7 Shocking Reasons Hilary Farr Left 'Love It Or List It' And Her Explosive New Chapter In 2025

The iconic era of 'Love It or List It' came to a definitive close in late 2023, leaving a massive void in HGTV's lineup. After 19 seasons and over 250 episodes of witty banter and dramatic renovations alongside co-host David Visentin, designer Hilary Farr made the surprising, yet calculated, decision to step away from the show that made her a household name. This move, which was reportedly planned for a year before the public announcement, signaled a major shift in her career, health, and creative focus, propelling her into a new, more personal phase of television and design in 2025.

The departure was not just a simple career change; it was a deliberate choice driven by a desire for fresh challenges and a need to prioritize her well-being. Today, fans are tuning in to see her in a completely different light on her own series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, while a new designer has officially stepped into the massive shoes she left behind on the original show. Her current projects, personal life updates, and candid discussions about her health have kept the beloved designer firmly in the spotlight throughout 2025.

Hilary Farr: Complete Biography and Early Career Profile

Hilary Farr’s journey to becoming one of HGTV's most recognizable faces is far more winding than many fans realize, encompassing a diverse career in acting, real estate, and international design. Her background provides a deep foundation for the "tough love" style she brings to her projects.

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• Full Name: Hilary Labow Farr
• Date of Birth: August 31, 1952
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian/British
• Upbringing: Though born in Toronto, she was primarily raised in London, England.
• Early Career (Acting): Before design, Farr pursued a career in acting, appearing in various films and theatre productions. Notably, she had a small, uncredited role as a 'Bride' in the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).
• Design Transition: After moving to Los Angeles, she began buying, renovating, and selling homes, eventually establishing herself as a designer and real estate investor. She founded her interior design company, Hilary Farr Designs, focusing on residential and commercial projects.
• Family: She was married to Gordon Farr and has two sons.
• HGTV Debut: She became the co-host and designer of Love It or List It in 2010 (though the show premiered in 2008, she joined later in its run) alongside real estate agent David Visentin.

The Real Reason Hilary Farr Said Goodbye to 'Love It or List It'

The decision to leave a highly successful, long-running show like Love It or List It was a shock to the HGTV community. After nearly two decades, the chemistry between Farr and David Visentin was the engine of the show, making her departure a significant event. However, Farr was candid about the various factors that led her to finally walk away.

1. Citing 'Boredom' and Seeking New Challenges

Perhaps the most direct and surprising reason Farr gave was that the show had "become boring." After 19 seasons of the same format—renovating a home to convince the owners to "Love It," while David Visentin tried to convince them to "List It"—the creative challenge had waned. She publicly stated she didn't want to be bored and was ready for new creative endeavors that offered a deeper level of engagement.

2. Prioritizing Health and Remission

Farr has been open about her private health battles. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent treatment, including two lumpectomies and radiation. In the period leading up to her departure announcement, she was in remission. The grueling, often cross-continental filming schedule of Love It or List It, which she described as "all-consuming," became incompatible with prioritizing her long-term health and well-being.

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3. The Desire for a Deeper Connection with Homeowners

The format of Love It or List It often limited the scope of the design conversation. Farr expressed a desire to delve deeper into the emotional reasons behind a home's dysfunction. This intention directly led to her new series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, where the focus is less on the "Love It or List It" decision and more on how the dysfunctional house is straining the family's relationship.

4. The Need to Focus on Personal Design Ventures

Beyond television, Hilary Farr is a successful entrepreneur with her own design firm, Hilary Farr Designs, and a line of home furnishings, textiles, and accessories. Her elegant and endearingly quirky style is translated into collections of furniture, lighting, and area rugs. Leaving the demanding schedule of Love It or List It allowed her to dedicate more time to these personal business ventures and her passion for product design.

5. The Sibling-Like Dynamic with David Visentin

While the on-screen rivalry with David Visentin was key to the show's success, Farr confirmed that the relationship was genuinely a sibling-like bond, complete with mutual respect and a deep friendship. Visentin himself confirmed they are still on good terms following her exit. Farr's departure was purely a professional decision, not a personal one, ensuring their friendship would continue off-screen.

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6. The Launch of 'Tough Love with Hilary Farr'

The most concrete "new challenge" is her solo HGTV series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, which premiered in 2021 and was picked up for additional episodes in 2025. The show's premise allows Farr to employ her signature "tough love" approach to families whose homes are causing real-life stress. She uses creative design solutions to fix the house's issues while offering frank advice to the homeowners about their life choices. This format offers the deeper, more complex design work she was seeking.

7. A New Era for 'Love It or List It' with a Replacement Host

The continuity of the original series was a factor. With Farr gone, HGTV confirmed that the show would continue. A new designer, Turner, began filming the 20th season of Love It or List It in 2025, officially taking over the designer role. This passing of the torch solidified Farr's decision to move on, knowing the show she helped build would continue with a fresh perspective.

Hilary Farr's Design Philosophy and Current Projects in 2025

Hilary Farr’s design style is defined by a blend of sophistication, warmth, and a fearless use of color and pattern. She is known for her ability to transform cramped, dysfunctional spaces into elegant, timeless interiors.

The Core of Hilary Farr Designs

Her philosophy centers on making a home feel both beautiful and functional, often through the following key principles:

• Timeless vs. Trendy: Farr consistently advises homeowners to avoid fleeting trends, instead focusing on classic elements that create a timeless aesthetic.
• Function First: A core principle of her "tough love" is ensuring the layout and flow of a home support the family's actual lifestyle, not just their wish list.
• Creative Anchors: She often advocates for creating a strong "anchor of style" in each room, whether through a statement piece of furniture or a bold textile.
• Making Decorating Fun: Through her product line, Farr aims to demystify the design process, making high-end style accessible and enjoyable for the average homeowner.

Personal Renovation and Life in Toronto

In 2025, Farr has been actively sharing updates on her personal life, including a major renovation of her own Toronto home. This project, which she is documenting for fans, is a full-circle moment, as she herself is now deciding whether to "Love or List" her updated space. This personal renovation project, coupled with the continued success of Tough Love with Hilary Farr, proves that while she may have listed her role on her old show, her career as a premier designer and television host is far from over.