My Covid 19 post travel isolation in my home started on March 18th when I landed in Toronto. I’m less than fourteen days in when writing this.
For the first time in 12 years of working on Love it or List it, I have nothing but time on my hands. I’m going to conquer every overfilled closet and messy area in my home. Woo Hoo!
Day 1 of my isolation:
Ready to start projects I’d wanted to tackle forever. I’d like to completely renovate, update and refresh my house from top to bottom, but I never have time. So for now, at least I can organise and purge.
Start with my office where all my leftover or unused fabrics take up space. Haul them to my living room to share this experience with my cats and Mimi my dog: if you have to ask why…
As I look at the bolts of fabric and odds and ends it’s all a bit overwhelming and my energy and enthusiasm is waning by the second. Stop for a snack and survey the mess.
Carefully re-roll and re- fold the fabric, put it back exactly where it came from. and call it day!
Today, I’ve realised that the challenge of isolation is to make a really, really good list of tasks to do and try to knock one off each day knowing that may not happen; after all, these are very trying times and cut myself some, well, a lot of slack.
I decide that imagining the projects you’ll tackle and picturing the transformations or fabulous meals you’ll produce is really as good as actually, doing it.
Day 2.
Clear out my workout gear drawer and sock drawer. How did I ever accumulate so many pairs of socks. No one wants to accept donations. I now have bags of workout gear and socks.
Day 3.
Read recipes. Get inspired – inspiration immediately quashed by the reality of having to order every ingredient online since I can’t leave my house to shop.
Anyway, what’s the point, it’s not as though friends can come and join me.
Day 4.
Have a long talk with friends across the globe. With the various time zones can talk at virtually anytime of day or night to anyone I want. It’s rewarding even though many of them haven’t a clue who I am since it’s been 30 years since we spoke to each other.
Day 5.
Purge 99 percent of my handbags and purses, regret the decision and put 99 percent back. More on that in another blog coming up.
Day 6.
Decide I really do have to make a plan and start my projects but I can’t find the list and have to start another one. More on that soon.
Day 7.
O-M-G only 7 days to go! Need to celebrate! Need to sleep /nap off celebration.
Day 8.
Long time partner comes to join me in isolation. Have a huge argument and he leaves. And then, he comes back. Contrite realising he can’t live without me which I find very satisfying.
I must come up with projects I’ve planned and actually get them done. Realise the only tangible thing I’ve done is clean my house. Isablel The Fabulous has cleaned my house for me for 14 years and I’m totally spoiled. She’s not allowed near me until I’ve done my 14 days.
It’s not that I can’t clean a house myself and I go for the Covid 19 killing clorox pretty much everywhere. My home now smells like a public swimming pool.
Day 9.
Pull out my 1948 first edition of Aubrey Beardsley drawings. Look him up – genius! Maybe I’ll do a blog on just him and how incredibly inspiring his art is. Now I am truly motivated and inspired. My sketch book is out, my pencils are sharpened, and I’m drawing like a fiend. I will hope to have some of these designs translated into textiles for my next collection.
Day 10.
Sketch a design for a new sofa and send it off to see if it will actually work as a comfortable beautiful place to sit and read and think about what has changed in our lives after this pandemic has finally subsided. Will we try and be kinder to each other, the planet and to ourselves? Will we actually understand how important connection with friends and other cultures in the world are to a fulfilling future and that possessions are only meaningful when they actually mean something and don’t cause pain or damage to anyone or any creature or any part of our planet?
Will what I do still matter? I hope so because I am so privileged to have a portal through which I enhance people’s lives through design and entertainment. It is one of the most cherished and exalted ways to share and express what I love to do.
Day 11.
Remind myself of all that I am grateful for.
Only 3 days to go. Who knows what is coming tomorrow. But I know, I’m going to find a recipe for something delicious to eat that I’ve never tried cooking before, and share it with my friends online. Maybe i’ll start with this one:
Stay tuned for more!
OMG. I LOVED THAT‼️ I would like to hear about your long time partner ⁉️⁉️
actually two weeks and counting. Still in isolation with us being 77 and 83 years old. Enjoyed your talk. Please continue with this. We love your show and can’t wait to see more. Keep well.
Day 11….Potato pancakes/latkes? My mother made those. They were delicious.
Stay safe!
