The Renovation Mistake Down Home Fab's Chelsea DeBoer Doesn't Want You To Make

Every home renovation project, however small or large, has its own unique challenges. Whether it's costs, material availability, or structural issues that impact the design plans, transforming any space can entail as many setbacks as it can successes. "Down Home Fab"'s Chelsea DeBoer recently shared with HGTV that "not dwelling on the matter" is her suggested approach when dealing with unforeseen issues, while still being able to celebrate the finished product.

When asked about a signature piece of advice for homeowners as they approach renovation, DeBoer says, "When you have your heart set on changing something and you get into the process and it's not possible — whether it's wanting to take a wall down and finding electric [wires] in it ... anything. You have to be able to pivot and figure out a new plan, and avoid getting hung up on what's not working. Don't dwell on it — think of a new plan. It's going to turn out beautiful no matter what. Being able to let it go and move on is just part of the process."

This approach has served Chelsea DeBoer on her HGTV series, where televised renovations can be just as tricky as that of many homeowners. Additional costs, structural issues, and things simply not working in a space can impact the progress. DeBoer's sage advice is not to dwell on the things that you planned that can't happen, and instead, focus on how to overcome the current challenges. Finding a workable solution can also be an enjoyable process, making homeowners think more strategically and creatively than when coming up with the initial failed plan. And sometimes, the new solution works out even more beautifully.

DeBoer suggests approaching any project with flexibility and an ability to pivot. If possible, think of plan B or C solutions to suspected obstacles in advance, which will make coming up with new ideas much easier. It can occasionally be hard to overcome carefully plotted but unworkable designs and blueprints, or carefully chosen but failed paint colors and overly expensive finishes, but working within the parameters of what can happen — instead of what cannot — will pay off in the end. Don't dwell on what could have been, but embrace your innovation and process in creating alternative solutions as successes in and of themselves.