The landscape of home renovation television underwent a significant shift when one of its most recognizable figures decided to step away from a decade-long legacy. For seventeen seasons and hundreds of episodes, the dynamic between a sharp-witted British-Canadian designer and a persistent real estate agent defined the success of Love It or List It. However, viewers tuning into the latest episodes have noticed a distinct change in the hosting lineup. The absence of Hilary Farr has sparked widespread conversation about the motivations behind her departure and the future of the franchise she helped build.

The official transition from a long-term legacy

Hilary Farr officially concluded her tenure on Love It or List It following the completion of the nineteenth season. The announcement, which initially surfaced in late 2023, confirmed that after more than 250 episodes and fifteen years of on-screen rivalry with David Visentin, Farr would not be returning for the subsequent production cycles. This transition marked the end of an era for HGTV, as the show had become a cornerstone of the network's programming since its premiere in 2008.

The decision was not a sudden reaction to a single event but rather a calculated move toward personal and professional evolution. Reports indicate that Farr had finalized her decision nearly a year before the public announcement, specifically after the cameras stopped rolling on the Season 19 finale. Although the network and her long-term partner-in-design, David Visentin, initially hoped for a reconsideration, the designer remained firm in her choice to pursue a different path. By the time the twentieth season entered production, the show had transitioned into a "revamped" format, introducing new blood to the familiar "stay or go" premise.

Understanding the motivations: Why Hilary chose to leave

Identifying exactly what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It requires looking beyond the surface of a standard career move. In various discussions regarding her exit, Farr has consistently emphasized the concept of personal fulfillment and the need for new challenges. After a decade and a half of the same format—balancing tight budgets against demanding renovation wish lists—the process had arguably become predictable for the veteran designer.

Farr noted that the show had been a constant through some of the most challenging periods of her life, including personal loss and health struggles. While the consistency of the show provided a sense of stability, it also led to a feeling of being in a "rut." For a creative professional who prides herself on innovation and pushing boundaries, the repetitive nature of reality television production can eventually stifle artistic growth. She expressed a desire to "bloom" in new directions, seeking inspiration that could no longer be found within the familiar confines of the Love It or List It structure.

Furthermore, the physical and emotional toll of filming a high-stakes renovation show cannot be understated. Each episode involves weeks of coordination, construction hurdles, and the emotional management of homeowners in crisis. After nearly 20 seasons, the pivot toward a more balanced lifestyle seemed not only logical but necessary for her long-term well-being.

The role of health and perspective in her decision

A critical component of Hilary’s decision-making process involved her previous journey through significant health challenges. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, Farr underwent multiple surgeries and radiation treatments while simultaneously maintaining her rigorous filming schedule. Although she has been in remission for years, such life-altering experiences often leave a lasting impact on how an individual values their time and energy.

In the years following her recovery, it appears that her perspective shifted toward prioritizing joy and authentic engagement with her projects. She has suggested that her experience with cancer made her more aware of the finite nature of time, leading to a refusal to remain in situations that no longer provided a high level of excitement or challenge. This "life is short" philosophy is a recurring theme in her recent endeavors, as she seeks projects that align more closely with her current values and interests in 2026.

The enduring bond with David Visentin

One of the most frequent questions regarding what happened to Hilary involves her relationship with David Visentin. Given their on-screen bickering and competitive nature, fans often wondered if the departure was fueled by a rift between the two stars. On the contrary, all available evidence suggests that their friendship remains as strong as ever.

Farr has frequently likened Visentin to an annoying but beloved brother, and she credited him with being a vital source of support during her cancer treatments. Their chemistry was the engine that drove the show's ratings, and both have been vocal about the mutual respect they share. Visentin expressed a sense of loss at her departure but has been publicly supportive of her need to move on. In 2026, the two reportedly maintain regular contact, proving that the camaraderie seen on television was built on a foundation of genuine personal affection rather than just a production contract.

A new chapter: Page Turner joins the fray

With Hilary Farr’s exit, the network faced the daunting task of filling a void left by a fan favorite. In early 2025, it was announced that Page Turner would take over the designer's mantle for Season 20 of Love It or List It. Turner, already a familiar face to HGTV viewers from Fix My Flip and Flip or Flop Nashville, brought a different energy to the series.

