's your 'wow' moment and sets the tone for the rest of the house. It gives you the most value."

Even if you aren't planning to sell your home any time soon, investing in the kitchen is probably in your best interest. The standard return on investment is between 50% and 60%, though that figure can change based on your home's location, kitchen size, and upgrades. If there's one room in your home you're going to splurge on or dedicate a significant portion of your renovation budget to, Jenn Todryk emphatically agrees it should be the kitchen.

Jenn Todryk of HGTV's "No Demo Reno" offers some great ways to transform the kitchen without demolishing the existing space — or your budget. The designer puts a ton of attention and emphasis on making her clients' kitchens a showpiece. Todryk suggests repainting the cabinets to breathe new life into the room. Or, if you plan on replacing your cabinets entirely, choose some that aren't pre-finished so that you can paint or stain them yourself. It's an easy way to give your kitchen a customized look. Other details like countertops and backsplashes are also worth upgrading to achieve a bespoke aesthetic.

Beyond the cosmetic finishes in the kitchen, another place you can splurge is with your appliances. For instance, Todryk's kitchen features a stylish, glossy black range from Hallman, which retails for nearly $6,000. The unique feature wasn't cheap, but it adds great character to the room, far exceeding the price. However, the less pricey appliances like the Nespresso coffee maker, milk frother, and countertop air fryer may have been minor investments, but even they make this workhorse of a room feel more luxurious.