When Joanna Gaines, the queen of home renovations, speaks, we listen. From gardening tips to cleaning secrets, styling ideas, and more, we're always eager to know how she does everything, so we can replicate her stunning style at home. Her latest advice is no exception: It's particularly helpful for anyone tackling their own fixer-upper project. 

Joanna recently spoke to Architectural Digest and revealed the design process behind her remodeling projects. Here are just a few of the things the brilliant designer does when managing a remodel:

1. She starts with Pinterest. 

Just like you and me, Joanna Gaines loves a good Pinterest board—and encourages her clients to use them. "I always tell them to build an inspiration board on Pinterest to get a feel for what they want in their space," Gaines told Architectural Digest. "Both Pinterest and Houzz are great starting places when searching for inspiration and nailing down your style."

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2. She decides on a layout. 

She thinks about the family and their needs when designing the floor plan. "Having young children lends itself to adopting more of an open floor plan," she explained. "If you're an empty nester, you may want to transform a spare bedroom into a workout room or office. It all depends on your season of life."

3. She prioritizes storage. 

According to Gaines, it's all about designated storage spaces. "A great way to stay organized is to create intentional spaces for toys, craft supplies, and odds and ends," she revealed. "I think storage is the most undervalued part of a home. Adequate storage can make every room feel more peaceful and beautiful simply by removing clutter and freeing up visual space."

4. She always gets a home inspection before she begins tackling a new renovation. 

The  HGTV star believes every house has potential, but also knows that not every project is realistic for every family's budget. "Always get an inspection to make sure the home is structurally sound," she advised. "We've seen foundation issues that will cost up to $20,000. If the cost of the structural issues is cutting too much into the total renovation budget, we know it's not 'the one' and encourage clients to keep looking."

For read more from this interview, visit Architectural Digest.

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Jessica Leigh Mattern
Web Editor
Jessica Leigh Mattern is a web editor and writer who covers home, holiday, DIY, crafts, travel, and more lifestyle topics. Prior to working for Country Living, she wrote for several lifestyle and women’s magazines including Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan, and Redbook