Hilary Farr's Exit: What Happened On Love It Or List It?

For over a decade, fans of HGTV's beloved home transformation series, Love It or List It, have tuned in to witness the engaging dynamic between interior designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin. Their playful banter, competing visions, and undeniable chemistry became a staple of home renovation television. However, a significant shift has occurred, leaving many viewers asking: what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It? The news of her departure sent ripples through the fanbase, marking the end of an iconic era for the show.

After an impressive run spanning nearly two decades, Hilary Farr announced her decision to step away from the show that made her a household name. This article delves deep into the reasons behind her surprising exit, explores her journey on the show, and looks ahead to what the future holds for both Hilary and Love It or List It. Join us as we uncover the full story behind this pivotal change in one of HGTV's most popular series.

Table of Contents

• A Beloved Presence: Who is Hilary Farr?
• The Iconic Duo: Hilary Farr and David Visentin
• The Shocking Announcement: Hilary's Departure from Love It or List It
• Why Did Hilary Farr Leave Love It or List It? Unpacking the Reasons
  • Seeking New Challenges: "It Was Becoming Too Easy"
  • A Personal Decision: "Entirely Up to Her"
  • The Passage of Time: Nearly Two Decades on Screen
• Life After Love It or List It: Hilary's New Projects and Personal Life
• The Future of Love It or List It: Who Replaces Hilary Farr?
• Are Hilary Farr and David Visentin Still Friends?
• The End of an Era, The Start of a New Chapter

A Beloved Presence: Who is Hilary Farr?

Before delving into the specifics of what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It, it's essential to appreciate the impact and background of the woman herself. Hilary Farr is a renowned interior designer, businesswoman, and television personality. Born in Toronto, Canada, Farr's career in design began long before her HGTV fame. She has lived and worked in various parts of the world, including Los Angeles, New York, and London, honing her skills in property development and renovation. Her extensive experience in transforming spaces, coupled with her sharp wit and sophisticated aesthetic, made her a natural fit for television. Farr's journey to becoming a household name started in 2008 when she joined Love It or List It. Her expertise in design and her ability to create stunning, functional homes for clients facing difficult decisions quickly resonated with audiences. She became synonymous with elegant transformations, often pushing the boundaries of what homeowners thought was possible within their existing spaces. Her design philosophy, which emphasizes practical solutions without compromising on style, earned her a loyal following.

Hilary Farr: Personal Data

Full Name	Hilary Farr
Nationality	Canadian-British
Profession	Interior Designer, Television Personality, Businesswoman
Years on Love It or List It	15 years (2008-2023)
Seasons on Love It or List It	19 seasons
Age (as of 2023 announcement)	71 years old

The Iconic Duo: Hilary Farr and David Visentin

The undeniable charm of Love It or List It largely stemmed from the dynamic between Hilary Farr and her co-host, real estate agent David Visentin. Since 2008, they have been the heart of the show, engaging in a good-natured rivalry that captivated millions. Hilary, with her focus on transforming existing homes, would try to convince homeowners to "love it" by creating their dream space within their current property. David, on the other hand, would showcase new homes on the market, tempting clients to "list it" and move into a new property that better suited their needs. Their on-screen chemistry was a masterclass in playful banter and genuine camaraderie. Despite their opposing goals within each episode, their mutual respect and underlying friendship were always evident. They poked fun at each other, celebrated successes, and commiserated over challenges, making them one of television's most beloved duos. This long-standing partnership, spanning 15 years and 19 seasons, became a defining characteristic of the show, making the question of what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It all the more poignant for fans who had grown accustomed to their delightful interactions. Their collaboration created a unique blend of design inspiration, real estate insights, and lighthearted entertainment that set Love It or List It apart in the crowded home improvement genre.

