Hilary Farr’s interiors are adored by HGTV fans for a reason. Her timeless sophistication inspires those aiming to create an elegant home. She emphasizes functionality without sacrificing style. Known for transforming homes on “Love It or List It” and “Tough Love with Hilary Farr,” her own home stands out as the pinnacle of her designs.
Her Raleigh, North Carolina home was a labor of love, designed as the perfect space for her family. It offers a unique mix of luxury and comfort. Although she may sell her older Toronto home, the North Carolina residence is still her dream home two years after its completion. If you want to see the design of each room, we’ve created a virtual tour to inspire you with ideas from her entryway, kitchen, master bedroom, and more. Use Hilary Farr’s renovation ideas to enhance your home’s flow and see what the inside of her home truly looks like.
An unexpected yet timeless front door design
The entrance to Hilary Farr’s home immediately sets a sophisticated and personalized tone. Her custom front door features stunning glass panels that flood the foyer with light. On Instagram, she shared, “I wanted a front door with an unexpected design to complement the traditional brick exterior of the house. It shouldn’t be too modern. It must look beautiful inside and out, allowing maximum natural light while providing privacy.” This design balances personality and functionality, offering warmth and seclusion. It hints at the textured layers found throughout the home.
You can recreate Hilary Farr’s show-stopping front door by focusing on maximizing natural light, achievable with a glass-paneled door. Consider purchasing a door like the LuxeVista Durable Full Lite Decorative Glass Door or adding sidelights. Installing sidelights may require permits from your county. Farr’s door features a minimalist black frame, adding modern flair to the brick entrance. Black steel doors are popular for their sleek look and durability.
An entryway with custom, abstract furniture
Guests stepping into Hilary Farr’s foyer encounter a stunning statement piece. To create a unique first impression, she commissioned a designer to craft her dream entryway bench. On Instagram, she shared her vision: “In 2018, I discovered @bones_studio at a Toronto furniture store @thirtysixknots. The unique, earthy designs stuck with me. In 2019, at High Point Market (HPM), I met Ryan, the talented designer and maker of these pieces. I knew I wanted at least one piece in my Raleigh home. Here it is—this bench, making a punchy, artful statement as soon as you walk through the front door. Inspired by skeletons, it had to be beautiful and functional.” This space proves the entrance sets the tone for your home’s style, so never overlook what guests see first.
If you’re choosing between a bench or console table for your entryway, Farr demonstrates the visual and practical benefits of a bench. Additional seating creates a cozy feel, and her bench’s structure makes the home feel like art. If a custom bench is out of budget, consider affordable options like the Rivova Tufted Bench, which is ultra-modern with a slatted metal frame. For more storage, try the HLR Modern Shoe Bench with hidden compartments.
Transitional spaces filled with thoughtful art pieces
Every inch of Hilary Farr’s home is carefully curated, though not everything was completed in one go. She constantly adds visual upgrades, showing that home design is an ongoing process. She posted on Instagram, “New art on my wall in NC. Love it!” featuring artwork by B. Shawn Cox, mounted behind floating acrylic panels with gold screws.
This area shows that how you display art is as crucial as the art itself. Instead of replacing art, consider new mounting options. Farr’s choice of floating acrylic panels illustrates that selecting the right frames can prevent art from appearing too formal. Her painting has a traditional twist, and the lack of a classic frame gives it a contemporary edge. This display idea is perfect for keeping paintings from looking stuffy or dated. You can achieve a similar look with Ion Acrylics Custom Made-to-Order Frames. For a funky option, try the Mutellstory Neon Acrylic Frame for smaller art and photos.
A modern living room meant for gatherings
Farr’s living room, filled with modern furniture, is arguably the most contemporary room in her home. The statement-making light fixtures elevate the sleek, chic space. Though cozy, the room isn’t cluttered. This thoughtful minimalism was key to achieving her design goals. In a special “Love It or List It” episode, Farr explained, “This was designed for big gatherings. My grandchildren can run around without furniture in the way.”
You can add Farr-inspired furniture pieces to your space. First, use lighting to make your home look more expensive. Multiple light sources create a glowing ambiance, and warm bulbs add to the cozy mood. Mimic Farr’s aesthetic with the Abttoi Globe Chandelier and Brightech Sphere Standing Lights. Farr breaks up the room with a cleanly lined blue sofa for a pop of color. The Fontoi Loveseat Sofa is a similar option for smaller spaces like apartments and compact living rooms.
A bright kitchen fit for a world-class chef
Farr’s kitchen, with a backsplash extending to the ceiling, is a showstopper. It features ivory and white decor, with modern black accents on window frames and lower cabinets. In a “Love It or List It” reveal, Visentin praised, “This kitchen is perfect for cooking enthusiasts.” Farr agreed, “I’ve got everything I could want.” The gold hardware and plumbing fixtures add warmth to the cool-toned space.