Thank you for your wonderful blog and how honest you are. I have been self isolated since March 6th and live in Jacksonville, Florida. I stay busy with t.v., shredding papers starting from 1992, face time with my grandchildren, and painting artwork. I am grateful to be able to order canvases and paints from Amazon with taking all the virus precautions. I have completed two paintings and enjoy my creativeness. You see I don’t paint with paintbrushes. I am very disappointed over the last couple of weeks in people not observing or respecting the six feet virus rule and other particulars. This situation will pass; but, we must adhere to safe measurements for everybody. KEEP THE FAITH!
A lot of us are thinking this… well said. Hopefully (?) we all will, at least for a time.
“Will we try and be kinder to each other, the planet and to ourselves? Will we actually understand how important connection with friends and other cultures in the world are to a fulfilling future and that possessions are only meaningful when they actually mean something and don’t cause pain or damage to anyone or any creature or any part of our planet?“
Great blog. I think you are amazing and love your style. Thanks
Girl…you are bored. Bless your heart. I hope it gets easier for you and soon things in this world will get back to some sort of norm. I love your show and David is a pest..lol. Thank you for opening up and sharing a bit of your personal life with us.
Is that a recipe for potato pancakes?!?! My grandmother made them. She was an excellent chef. Yummy with a dollop of sour cream and chives! Enjoy your quarantine!
LOOKS LIKE WE BUSY PEOPLE ARE ALL TRYING TO GET THINGS TOGETHER !Your doing great job glad to see you have STUFF. ME TOO I THINK MANY YEARS AGO GEORGE CARLIN DID A COMEDY ROUTINE ABOUT STUFF LMAO
This is great! Especially the part about purging then putting it all back in – so (sadly) relatable!
Hillary, you are in amazing shape. What is your health routine?
I think you are awesome. I think you have done a fine job at home during this pandemic. One thing we have to realize is to take this time for much needed rest and rebuilding of our minds. Keep up the good work. I am binge watching Love it or List it. Lol
Really enjoyed reading this! It made me laugh. It’s refreshing how transparent you are with us, and just reinforces your authenticity. You are a good example to me as I write blogs for our site. If you ever need a custom shirt highlighting your mood, a message, or a passion, just email me. 🙂 You bring all of us great joy and entertainment, which we ALL need especially at this time. Thank you and keep it up! Best regards, Patrice Rogers
Omg Hillary, I laughed out loud reading this. I’ve been home, 2 of my adult kids are here along with 2 granddaughters, my son-in-law and a dog are also with me and my husband as we #stayhome in Ashburn, VA. I’m fortunate that we can share our space but you know what gets me through the day? Watching Love It Or List It while I’m working and dreaming about having a Hillary-designed kitchen!:) Thank you for sharing and keeping me sane!
Love the show!
Haha .. I love you and your interaction with David on Love It or List It. You guys have the best series on HGTV. I never imagined you would have a cluttered drawer of socks. LOL. Enjoyed reading your blog. Curious .. what did you prepare from the Polish cookbook? Take care and be safe. Maybe someday you can help me finish decorating my house.
I enjoyed this! Thank you! I also like your instagram posts. You are very funny…and talented! I had this fantasy of winning the Lowcountry house… and YOU showing it to me. Alas, I didn’t win but I still think you are great!
Good morning from Ohio!! I have really just now gotten into LIOLI, wonderful show! And now I’m inspired by you, your sassiness, style and fortitude. I’m also inspired by how well you obviously take care of yourself. Can you share your eating and workout habits? I’d appreciate knowing how you look so amazing!!!
Love that you are doing this! Will be fun to keep up on your journey!
Stay safe and keep the updates coming!
Love reading what you’re going thru Hilary, it’s comforting knowing we are not the only one being affected. I love your deigns and the way you set David straight! :). I’ve seen several Love It Or List It marathons since I’ve been home. We are on a “Stay at Home” situation in my state. I hope we’ll see more new LIOLI episodes soon on HGTV!!!
I loved how eloquently you expressed your thoughts on the future and how our society should treat each other and our planet. Kindness for all! I enjoyed learning what makes you happy;lovely art and fetching fabrics that are meaningful.
I’d love to learn more about your clothes and jewlery—maybe brands, stores —I love it all
I love watching you!! I had to laugh at your tweet when you said “what’s on HGTV today” because I have been watching you all day.
I do have one question. Where do you get your necklaces? They are absolutely beautiful!
What a gift you are!
