25 Smart, Modern Makeovers From Jillian Harris

See how Jillian Harris, the co-host and interior designer from HGTV's Love It or List It, Too, easily reimagines outdated spaces and turns them into modern miracles.

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September 25, 2015

By: Keri Sanders

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Before: Too Small to Entertain

These homeowners longed for a classy space where they could host dinner parties, but a tiny table and cramped kitchen just weren't cutting it.

After: Elegant and Spacious

Co-host and interior designer Jillian Harris reworked the kitchen layout to create two stations in an open layout. A grander dining table for six sets the stage for lovely dinner parties to come.

Before: Packed Garage With Leaky Roof

Yikes. This abominable "before" garage was in serious need of organization, and an unfortunate leak left wet clutter strewn about the space.

After: Peaceful Office Space

Since the homeowners were only using the garage to hold piles of clutter and paperwork, Jillian created a peaceful home office where they can keep things organized.

Before: Dated, Dark Bedroom

Improving this dated disaster wouldn't require much, but Jillian has big plans for this dark space, where even the wallpaper is trying to make a break for it.

After: Serene Blue Bedroom

By adding tall window treatments, Jillian was able to make the ceiling feel higher and the room more spacious. A light, relaxing color palette creates a calming effect, while stylish new furniture ties the look together.

Before: Clutter to the Ceiling

This cluttered garage lacked organization and was essentially wasted space in a home where space was at a premium.

After: Finally a Family Room

Jillian opted to completely transform the garage into a more functional family room. Neutral walls and custom-built furniture look tranquil and inviting in this totally reworked space.

Before: Basic and Overflowing

Toys, toys and more toys turned this already bland living room into a makeshift playroom. Jillian hoped to remove the toys and add some personality.

After: Smart Storage in a Stylish Space

A storage ottoman keeps the toys out of the way when not in use and doubles as a comfy spot to put your feet up in the newly redesigned living room.

Before: Unorganized and Out of Control

Before Jillian got her hands on it, this laundry room was a major mess in need of a cleaning overhaul.

After: Everything in Its Place

Once Jillian worked her magic, this space was brought back to its original purpose: a laundry room. Brand new cabinets provide ample storage, making piles of clutter are a thing of the past.

Before: Outdated Space and Color Scheme

For this dated kitchen, the homeowners needed a refreshed look with a smarter layout that would make it easier to keep an eye on their young daughters.

After: Open and Practical

This open floor plan makes it easier to see everything that's going on in the home, and a sleek palette of blended neutrals creates a timeless look.

Before: Bad Lighting and Layout

In this painfully-dark before, bench seating and an awkward brick fireplace made it difficult to gather around the table.

After: Bright and Reborn

After the makeover, this space looks like an entirely different room. Jillian was able to keep the fireplace by moving the kitchen cabinets. She even created enough space to add a kitchen island.

Before: Underutilized Storage Closet

The homeowners simply weren't making the most of the storage space this closet provided.

After: Makeshift Mudroom

In order to keep all the kids' sports gear organized and at the ready, Jillian installed custom-built lockers for easy, kid-friendly storage.

Before: Outdated Cabinets

Green countertops and cabinets that were over 30 years old were major eyesores in this outdated kitchen.

After: Cool and Contemporary

A neutral color palette brightens the kitchen, while new cabinets and a stunning tulip table bring the space into the 21st century.

Before: Boring Fireplace

This house had obvious potential, but the homeowners had a hard time seeing past the boring, cramped "before."

After: Full of Personality

A bright white fireplace instantly brightens the look of this once-dated home, while unique art and accent pieces add personal flair.

After: Bright and Beautiful

A larger view shows off the updated furnishings, which make the entire space feel more modern. Interesting textiles throughout add a fun vibe to the newly-redesigned space.

After: Ideal Open Concept

From this angle, you can see how the open floor plan connects the living room to the dining room and kitchen, giving the entire home a bright, more modern feel.

After: Soft Lighting and Comfy Seating

A view of the opposite side of the living room shows off the neutral sofa, where fun accent pillows really pop. A large window with updated window treatments floods the entire floor in soft natural light.

Before: Good Bones, Old Cabinets

This kitchen already had new appliances, but the dated cabinets left something to be desired.

After: Cheerful White Kitchen

Jillian kept the appliances but surrounded them with new white cabinets to instantly brighten up the space.

After: Eclectic Dining Room

By opening up the first floor, the kitchen, living and dining area became one cohesive space. But to give the dining area a distinct look, Jillian used copper pendant lights and a more eclectic style.

Before: Dated '60s Cooking Space

Though the homeowners were once in love with this unique kitchen built in the 1960s, they both agreed it was long overdue for an update.

After: New Lease on Life

Caesarstone countertops, a more modern kitchen island and a delicate wall color give this kitchen just the right amount of modern-meets-classic style.

After: Updated Island

Jillian was able to keep the existing island, but she gave it a more modern look with clean lines and a coat of crisp white paint.

