Create A Hilary Farr-Inspired Home With These Budget-Friendly DIYs

While Hilary Farr is known for her high-end renovations, you can easily DIY some of her favorite techniques without busting your budget. In fact, Farr employs several accessible, amateur-friendly methods. You don't have to completely gut your home to give it a brand-new look. Farr's renovations are proof that when you focus on upgrading a few key elements, you can create a fresh and fashionable atmosphere.

Whether you're looking to amp up your half bathroom or give your living room a new look, these concepts are affordable and easy to complete without a contractor. Farr is proof that renovations don't have to be overwhelming if you focus on the right additions. Pick your favorite upgrade and try your hand at an easy DIY. For first-timers and DIY pros alike, these tips will push your interior to new heights. Learn how to blend style and functionality with a Hilary Farr-approved DIY for just about every room in the home.

In Season 11, Episode 4, of "Love It or List It," Farr chose to install two matching railings on the ground floor to delineate the kitchen from the living area. This is an easy DIY project that can define spaces in an open-concept living area. She explains (via YouTube) "This is a lovely way of defining spaces, and it's a width so that you can do one of those temporary gates up when you have little ones running around." You can buy deck railings, like this aluminum portion from Decks Direct ($229.99), or even use something like this large wooden pet gate from Amazon ($96.45)

Farr demonstrated the power of revamping your existing elements in Season 11, Episode 3, of "Love It or List It." Rather than installing all new cabinetry in the kitchen, she simply elevated the current cabinets. She shares (per YouTube), "Everything feels brand new, but all the old doors were taken off, sanded down, and refinished. Brand new hardware." Sometimes repainting your cabinets and replacing hardware is all you need for a fresh feel. If you really want to create a designer look, try mixing a custom paint color. You can bring a piece of practically any shade to your local Home Depot and they will mix a matching hue.

In "Love It or List It," Season 12, Episode 11, Farr turned a former pantry into a half bathroom with wainscoting. She is a fan of this DIY-friendly technique due to its ability to make a major impact in a compact space. "The wainscoting is a way of giving it interest, and it's very elegant," she explains in the reveal (via YouTube). "It feels so much bigger," muses homeowner John. You can either cut and measure strips of wood to recreate this look or purchase a ready-to-assemble shaker-style PVC wainscoting kit from Amazon ($39.43). As demonstrated by Hilary, try wainscoting only the lower half of your wall and painting it in a contrasting shade.

In Season 17, Episode 6, of "Love It or List It," Farr transformed the couple's fireplace into a modern masterpiece with the addition of penny tiles, observing (per YouTube), "The fireplace now becoming a thing of beauty — that also functions — is key to this space because it is your cozy hangout." Penny tiles offer a contemporary but timeless look, and can be cut with a pair of $12 tile nippers. We love this classic mosaic pattern in marble from Stone Center Online. On the fence about adding tile? You can test drive the idea with decals ($12.58 from chasing paper) over the summer while your hearth isn't in use. 

Farr has explored several clever storage options that are easy to recreate, including this tidbit from Season 17, Episode 14, of "Love It or List It". She chose to place baskets in open shelving for better visual organization. Homeowner Heather exclaims (per YouTube), "I like my closet! I have to tell you, Hilary, I really do." "You've got baskets above!" Farr responds. IKEA's RISTORP baskets ($12.99) can be used to organize your pantry, entryway, or practically any shelving unit. Alternatively, for a more earthy option, go with these rattan baskets from Wayfair ($46.99 for two). For more organization ideas, check out another Farr-inspired DIY using IKEA storage items.

Farr made the guest quarters in Season 14, Episode 16, of "Love It or List It" do double duty with a few key pieces. She added a play space for Rachel and Adam's children in the corner of the extra bedroom. By lining up cubby-style shelving along the corner of the room, she created a spacious recreational area with toy storage. You can easily recreate this technique in your unused space. You can reduce clutter using a cube organizer shelf to store a variety of children's items. IKEA's KALLAX shelf ($159.99) is one of the most popular options.

In "Love It or List It," Season 18, Episode 3,  Farr turned a compact closet space into a delightful laundry room with the simple addition of bold, fruit-inspired wallpaper. Sometimes working in some vibrant wallpaper is all you need to create a stylish utility space. Homeowner Jess exclaims, "That wallpaper is so cool!" "Isn't it lovely?" Farr responds (per YouTube). If you love this look but want an even bolder option, try this papaya wallpaper from Spoonflower ($129). Incidentally, Bobby Berk is also a fan of updating your laundry room with wallpaper.

Farr converted an unused patio space into an additional living area in Season 16, Episode 2, of "Love It or List It." If you're unsure how to maximize your outdoor living area, take this episode as an example. She added two swinging chairs, several poufs, an outdoor rug, and a small table. Even the simple addition of poufs and cozy textiles can take your porch to the next level. "There's no question, this is extra living space for sure," Farr confirms (per YouTube). Make sure you choose furniture and textiles that are weather-resistant to maximize longevity. Consider these indoor/outdoor poufs from Rejuvenation ($149-$329) if you want them to do double duty.