The Shocking Announcement: Hilary's Departure from Love It or List It

The news that Hilary Farr would be leaving Love It or List It came as a surprise to many. After 19 incredible seasons, Hilary Farr announced that she's parting ways with Love It or List It in December 2023. This announcement marked a significant turning point for the long-running HGTV hit. For over a decade, she had been a constant, reassuring presence on the show, guiding homeowners through often stressful renovation and relocation decisions. Her decision to leave, after nearly two decades on the show, immediately sparked widespread speculation and concern among the show's dedicated fanbase. Social media buzzed with questions about the reasons behind her exit and the future of the series without her. Hilary herself shared the news with People magazine, confirming her departure and offering insights into her decision. She also posted a heartfelt tribute video on Instagram, acknowledging her time on the show and hinting at new projects and aspects of her personal life she was eager to explore. The announcement solidified the reality that the familiar format of Love It or List It, with its beloved design expert, was about to undergo a major transformation.

Why Did Hilary Farr Leave Love It or List It? Unpacking the Reasons

The central question on everyone's mind since the announcement has been: why did Hilary Farr leave Love It or List It? While the news was certainly a shock, Hilary herself has been quite open about the motivations behind her decision, offering a candid look into the evolution of her career and personal aspirations. Her departure wasn't sudden or impulsive but rather a culmination of thoughtful consideration and a desire for new horizons.

Seeking New Challenges: "It Was Becoming Too Easy"

One of the primary reasons Hilary cited for her departure was a feeling of stagnation. "It was becoming too easy," she told People.com, a sentiment that might surprise some given the show's continued popularity. However, for a creative professional like Hilary, the repetition of the format, even with new clients and new homes, eventually led to a sense of boredom. She had mastered the art of transforming spaces within the show's specific parameters, and the challenge that once fueled her passion began to wane. For nearly two decades, Hilary Farr had been doing the same job, albeit with different houses and different families. While incredibly rewarding, the inherent structure of Love It or List It meant a predictable cycle of design dilemmas, budget constraints, and the ultimate reveal. A designer of her caliber thrives on innovation and pushing creative boundaries, and it seems the show's format, by its very nature, eventually limited her capacity for novel challenges. Her desire to move on to new challenges was a clear indicator that she was ready to stretch her creative muscles in different ways, exploring projects that demanded fresh approaches and offered new learning curves. This proactive pursuit of growth is a testament to her dedication as a designer and an individual.

A Personal Decision: "Entirely Up to Her"

Another crucial aspect of Hilary's exit is that the decision was entirely her own. According to Farr, the decision to exit was entirely up to her, dispelling any rumors of disagreements or external pressures. This autonomy in her career choices speaks volumes about her control over her professional path and her commitment to personal well-being. After years of a demanding television schedule, the opportunity to redefine her routine and pursue projects on her own terms became increasingly appealing. She expressed her gratitude for the show's impact, acknowledging the significant role it played in her life and career. However, this gratitude did not overshadow her personal need for change. It highlights a common theme for long-serving public figures: the desire to reclaim time, explore passions outside of their well-known roles, and prioritize personal fulfillment. For Hilary, this meant stepping away from a show that had become a significant part of her identity to embrace a future shaped by her own aspirations, free from the constraints of a demanding production schedule. This self-determination is a key factor in understanding what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It.

The Passage of Time: Nearly Two Decades on Screen

After spending nearly two decades on Love It or List It, Hilary Farr decided it was time to move on. The sheer longevity of her tenure on the show is remarkable. Being part of a television series for 15 years, appearing in 19 seasons, is a significant commitment that consumes a vast amount of time and energy. Although the show had played a significant role in her life, she felt ready to transition into a new phase. The natural progression of a career often involves seeking new horizons, especially after achieving such sustained success in one particular role. For Hilary, the decision was less about dissatisfaction with the show itself and more about a natural evolution of her professional and personal life. It's a common human experience to desire change and new experiences after dedicating so many years to a single endeavor. This desire for personal and professional renewal, after a long and fruitful run, ultimately led to her amicable departure from the series that had defined a major part of her career.

