It’s hard to decide whether or not to love your current home and renovate it to fit your lifestyle, or list it and start fresh in a great new space.  HGTV’s hit show, Love It or List It, features interior designer Hilary Farr and showcases her amazing ability to beautifully remodel a family’s existing home.

love it or list it

Hilary sat down with NBC’s Today Show and divulged her favorite tips for clients who are planning to stay in their home and “love it”, and advice for clients who are planning to sell:

If you’re planning to stay in your current home and renovate, Hilary recommends these three things:

  1. Create an open-concept kitchen! Not only is this style great for entertaining, but it will also create the appearance of a larger living space.  We especially love adding kitchen islands with breakfast bars, for greater counter space and seating.
  2. Hilary loves creating a luxurious master bathroom, and feels that everyone deserves to have at least one opulent bathroom.  This may include adding a soaking tub, installing a double sink, and new floors.  To spruce up your bathroom on a budget, consider adding some new fixtures (brushed bronze is elegant and trendy), purchasing a few fluffy towels, and painting a new tranquil hue.
  3. Lastly, Hilary recommends adding “bonus” square footage by finishing any unfinished spaces in the basement.  While the projects can be costly, she notes that the payoff is large — more space for you & your family, and added value for the future!
love it or list it

–

If you’re ready to move, Hilary suggests these three (inexpensive!) things to boost your home’s value:

  1. Declutter, declutter, declutter! Hilary recommends going room by room and getting rid of everything that you don’t absolutely need.  Consider renting a storage space, or neatly organize boxes in the basement.  And don’t forget to organize the garage & closets too!
  2. Reorganize and spruce up the kitchen for cheap, by scouring countertops, removing grease from cabinets, and organizing shelves.
  3. If you’re going to spend money doing any renovations before selling your home, Hilary recommends upgrade floors.  Whether you replace your carpet or add hardwood floors, just be sure that they are neutral and suitable for a variety of buyers.
love it or list it

Gorgeous floors at 126 Milbob Dr in Ivyland

Plus, be sure to check out EveryHome agents Lauren McDonald and Katie Kennedy in this great video about how to decide when to move.