Hilary Farr Biography
Hilary Farr is a British-Canadian designer, businesswoman, television host, and former actress. She is best known as the co-host of the HGTV and W Network television series Love It or List It with David Visentin.
Hilary Farr Career
Farr wanted to become a ballerina and studied at the Royal Ballet School until she was eleven years old. She developed an interest in theater and became familiar with interior design while working with her mother to decorate their childhood home. Farr started her career in Los Angeles. There, she worked as a set designer for movies and television shows in addition to buying and remodeling houses. She performed as Hilary Labow and had a few cameos in the following films: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Layout for 5 Models (1972), Sex Farm (1973), Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width (1973), Legend of the Werewolf (1975), City on Fire (1979), and The Return (1980). In 1973, she also sang in a London production of Grease. She appeared in a few television sitcoms in small roles in the early 1980s.
Farr created and remodeled homes in California, New York, Australia, the United Kingdom, and eventually Toronto. She made renovations to the Chicago apartment of Jennifer Hudson and the house of Jenna Elfman, two well-known celebrities. In 2008, Farr came back to Toronto following a divorce. Along with David Visentin, she signed on to co-host Love It or List It on the W Network, Big Coat Productions, and Corus Entertainment. The W Network and HGTV both aired the program. The show debuted on Divinity with a dual soundtrack in Spain.
Farr was a judge on W Network’s 2010 competition, Search for the Next W Expert. She made several guest appearances at the Canadian International Interior Design Show in 2011, in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto. She is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and has also made guest appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show. Along with writer and CNN analyst Amy Tara Koch, Farr was a guest and design expert at the Art Van Furniture convention in Orland Park, Illinois, in June 2014. Farr played Malignicent in Ross Petty’s stage adaptation of Sleeping Beauty at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre in 2016. (The character was renamed “Malignicent” for this production, even though her name is more widely known as Maleficent.) Farr co-founded Rules of Renovation in 2017. It is a series of real estate investment seminars for prospective investors that are hosted in places across North America.
Hilary Farr Age
Farr was born on August 31, 1951, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is 71 years old as of 2023 and she celebrates her birthday on the 31st of August every year.
Hilary Farr Height and Weight
Farr stands at a height of 5 feet and 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall and weighs 58.5 kg (128 lbs).
Hilary Farr Family
Farr was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Canadian and British parents. Her Jewish father raised her as an Anglican in the Church of England. Her mother had an eye for art and loved to travel. Farr accompanied her mother during most of her trips and this helped her develop an interest in art. She likes to keep her personal life private hence she has neither disclosed the names of her parents nor those of her siblings. However, this information will be updated when available.
Hilary Farr Husband and Children
Farr married Canadian writer and television producer and her co-host on ‘Love It or List It, Gordon Farr, in 1982. However, the couple divorced in 2008. Hilary and Gordon have a son together called Joshua Farr (born on March 7, 1983, in Los Angeles). Hilary and Gordon Farr stayed in touch after their divorce. Rather than taking back her maiden name, Labow, Hilary decided to keep her married name, Farr.
Hilary Farr Salary
Because HGTV has not released any formal salary reports or statements, it is difficult to determine how much Farr is paid. Estimates suggest that the average Canadian television host makes between $24 and $30 per hour. Without taking into account any unique endorsements or side jobs related to the show, this works out to an average of roughly $50K each year from “Love It or List It.” HGTV also notes that homeowners must now have a $100,000 renovation budget (this criterion was formerly $50,000 and subsequently $75,000).
Hilary Farr Net Worth
Farr has an estimated net worth of about $1 Million – $10 Million which she has earned through her career as a designer, businesswoman, television host, and former actress.
Love It or List It Hilary Farr
Starring Hilary and real estate agent David Visentin, Love It or List It is a home design television program that has been available on HGTV, W Network, and OWN Canada since 2008. It’s the first program in the Love It or List It series. The show debuted on September 8, 2008, and has now continued for 18 seasons. In 2021, the 18th season aired from October through December. Filming for the show started in North Carolina in September 2014.