While all-white kitchens may be debated among designers, Hilary Farr avoids the white and boring trap by incorporating a few important features. Painting lower cabinets adds dimension without making the space look smaller. If black feels too harsh, consider softer shades like slate blue, taupe, or gray-green. Warm-toned hardware, like brushed brass and copper, prevents kitchens from looking cold and sterile.
A dining room with a reclaimed wood table
The dining room may be modest in size, but it exudes elegance. Farr shared on Instagram, “The dining room is the heartbeat of my home, where friends and family gather for food, conversation, and laughter around this beautiful table by David of @duvallandco. When I fell in love with this reclaimed wood table, I knew it would anchor the room.”
A reclaimed wood table transforms your dining space into an organic statement piece, drawing attention to the communal center. Affordable sources for reclaimed wood include architectural salvage yards and online resellers like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. Local woodworking shops may also offer reclaimed boards. Once you find your table surface, add legs for a DIY alternative. Metal accents help blend upcycled wood furniture into a modern home. The Patavinity Metal Table Legs are adjustable and come in various designs.
A stairway with lengthy windows and black details
When designing your home, don’t focus solely on the rooms. Areas like stairways can be overlooked, but not by Hilary Farr. On Instagram, she shared, “I adore my stair rail design. I collaborated with Ted @room62_furniture. The decorative black ‘pickets’ make a statement against the black windows. Did you notice the handrail? Made from polished brass to complement the light fixture and nod to traditional design.” Floor-to-ceiling windows elongate the space, allowing dark accents while maintaining brightness.
The combination of polished brass and black railing exemplifies contrast throughout the home. Farr’s rule is to add contrast (stylistically or tonally) to avoid a monochromatic look. A well-designed space achieves cohesion without being too matchy-matchy. Consider the Promenaid Architectural Bronze Handrail Kit for a warm, contemporary balance.
A master suite with countless luxury features
Several features make Farr’s master suite unique. She installed doors opening to a railing overlooking her front yard. Visentin initially critiqued this feature on “Love It or List It”: “It’s a beautiful bedroom. I love the natural light. But why not add a balcony?” Farr defended, “It’s quiet. It’s peaceful!” On her oversized walk-in closet, she exclaimed, “I’ve never owned a closet like this. It’s slightly over the top, but fabulous!” Even more extravagant is her sleek master bath. She told Visentin about her cost-effective marble alternative: “It’s not real. It’s porcelain!”
Porcelain offers benefits over real marble, especially in cost. Marble tiles can reach up to about $15 per square foot, while porcelain tiles cost around $3 per square foot. Plus, porcelain’s durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
A symmetrical bedroom for her grandchildren
One guestroom is designed for her grandchildren. A gray and pink color scheme complements the symmetrical arrangement of two twin beds and matching poufs. The connected bathroom boasts fun tile and a skylight. During the show, Visentin playfully remarked, “You do know what you’re doing, don’t you?”
Designing a guest bedroom for children differs from adult spaces. Farr creates a kid-friendly space that fits the home’s style. The color scheme blends a playful shade with a serious color for balance. Mixing neutrals with a pop of color can create a sophisticated, kid-approved space. Symmetry elevates the bedroom subtly. Consider identical nightstands, complementary poufs, and matching pillow arrangements. The Aels Unstuffed Farmhouse Poufs resemble Farr’s choices.
A serene guest bedroom with a striking en-suite
The other guest bedroom boasts a neutral color palette, creating a calming space for guests. Visentin complimented Farr’s cozy, airy design: “Beautiful, love the natural light. Good storage throughout.” The attached bathroom contrasts with geometric mosaic tiles, black stone countertops, and a matte black sink, adding personality in the right space.
A guest bedroom is perfect for hidden storage. Most closet space won’t be used for long-term guests. Consider adding storage for seasonal clothes or items. Custom built-ins might seem costly but are worth it if utilized fully.
A powder room with eye-catching wallpaper
Farr made a bold design choice in the powder room, covering walls with stone-mimicking wallpaper. She proudly stated, “It’s like being in a giant piece of agate, don’t you think?” This space shows that a half bathroom is perfect for eclectic decor. The funky look is enhanced with an asymmetrical mirror, patterned sink basin, and industrial fixtures.
Consider adding wallpaper to your bathroom, especially half baths or powder rooms. Without a shower or tub, there’s no worry about moisture damage. Small spaces allow for daring patterns. The self-contained nature of a powder room ensures it won’t clash with other spaces. For a stone-inspired look, try the Mfwfm Abstract Wallpaper with a gilded marble design.
A compact basement that doubles as a gym
Farr’s basement proves it doesn’t have to be cold and dark. On Instagram, she explained her unique flooring choice: “My basement isn’t large, but thanks to @fornacork, it’s cozy. Perfect for my workout space. It’s planet-friendly and looks great.” Cork flooring is flexible, durable, mold-resistant, and an excellent insulator.
When deciding how to use your basement, consider daily needs. A home gym can save costs and streamline routines. Farr chose a stationary bike, exercise ball, and weights. Don’t fill your basement with machines; clutter discourages use. Focus on ambiance with wallpaper, houseplants, and quality flooring like cork.