Before: Small Kitchen, Outdated Style

This kitchen was not only outdated, but the fridge was so small that a separate freezer had to be stored elsewhere.

From: Jillian Harris

After: A Home Cook's Dream

After the makeover, this space is unrecognizable. With the crumbling cabinets removed, gorgeous new white cabinets take their place. High-end appliances and a fabulous backsplash give this kitchen the wow-factor it was missing.

Before: Spacious But Sparse

While this bedroom is great on space, the homeowners didn't know how to make the most of it, and a lack of style makes the room feel unfinished.

After: Comfy, Cozy Escape

To make the most of this spacious bedroom, Jillian turned the ensuite into two walk-in closets. She then added custom nightstands, a queen-size bed with lush linens and a practical storage ottoman.

Before: Tiny and Unorganized

A tiny kitchen which also happened to be home to the family's washer and dryer was far from organized, and the layout needed to be reconsidered.

After: A Separate Laundry Room

Jillian created a separate laundry room to provide this family with extra kitchen square footage. Cabinets keep laundry essentials out of sight.

Before: Game Room Clutter

An already-small kitchen was also being used as part laundry room and part game room in this disorganized home.

After: Functional Mudroom

In order to add ease of organization to this once chaotic space, Jillian created a functional mudroom that would make storage and clean-up a breeze.

Before: Barely-Usable Gym

A home gym was supposed to alleviate tension, but this constant mess became the source of stress instead.

After: Workable Work-Out Space

Jillian was able to reclaim this workout space by emptying the clutter and giving the room a more distinct purpose.

After: Added Storage

To keep the clutter at bay, new cabinets were added for easy, concealed storage.

Before: Boring and Colorless

This living room mixed outdated furnishings with a boring design and lack of style.

After: Bright With a Pop of Color

Now full of personality, this living room boasts bright accent pillows, a fresh coat of paint and a stunning dark gray sofa.

Before: Big Enough But Bland

This living room had space for some fabulous furnishings, but the lack of style left the homeowners wishing for something new.

After: Making Use of Space

Since there was plenty of space to work with, Jillian chose a gorgeous sectional to anchor the room. A delicate color scheme and pretty white colors create a soft, relaxing vibe.

Before: Tight Quarters

This itty-bitty bedroom was so small that a bed alone made it difficult to move around.

After: Switching Things Up

Since the space was far too small as a bedroom, Jillian reimagined the space as a cozy office with handy storage cabinets and a new convenient stairway.

Before: Dingy Basement Office

A spacious basement was being underutilized as a dark home office with too much clutter and a huge need for storage.

After: Basement Bedroom

The office was moved to a smaller nook upstairs, and the basement was reworked into a spacious bedroom with new hardwood floors and a soothing color palette.

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Photo By: David Owen Strongman / Getty Images

Photo By: David Owen Strongman/Getty Images

Photo By: David Owen Strongman / Getty Images

Photo By: David Owen Strongman/Getty Images

Photo By: David Owen Strongman / Getty Images

Photo By: Farah Nosh / Getty Images

Photo By: David Owen Strongman / Getty Images

Photo By: janis nicolay

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25 Smart, Modern Makeovers From Jillian Harris

Related To:

Before: Too Small to Entertain

After: Elegant and Spacious

Before: Packed Garage With Leaky Roof

After: Peaceful Office Space

Before: Dated, Dark Bedroom

After: Serene Blue Bedroom

Before: Clutter to the Ceiling

After: Finally a Family Room

Before: Basic and Overflowing

After: Smart Storage in a Stylish Space

Before: Unorganized and Out of Control

After: Everything in Its Place

Before: Outdated Space and Color Scheme

After: Open and Practical

Before: Bad Lighting and Layout

After: Bright and Reborn

Before: Underutilized Storage Closet

After: Makeshift Mudroom

Before: Outdated Cabinets

After: Cool and Contemporary

Before: Boring Fireplace

After: Full of Personality

After: Bright and Beautiful

After: Ideal Open Concept

After: Soft Lighting and Comfy Seating

Before: Good Bones, Old Cabinets

After: Cheerful White Kitchen

After: Eclectic Dining Room

Before: Dated '60s Cooking Space

After: New Lease on Life

After: Updated Island

Before: Small Kitchen, Outdated Style

After: A Home Cook's Dream

Before: Spacious But Sparse

After: Comfy, Cozy Escape

Before: Tiny and Unorganized

After: A Separate Laundry Room

Before: Game Room Clutter

After: Functional Mudroom

Before: Barely-Usable Gym

After: Workable Work-Out Space

After: Added Storage

Before: Boring and Colorless

After: Bright With a Pop of Color

Before: Big Enough But Bland

After: Making Use of Space

Before: Tight Quarters

After: Switching Things Up

Before: Dingy Basement Office

After: Basement Bedroom

Shop This Look

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