My husband and I love watching your show. We live in southwest Virginia in a small town. If you ever want to come to Covington VA and enjoy beautiful mountains we would love for you to give us some ideas.
Hilary,
I would like references for the most comfortable sleep sofas that you have tested and would suggest.
Also, I would love some affordable ideas you might have to cover a washer/drier in a guest half bathroom, yet still access the machines easily.
look forward to every design of yours……only designer I can say that about. I’ve been in furniture industry for 35 years so I know what I’m talking about. Great Job.
Love you on love it or list it! Didn’t know you had a blog, but thought I’d say hi! I am a nurse, who is semi retired and right now watching your show
Hillary I absolutely love your show of love it and list it. You are very beautiful, elegant, professional and super funny. You do miracles with houses and David has very little chances to get people to list their properties. My husband and I enjoy watching the show all the time. You are an amazing designer!! Maybe one day we hit the lottery or save enough to get you to fix our house.
Great post! It sounds like my time at home! 😉
I lost my husband and had tons of socks!! please donate them to the homeless shelters, that is what they are always in need of.
Now as you Im decluttering but of my LH’s design signature in the house. haha. Cherry Craftsman’s style into my style of some Early American and Modern .. yes I said that.
have a nice day
I absolutely love watching you! You have an amazing talent! The transformations are incredible!
Did you give up? The blog is only at Day 11. Nevertheless, I don’t know what prompted to me search for “Hilary” at this juncture. Hello Hilary, my name is Ramona. It was a delight to read your entries and to learn I take the same approach during this quarantine. As an avid DIY’er, I am sewing, painting, building and baking. (And I am pooped, but it is fun!)
We live in a Victorian home built 1892. The town of Oak Park, IL, home of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway. We are only the third family to live in the house. The builder, Henry Wilson’s daughter, moved out when she was 86. We bought in 1990. And yes, there was a ghost, Henrietta, but I believe I satisfied her with all the care and restoration we have done. I have also collected much history on the house. And We have done EVERYTHING. It took me two weeks to strip the front staircase.
I just re-painted the living rooms and am trying to get rid of my baby grand and simply have it as a sitting room. Next, I need to have the oak kitchen
cabinets painted. I am stuck on colors for kitchen, as well as a new layout. I have to have an engineer determine if I can take out a part of a wall to
Open up the kitchen a little more. Let me know if I can send you some photos for your expert opinion.
Continue your blog and projects. Illinois is quarantined until May 30th for now. But I have to keep working fast before it is time to resume work. All the best!
Hello there
Hopefully you and your family are well. I absolutely enjoy watching you on Love it Or List It!
Each time I see you work your magic on all these homes I turned to my husband and say wow I want to bulldoze our home! Lol
Can you order items from your line from home?
Thank you and be well.
Love that I found this by chance today.Day 4 is my favorite, talking to friends across the globe after 30 years!! It has been since 1986, when I first came to California as a nanny.from UK. Now living in Huntington Beach having an isolation drive by Birthday parade for my 11 yr old watching all the people at the beach ignoring the stay at home policy . This is hard for our kids who we love so very much!!Stay home, We can do this. Hillary, so great to catch up with you after 34 yrs,
Hi Hilary,
I always always love your final designs on Love It or List It. The details are amazing. I wish I had your amazing flare. Do you ever l look at a home video and offer advice for a charge? Just wondered.
Stay well!
Mary Gainey
Hello Hilary,
I always love your final designs on Love It or List It.
Love your flare and the way you fill in the details. Do you ever view a home video and offer advice for a charge?
Stay well during this pandemic!! I’m a dental hygienist and this is my 7the week layed off. Im going to take a yoga training online soon.
Stay positive and safe!
Mary Gainey
This is hysterical, well excluding Day 10 which is what many of us are thinking. I love Love It or List It and have discovered I can totally watch a full day, show after show and be entertained the entire time. However I’m not a fan of repeats so that’s when I have to turn it off or find something else so I can avoid doing something I should be doing. Thanks for making me LOL, I needed it.
I love your talent. I’m so overwhelmed by putting things together. During this whole pandemic it really wants me to declutter and make a lovely relaxing space. I wish you could come up with a design packet for rooms… for example a bedroom…the paint, bedding, trim, floors hedboards, etc… like a go to blue print. It would make it so easy for people to execute.
Hilary you are so amazing and very beautiful.. Love your voice. Can you send me an autographed photo of you please? I do watch your show including reruns whenever they are on. God bless you!!! Stay safe and healthy
Hi Hillary!
