Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the dynamic duo behind The Home Edit, are bringing their signature blend of organization and design to the highly anticipated reboot of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Ahead of the January 2 premiere, the pair sat down with FIRST for Women exclusively to discuss their approach to hosting the iconic show, the deeply personal stories behind each transformation and their mission to create spaces that foster healing and growth.
A focus on stories that drive design
For Clea and Joanna, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is about more than creating beautiful homes. It’s about honoring the resilience and unique stories of each family they work with.
“The stories are the foundation for everything we do on the show,” Clea explained. “When we walk into a space, we’re not just thinking about design styles or what looks good on camera; we’re diving into the heart of what this home means to the family. Their story drives the entire vision.”
Joanna agreed, adding, “Every family’s journey is unique, and their home should reflect that. Clea focuses on the overall aesthetic vision while I dig into the functionality. At the end of the day, we want the family to walk in and feel like, ‘Wow, this is us.’ It’s emotional work, but it’s also what makes the process so fulfilling.”
Applying The Home Edit philosophy on a larger scale
Known for their life-changing organizational makeovers, Clea and Joanna are bringing principles from The Home Edit to Extreme Makeover. These techniques, honed over years of transforming spaces both big and small, play a crucial role in their approach to hosting the show.
“The principles of The Home Edit—editing, categorizing, containing, and maintaining—are just as relevant on a larger scale,” Clea noted. “For example, we create zones for connection, rest or working from home. The idea is to design spaces that feel intuitive, so the family doesn’t have to think about how to use them—it just works.”
Joanna added, “You can’t create a functional space without first taking stock of what you have and letting go of what doesn’t serve you. That’s true whether we’re tackling a single drawer or an entire house. On the show, we work closely with the families to ensure their spaces reflect what’s most important to them. There’s such an emotional aspect to it.”
Creating homes that heal on ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’
Clea and Joanna emphasize that their goal is to create homes that offer more than aesthetics—they aim to foster belonging and healing.
“For me, it’s about the personal touches,” Clea told FIRST for Women. “We spend so much time getting to know these families—their favorite colors, hobbies, and even their inside jokes—so we can weave those details into the overall design. It’s not just about making a home look good; it’s about making it feel good.”
Joanna noted that the team is constantly thinking about the “long-term” impacts, too, ensuring that the home can adapt over time. “A home isn’t just for today; it’s for all the moments and memories that will unfold there,” Joanna added. “That might mean designing a kids’ room that can transition into a teen room or creating a family space that accommodates study sessions and celebrations. Those details make the transformation personal and lasting.”
Balancing creativity and high stakes
Tight timelines and high stakes might sound stressful, but Clea and Joanna find ways to make the process enjoyable. For her part, Clea noted that if “you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong,” and that the timelines add a sense of determination.
“The camaraderie on this show is incredible,” Joanna additionally noted. “It’s not just Clea and me—it’s the entire team, from designers to builders, all coming together with this shared passion. That energy keeps us motivated, even on the toughest days. Plus, seeing the families’ reactions makes every stressful moment 100 percent worth it. Snacks help, too!”
The transformative power of resilience
The families featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition often have inspiring stories of perseverance, which deeply impact Clea and Joanna.
“These families have been through so much,” Joanna began. “It’s a privilege to be part of their journey and to create a space that supports their healing and growth. It’s not just about homes; it’s about helping them take the next step in their lives.”
Clea echoed that sentiment. “Every family we meet has taught us something about strength, hope, and the importance of community. It’s impossible not to be deeply moved by their stories. They remind us why this work matters and inspire us to bring our absolute best to every project.”
How to watch ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’
The newly rebooted Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, hosted by Clea and Joanna, premieres on January 2 at 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Tune in to see stunning transformations and heartfelt stories that celebrate resilience and renewal. Episodes will air weekly on Hulu, too, so viewers don’t miss any of the action.
Clea and Joanna’s parting advice
For families looking to transform their homes and lives, Clea and Joanna offer this advice:
Clea: “It’s OK to get rid of things if they are no longer serving you. Freeing yourself from guilt is the first step.”
Joanna: “There’s no shame in starting small. Begin with a smaller project and use the confidence and knowledge you gain to tackle larger transformations.”