The structure of each Love It or List It episode is the same. The clients show Hilary and real estate agent David Visentin around the house. Based on the client’s preferences and financial constraints, Hilary redesigns some areas of the house and manages the construction and remodeling processes. David locates properties that fit the homeowners’ requirements and price range to persuade them to sell their present home and purchase a new one. Hilary frequently has to deal with obstacles like not having enough money to finish the homeowners’ wish list in its entirety. During renovations, contractors frequently bring to light these kinds of problems, such as the house’s noncompliance with contemporary construction codes.
David’s common problems, on the other hand, are determined by the homeowners’ preferences. For example, the couple may not want to move since their children attend the local school, or the prospective home may be too far from their place of employment or relatives. Often, David will make an offer for a house that is well over his budget, and the homeowners will either take it under consideration or will simply raise his objective. Hilary encounters much greater resistance when attempting to secure even modest increases in the renovation budget. Hilary gives the homeowners a tour of their present home to show them what she has accomplished when her renovations are finished.
David meets with them following the tour and gives them an assessment of the house’s current market value after the modifications. Then he will remind the couple of the things they would not be able to have in their current home but could have in one of the new homes they had looked at. After their meeting, Hilary and David ask the homeowners a question: they have to decide whether to “List It,” which means they’ll buy one of the houses David showed them and sell their current house, or “Love It,” which means they’ll stay in their current house after the renovations.
Hilary’s improvements make her “Love It” option more appealing by making the current house more livable. They also make David’s “List It” option more appealing by raising the current house’s resale value and lowering the net cost of buying any particular new home he suggests. Hilary, on the other hand, does not gain anything from David’s attempts to make his “List It” option as attractive as possible to make her “Love It” option more attractive.
The homeowners take a minute to consider their options before telling Hilary and David what they have decided and why. When the homeowners choose to “List It,” Hilary usually responds calmly and says she wants what’s best for them. When they choose to “Love It,” David often responds sarcastically, contesting their logic and/or appearing to take their choice personally. Following a final scene showing Hilary and David continuing to react and occasionally continue their game of one-upmanship, the parties bid each other goodnight.
Hilary Farr leaving Love It or List It
After 19 seasons and 15 years, Farr announced in December 2023 that she would be departing the popular show Love It or List It. In a People interview, Farr said that while she would cherish her professional days with David, the show was no longer satisfying the creative side of her. She claims that because she has devoted so many years of her life to the show, it has helped both her and the viewers get through difficult times and has grown to become a staple in people’s lives, which has been immensely satisfying. She said that it was time for her to move on and take on new tasks.
Tough Love With Hilary Farr
Farr hosts Tough Love With Hilary, which debuted on December 20, 2021, on HGTV and currently runs for 2 seasons. In the episodes of the show, families whose troubled homes are straining their relationships present a challenge to Farr. When renovating their spaces and helping these families get back on track, she applies tough love mixed with inventive design ideas.
Does Hilary Farr Have Cancer?
In 2012, the doctors found a lump in her breast during regular mammography. She had a lumpectomy, a treatment wherein the doctor would remove the abnormal or cancerous tissue from the breast. When the doctor examined the tissue, he discovered that Farr’s growth was precancerous, which gave the TV personality a great sense of relief. The doctor diagnosed Farr with invasive breast cancer that has the potential to spread to other parts of the body two years after her initial mammography. Her doctor’s treatment plan included another lumpectomy procedure.
Farr claimed that her medical oncologist at the time assured her that she would recover well from the surgery. But Farr didn’t find out until almost two months later that, in order to make sure all cancer cells were gone, radiation therapy should have been administered following the lumpectomy. Farr ultimately brought a complaint against her previous oncologist. She eventually got the radiation therapy she required. After performing a lumpectomy in 2015, her doctors discovered another “suspicious breast growth,” which turned out to be precancerous.
Hilary Farr House | Where Does Hilary Farr Live?
What was once a typical wood bungalow with asphalt shingle roofing evolved into a stunning example of how to combine traditional and modern design elements. The more contemporary arched doorway and the exposed-brick plan are an odd but effective combination. The “perfect go-between,” as Farr refers to it in the show, is a textured glass door with a distorted design that adds interest, light, and seclusion. It was made by Clark Hall Doors. A wrought iron door with a bespoke design that outlines the glass gives the entire piece a modernist touch.