Life After Love It or List It: Hilary's New Projects and Personal Life

Since announcing her exit from Love It or List It, Hilary Farr has been embracing new ventures and sharing more of her personal life with her followers. She posted a tribute video and shared her new projects and personal life on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her world beyond HGTV. One notable change that captivated fans was her new look. Love It or List It alum Hilary Farr debuted a new look that shocked fans in the best way, ditching her signature brunette bob haircut and embracing her natural roots. This visual transformation symbolized a fresh start, a shedding of the old, and an embrace of authenticity. While specific details about all her new projects remain under wraps, her social media presence suggests she continues to be active in the design world, perhaps through private client work, speaking engagements, or other media opportunities that offer more creative freedom and less demanding schedules. Her focus appears to be on projects that truly excite her and align with her evolving interests, allowing her to maintain a connection with her passion for design without the rigorous demands of a long-running television series. Her ability to pivot and reinvent herself demonstrates her enduring spirit and commitment to living a full and vibrant life.

The Future of Love It or List It: Who Replaces Hilary Farr?

With Hilary Farr shockingly announced her exit from Love It or List It in 2023, the question of the show's future, particularly who would fill her formidable shoes, became a major talking point. Fans wondered if the show could continue without half of its iconic duo. The good news for fans is that Love It or List It is indeed returning for a new season in 2025. This means that while many are wondering what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It, the show itself is not ending. Realtor David Visentin is officially back for a 20th season of the HGTV stalwart, more than a year after Hilary Farr announced her exit. However, he won't be alone. David Visentin is returning to Love It or List It for Season 20, but he’ll have a new cohost by his side. When the show returns on Monday, April 21 (likely referring to the premiere date of the new season in 2025), Visentin will be joined by Page Turner. Turner’s Love It or List It debut comes more than a year after Hilary Farr revealed she was leaving the series after 15 years. Page Turner is also an HGTV veteran, known for her work on shows like Flip or Flop Nashville. Her expertise in real estate and design, combined with her engaging personality, makes her a promising successor to the role. We're thrilled to see designer Page Turner take the helm alongside David Visentin, promising a fresh dynamic while maintaining the core appeal of the show.

Are Hilary Farr and David Visentin Still Friends?

A common concern among fans following Hilary Farr's departure was whether her professional split from David Visentin would affect their personal friendship. Their on-screen chemistry was so genuine that many hoped their bond extended beyond the cameras. The good news is, yes, Farr and Visentin are still on good terms. This reassurance comes directly from David himself. In fact, ahead of the Season 20 premiere of Love It or List It, Visentin told TV Insider that he and Hilary remain close. He explicitly stated, "Hilary and I will be friends." This confirms that their friendly rivalry and deep respect for each other transcended the confines of the show. Their 15 years of working together, competing against each other for 19 seasons, forged a bond that wasn't easily broken by a change in professional circumstances. This enduring friendship is a testament to the genuine connection they shared, providing comfort to fans who cherished their unique dynamic and wondered about the aftermath of what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It. It's heartwarming to know that even as the show evolves, the personal relationships forged on set continue to thrive.

The End of an Era, The Start of a New Chapter

Hilary Farr's departure from Love It or List It truly marks the end of an era for HGTV. Her presence, expertise, and engaging personality were integral to the show's massive success for nearly two decades. The reasons behind her exit—a desire for new challenges, a personal decision for change after a long tenure, and a natural evolution of her career—are understandable and relatable. She chose to prioritize personal growth and new experiences over the comfort of a well-established role, a courageous move that many can admire. While fans will undoubtedly miss her iconic designs and witty exchanges with David Visentin, the show is set to continue with a new co-host, Page Turner, promising a fresh dynamic while retaining the beloved format. The enduring friendship between Hilary and David also offers a comforting continuity, assuring viewers that the bonds formed on screen were genuine. As Hilary embarks on new projects and enjoys a different pace of life, and as Love It or List It steps into its next chapter, it's clear that both the designer and the show are embracing new beginnings. The legacy of Hilary Farr on Love It or List It will forever be etched in HGTV history, but her story, and the show's, are far from over. What are your thoughts on Hilary Farr's departure? Share your favorite Love It or List It moments or your hopes for the new season in the comments below! And if you're curious about other HGTV news or design insights, explore more articles on our site.