HGTV Star Hilary Farr Shares The Most Important Room To Renovate And Why

You could ask hundreds of people which room in the home is the most important when it comes to renovations, and you would likely find a range of different answers. To some, the bedrooms are the most important, while others will tell you it's the living rooms or dining rooms. However, according to Hilary Farr, it's the kitchen that is really the most important room to renovate, and with good reason. This spot is where most people spend a large portion of their waking hours, whether that be cooking cleaning, eating, or relaxing. Whatever you do in your kitchen, it's usually a hub within the home. Renovating this room ensures it's functional and stylish, and it can also increase your resale value. 

One fact about Love It or List It's Hilary Farr is that she loves her kitchen, so you can trust her when it comes to designing your cooking space. A 2022 study found that people are in their kitchens for around 400 hours each year. With that in mind, it makes sense to prioritize this room, especially if your budget can't accommodate a whole home renovation. This is an area that can often benefit from a lot of upgrades, including fixtures, appliances, and decor. Most people want a kitchen that's functional and stylish, so investing to get both of those is very important. Even for people who cook but don't hang out in the kitchen, upgrading appliances will result in yummy meals and an improved chef experience.

Magazines, websites, and catalogs are filled with ideas for your kitchen remodel, so do your research and decide what you want out of the space. Hilary Farr's kitchen renovation tips include investing in top-of-the-line appliances, especially if you spend a lot of time prepping and cooking meals. In an interview with Desert Financial Credit Union, she says, "Kitchens are the perfect example of blending beauty and function. Start with function and choose the highest quality of appliances that you can possibly afford." She continues, "There's no money that is too much to spend on a kitchen; it's the room you use every single day of your life, and you'll get that money back when you sell." You don't have to spend extravagantly on every appliance, though. Only splurge on what you know you'll use all the time.

Farr also recommends utilizing your budget for timeless cabinetry that won't go out of style or bring down the value of your home and kitchen. When it comes to your countertops, she suggests shopping with low maintenance and quality in mind. Choose surfaces that are easy to clean and care for; cheaper materials can wear out faster than more expensive solid countertops, so splurge to ensure they last longer. Surprisingly, Farr doesn't recommend using super fancy or statement pieces when it comes to hardware. In an interview with Apartment Therapy, she revealed that she finds feature hardware "distracting." Simple and chic (as well as functional) is the best choice for a stylish cooking space that appeals to everyone.