For Farr, having an abundance of light and space was essential. And she received that. First off, the light herringbone flooring throughout the house, installed by Carolina in Home Flooring, contributes to its airy and light feel. These light hardwood tiles in the living room provide Farr’s design concepts with a solid base. The blue L-shaped couch that divides the room and draws a line between two sections is the first thing you notice because of its vibrant hue.
Between the sofa and the focal point of the room—the fireplace—is an intriguing coffee table with a marble top. Steel cladding installed by European Homes gives the fireplace a sleek, industrial appearance. Farr made a risky choice with this one because it sounds more industrial than cottagecore. However, it works because of the room’s sparse vibe. The modular lighting fixture that dominates the space above is a perfect illustration of how Farr’s living room is designed. This is to draw the viewer’s attention upward constantly.
This brass geometric artwork is modest despite its impressive size. It’s a tricky balance that Farr strikes very well—it’s bold enough to grab your attention without becoming overpowering. Ultimately, the rug is a humorous infusion of counter-design, created by Farr himself in partnership with Kaleen Rugs. If not for the deft usage of darker-toned zigzag lines surrounding it, one could easily overlook the rug completely because it blends in with the light wooden flooring.
At Farr’s North Carolina home, art is incorporated into the design of her doors and features bold light fixtures. Among the designer’s works, the dining room features two that may be the most fascinating. To start, Artisan Panels created and installed the Swirling Leaves sliding doors. They divide the kitchen from the dining room. The homeowner can then decide whether to rope off the area if it gets too dirty or allow guests to see where the food and drinks are created. But the cleverly designed cut-out leaves make sure that when the pocket doors are closed, the house’s flow is not entirely disrupted.
The Bau lighting fixture by Visual Comfort is another striking element in the Farr dining room. This natural brass lamp is an elegant and environmentally friendly addition to the house. This is because it has an aluminum coating and uses LED lights. The stunning uneven wood table elevates the eating area even more. This eight-seater table by Duvall & Co. is made of reclaimed wood and adds an earthy element to the space. Guests can enjoy plenty of natural light and a clear view of the outdoors while dining thanks to the huge panel windows.
The way people use the space in a closet is crucial, regardless of its size. People should not have a disorganized walk-in closet full of shoes and garments. It also lacks any sense of compartmentalization that could easily pass for a TJ Maxx sales rack. When Farr was creating her closet, this was the situation. Floor-to-ceiling divisions make the little room more functional by allowing the full area to be utilized. One side of her closet has her dress shirts, blazers, and pants. The other side is made up of drawers and smaller spaces for purses, accessories, and other items.
The design studio Closet Factory added a modest dramatic chandelier that draws the attention upward to liven up the area and bring it to life. A multicolored patterned carpeting creates a vibrant splash of color beneath. Maintaining the main motif of Farr’s house, the closet also has light wood herringbone flooring. The renovation included more than a facelift for the main bedroom in addition to most of the original rooms in the property. The windows in Farr’s new bedroom were shifted to a different wall and extended to the ceiling. Farr’s team installed French doors in place of the typical windows, allowing an abundance of natural light to stream in.
Undoubtedly, Farr will take pleasure in a substantial quantity of fresh air once it is opened. The earthy tones of the rugs and the designs in the neutral hues contribute to the bedroom’s overall tranquility. This space has very little décor, which lets the colors truly bring in the tranquility. An LED ceiling fan and a floor lamp located in the opposite corner of the bed illuminate the room. Farr strategically placed an armchair by one of the French doors. A smart substitute for a balcony is a decorative railing.
Given how expensive balconies can be, this is a stunning way to create the illusion without having to shell out a fortune. It doesn’t have to break the bank to create and maintain peace in your house. As Farr points out, there are more ingenious methods to transform your house into an opulent spa. She even features one of them in her main bathroom. Farr chose marble-looking porcelain tiles to cover the walls of her bathroom with the assistance of Ideal Tile. These sizable porcelain tiles have the power to completely change your area into an opulent and tranquil setting.
A ceramic stool in burnt orange adds a splash of color to the room. The linear sconces’ ability to reflect light off of the ceramic tiles makes the room brighter. Above two sinks with silver faucets on the vanity are two frameless mirrors. In addition to an elegant standalone soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a plenty of relaxing space, this spacious layout offers. In Farr’s house, nature is never too far away, and the bathroom is better for it.
