Design Dilemmas
From her eponymous design firm to hosting HGTV’s Love It or List It, Hilary Farr is something of a home renovation expert. Or at least that’s what she thought until she tackled her greatest challenge yet: renovating her own home. We chatted with her about how it’s going, her advice to other designers taking on their own homes and what she’s learned along the way.
By Susan Kelly
Living Luxe Magazine (LL): So, tell us a little bit about your home renovation.
Hilary Farr (HF): A bit of background: My design-build company that I started in 1996, Hilary Farr Design, included flipping houses. I had just bought a little house with the intention of renovating and selling. Halfway through construction, my marriage fell apart, and that cute house became my home. Five and a half years later, I was chosen to host Love It or List It and moved to the U.S. to film in 2014. I’m back in Toronto now, and my house is 22 years old with virtually no updates. Actually, it looked pretty good, but I was ready for a project, a mini-makeover “refresh”—nothing structural or extreme. I have over 200 renovations under my belt—surely a three-month project would be loads of fun, right? Let me just state a rule of interior design: most designers are hopeless at doing their own homes. Next fact: I am no exception to that rule.
LL: After designing many homes for other people, how is the process of creating a space for yourself different?
HF: There is such a difference between designing for a client and myself. Clients are waiting for me to solve their problems and fulfill their dreams. I can see how to change spaces so clearly—structural or not. Clients have clear preferences on colour and many elements of the design. Boundaries have been set, including the budget, and I can work within those. Me designing for ME? Horrible! I would fire myself as a client if I could. It’s a tug of war between my limitless imagination, my absolute must-haves, my budget, and too many gorgeous options.
LL: What has been the biggest challenge during the process?
HF: It’s difficult to manage my natural temperament. I am impatient and opinionated, but honestly, I’m almost always right! Once a decision has been made, I want it implemented right away to see that it works.
LL: What advice would you give to other designers renovating their own homes?
HF: Oh my god—don’t do it! Hire the best designer you can trust. Leave the country and let them do it—it’s worth them messing up a bit. Ultimately, it will cost less to fix the odd mess up than the thousands you’ll spend trying to get your sanity back!
LL: How do you define success for a renovation when it’s your own space and your own standards?
HF: Lower your expectations. There is no perfect redesign unless you’re willing to spend a fortune in time you will never get back—and even then! Be kind and allow yourself to enjoy what is best in what was a mess.