Hilary Farr, co-star of HGTV’s “Love It or List It,” was born in Canada and raised in England. She began her career as an actress before finding another creative outlet in interior design. In October, she introduced her Hilary Farr Designs collection of furniture and accessories for Braxton Culler at the Fall High Point Market in North Carolina. “Love It or List It,” which also stars real estate agent David Visentin, will return with new episodes Monday at 9 p.m.

Where did you quarantine during the early days of COVID-19? 

Our show shut down on March 16. I returned to my home in Toronto on March 17. I completely isolated for 14 days. Luckily the weather was so gruesomely cold and nasty, it felt good to be inside. The city was already in lockdown so nowhere to go anyway! No filming was allowed in Toronto until June, and we started remotely filming elements of “Love it or List It” over the last few weeks. It was more fun that I’d expected, and I think it works really well.

You exude confidence. Is that your acting skills on display or something that your parents nurtured when you were growing up?

I believe my self-confidence stems from my parents’ influence. I was taught very early on to stare down fear, look it in the eye and conquer it.

Your empire is expanding from television to furniture and accessories. Is this like the universe expanding, an organic event, or do you have vision for your brand beyond where it is now?

I have no idea where my product line will lead. Just like the show, I do what I love and the bonus is when others love it, too. The ideas and concepts are almost limitless so potentially there could be all sorts of other areas to explore. Women-friendly, earth-friendly cosmetics and clothing are all passions.

How much acting is involved in “Love It or List It”?

None! We are who you see on air and you hear whatever comes up on the spot in the moment.

Did you pick David and has the chemistry always been so engaging?

I did not pick David; the producer picked him. Our chemistry has grown from two of us with virtually nothing in common to what you see today, best friends. Like any good relationship, romantic or otherwise, the more you know someone, the more in tune with them you become. Or in some cases, the exact opposite could happen.

Was there any particular home or family you became more invested in than others? If so, what was it about that particular family?

There are so many it’s hard to choose. I feel invested in all of the people whose homes are transformed. Every one of them has a story to tell that is touching in some way. Whether they choose to “love or list” their home, I always feel great that I helped to give them a home beyond anything they ever dreamt they could have.

Patricia Sheridan: psheridan@post-gazette.com.

First Published August 7, 2020, 8:00am

Original article can be found at Post Gazette