The larger-than-usual paneled windows across from the tub flood the area with natural light. The foliage from the backyard’s trees and plants further enhances the color. Farr provides examples of some of the many things you can do to improve your landing and stairs. She begins by upgrading the railing with custom panels. Farr and her design team, Room 62, who created the window and railing designs, chose a curved style for the pickets made of polished brass handrail and black iron as opposed to the conventional wooden railing. On the other hand, the stairs’ wood tone doesn’t change.
The two floor-to-ceiling windows on the landing, meanwhile, are possibly the most welcoming feature of the stairway. Although there are black metal window frames in this area as well, the off-white walls mitigate the impact. A soothing impression that many can only imagine is provided by the sight of the big backyard tree set against the frequently blue skies.
Farr had a vision for an outdoor living space and made it a reality. There is so much more to enjoy and accomplish as a result of the transition. The living room’s folding glass doors connect the interior and outside, forming a harmonious whole. It makes sense for Farr to refer to this as her “spa garden.” The designer has catered for every mood with the deck serving as a perfect place to unwind, the pool for floating, and the foliage for games and get-togethers.
When you step outside onto the deck, two recliner deck chairs stand in front of another piece of Swirling Leaf art made by Artisan Panels. There are stunning exposed wood panels that hold the two ceiling fans that Monte Carlo Fan Co. installed. An outdoor sofa with white cushions is situated next to another Swirling Leaf motif on the other side of the deck chairs. According to Kebony North America, every piece of wood used to build Farr’s deck is genuinely sustainable. The backyard of Farr has coherence. Together, these components promote leisurely living and slow living.
Nature nevertheless remains at the heart of this house, with plenty of green space to enjoy. Farr can create a lot of visually appealing things in the laundry room. Hangers are waiting to be filled with just-hung laundry on the white countertop. The big mason jars neatly and simply hold the detergents, clothespins, and other necessities. There is some art to add even more life to the area and a deep sink in the farmhouse style close by.
People most likely neglect the basement, which is one of the spaces in a house. Farr saw this as a chance to add another functional space to her house. And so the gym began. By now, it should be obvious that Farr adores the outdoors and wants to incorporate it as much as possible into her design. She hired Ideal Tiles, a Philadelphia-based firm, to assist her create the ideal backdrop in her basement. That’s correct, these are huge ceramic tiles rather than wallpaper. With a neutral wall to the side of the slit window, this occupies two of the four walls. The next wall is adorned with a plant that gives the area some color and texture.
It is difficult to recall Farr’s kitchen’s previous appearance when you see it in its fully renovated state. The former kitchen was all white, with a solitary oven in one corner and a significantly smaller floor area. Farr’s renovations added yet another sanctuary to her house. Farr achieved her desired large kitchen by tearing down an additional wall. The veined tiles’ consistency throughout the backsplash and quartz countertops creates a slight texture. According to Farr’s Instagram post, she desired “elegance, durability, and sustainability”. Installed by Silestone, the Statuario quartz is an excellent tip for elegant and environmentally friendly home décor.
Farr used the black foundation to contrast with the brilliant surfaces. This is to create a seamless balancing act between light and shade. She has painted the low cabinets on one side and the bottom of the island black. In addition, Farr took into consideration the fact that people tend to congregate in the kitchen and made sure there were enough seats. The large slab of wood allows several people to gather comfortably. The four wooden high chairs line one side of the island. Recessed lighting adds even more brightness to the room in addition to the two enormous windows that let in natural light. A white-light, minimalist chandelier further illuminates the room.
Hilary Farr Movies and TV Shows
- Layout for 5 Models
- Sex Farm
- Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width
- Legend of the Werewolf
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- City on Fire
- The Return
- The Greatest American Hero
- We Got It Made
- Love It or List It
- Search for the Next W Expert 2010
- The Marilyn Denis Show
- Steven and Chris
- ETalk
- George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight
- Brother Vs. Brother
- Fox News Channel
- Makeover Manor
- You and Me this Morning
- HuffPost Live
- This Hour Has 22 Minutes
- Tough Love with Hilary Farr
Hilary Farr Social Media Platform
Farr is very active on his Instagram and Facebook pages. He has 315.8k followers on Instagram and 276.7k followers on Facebook.