While Turner maintains the competitive spirit necessary to go head-to-head with David Visentin, her design approach and screen presence offer a fresh take on the established format. This transition has allowed the show to evolve, incorporating more contemporary real estate strategies and design philosophies that reflect the housing market of the mid-2020s. For long-time viewers, the change was initially jarring, but the show has managed to retain its core audience by focusing on the same high-stakes decisions that made it a hit in the first place.

Hilary’s current projects and life in 2026

As of April 2026, Hilary Farr has successfully transitioned into a more varied and personally satisfying phase of her career. She has not retired from the public eye; instead, she has curated her appearances to focus on quality over quantity.

Solo Ventures: Tough Love with Hilary Farr

Even before leaving her primary show, Farr had begun laying the groundwork for her solo series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr. In this program, she takes on a more holistic role, acting as both a designer and a life coach for families whose homes are contributing to their internal dysfunction. This format allows her more creative freedom and the opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological impact of living spaces—a challenge that she found lacking in the later years of Love It or List It.

The Italy Project and "Tiny House" Living

One of the most exciting developments in Hilary's life is her venture into international real estate. Following her departure from the show, she moved forward with plans to build a "tiny house" on a piece of land she acquired in Italy. This project represents a full-circle moment for the designer, allowing her to experiment with small-scale, sustainable living in a culturally rich environment. It is a stark contrast to the sprawling suburban renovations she oversaw for decades and serves as a testament to her ongoing desire for adventure and new experiences.

Advocacy and Public Speaking

Farr has also utilized her platform in 2026 to engage in more advocacy work, particularly regarding cancer awareness and the empowerment of women in the design and construction industries. She remains a sought-after speaker at design conferences, where she shares her expertise on the intersection of aesthetics and well-being. Her influence continues to be felt in the industry, even if she is no longer appearing on Love It or List It every Monday night.

The legacy of a design icon

To understand what happened to Hilary on Love It or List It is to understand the natural lifecycle of a television career. After nearly two decades of being synonymous with the HGTV brand, Farr chose to prioritize her own growth over the safety of a steady, yet repetitive, role. Her exit provided an opportunity for the show to reinvent itself with Page Turner, while allowing Farr the space to explore the "new challenges" she so clearly craved.

Her impact on the genre of home renovation television remains undeniable. She pioneered the role of the "no-nonsense" designer who could deliver stunning results while maintaining a sharp, humorous edge. Whether she is renovating a villa in the Italian countryside or helping a family resolve their domestic friction on Tough Love, Hilary Farr continues to demonstrate that the end of one chapter is merely the beginning of another, more inspired one.

As the show continues with its new hosting duo, the memory of the original Farr-Visentin rivalry persists as a benchmark for reality TV chemistry. Meanwhile, Hilary's journey serves as a reminder that even the most successful professionals must occasionally step back to ensure that their passion for their craft remains intact. In 2026, she appears to have found that balance, proving that there is indeed life—and plenty of style—after Love It or List It.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Hilary's Exit

Is Hilary Farr retired? No, she is not retired. While she has left Love It or List It, she continues to work on her solo series Tough Love and various independent design projects, including her own properties in Europe.

Did Hilary and David have a falling out? No. Both stars have confirmed that they remain close friends. Their competitive nature on the show was a mix of genuine rivalry and professional entertainment, but their personal bond has survived the professional split.

Who is the new designer on Love It or List It? Page Turner took over the role of the designer in 2025 for Season 20. She brings a wealth of experience from other HGTV programs and has established a new dynamic with David Visentin.

Will Hilary ever return as a guest? While there have been no official announcements regarding a guest appearance, both Farr and the network have kept the door open for potential future collaborations, citing a deep mutual respect for their shared history.

What happened to the Canadian version of the show? Love It or List It has always had strong roots in both Canada and the U.S. The production has continued to adapt to various markets, with the core series remaining a flagship for the network's international syndication despite the change in hosts.

By focusing on these developments, it becomes clear that Hilary Farr's departure was not an ending, but a pivot toward a more intentional and diverse career path. Her presence continues to be felt through the many designers she has inspired and the television format she helped perfect.