I love you and your designs!!! So, were you born in 1951 or 1962? I really want to know:) The internet is confusing! I was born in June of 1963…if you’re wondering…HaHaHaHa
Love you more…
Hilary,
Maybe this period of isolation is more about internal cleansing, order, and reflection. We are all doing what we’re here to do to the best of our ability, even it means scrapping the list of to-do’s and taking a nap.
FYI, I think you’re the best designer on HGTV and I never miss “Love It or List It.” I love your esthetic of restrained elegance and warmth.
Truly enjoyed reading this, Hilary. Makes me think even the tiniest bit how we’re all in this together!
I want to know if Hilary actually made this? I was laid off also I cleaned everyday, since I’ve worked the last 35, I have a16, & 20 year old, I cleaned out closets, rooms, drawers, you name it!! I wonder if Hilary got much cleaning done? I watched love or lost it every night, so much I had to write the episode down to remember if I actually seen it, I have 4 pages checked off, had to go back to work (I’m a hairdresser) but I’m still writing down my episodes & watching all of them!!! Love the show!!!
I just found your blog. I am an avid watcher of Love It or List It!!! My dream would be to obtain a windfall of cash and have Hilary do whatever she wanted with my single level California house.
Hilary. My son Jackson (11 years old) loves Love It or List It and especially you! He is designing a home for a school project (drawing rooms on graph paper and doing a 3D computer model and virtual furnishings), His dream would be to interview you as part of his project. Would this be possible? Hope you remain healthy and safe. Be well. Best, Michele
I love your great taste and class. I also love the way you are assertive while polite and don’t allow anyone to mistreat you. You are EXQUISITE, Hillary.
I can’t wait to shop your designs AND your jewelry line! I am crazy about everything you wear. What kind of parfum do you wear?
I love your show ‘Love it or List it’ and watch it religiously. Your transformations are fabulous! I would love to do what you do someday. My background is in drafting and design, but I am going back to school for interior design once this pandemic is over with. Any suggestions or inspirational advice you could give me would help tremendously. Thank you and stay safe.
Sincerely, Florence Padilla
I recently moved in with 74 year old mom..there’s a space between staircases..its a tri- level. With room for something..paintings..or books..or collectibles..sillouettes..not sure what do to with space..any ideas..
Hope your doing well and love you on your show
Hope your doing well and love your show
Now I am 3 months in quarantine and only 2 projects done! Living alone does not compute into having the time to do things-there is always tomorrow.
How many times will I be able to say that? Get going!
I am a big, big fan of you and David. I have never missed one of your shows.I am 76 years old and I am not well. I just had to let my 16 year old baby go. I am devastated. I pray Mimi and you have many more years together. No matter how awful I feel about losing Oliver, I watch your shows and for awhile, the pain lessons.
Thank you for being there for me. ( and for the rest of your fans ). I look forward to watch your next show!!
Hi there,
I just wanted t to say you have given me so many hours of relief from the world….COVID,politics…etc.
I am amazed Everytime you do a Reno. Your so talented!!
I have completed many projects in our home during the pandemic too. I love to repurpose and restyle/makeover things I have and use them on the deck or den.I am going to check out your shop and maybe treat us to a real dash if Hillary.
Thank you,
Teri
You are an inspiration. Thank you for being you and bringing to us all that you do. I sent you a small novel yesterday, after we binge watched “love it or list it”.
Have a great day!
Kimberly Derrick
Loved it! However, I am a complete fan.
Hi Hilary, I’m a big fan of your show and am always amazed at your vision! I dream of you redesigning my 1926 Spanish style home in Miami. I bought it in 1999, but it needs Some tlc. I know that you would bring it’s beauty to life! In the meantime and during this quarantine, I’ve been thinking of painting inside and would like a soft neutral. Any recommendations?
Love your show
Hi Hillary
I love your show Love it and List it. I would love to have the opportunity to be on the show . I live in the GTA but saw nothing was happening in our area.
I would love to have a 3rd bathroom on the 1st floor with a larger kitchen with storage. Not sure if you read these or someone else reads these emails for you.. Would love to have you redecorate or main floor. Just renovated our bathrooms last year but would love a 3rd bathroom somehow on our 1st floor and a remodelled kitchen with more storage.
Would love your input and assistance.
Not sure of costs for this as we have another exterior project for the exterior for our 9 year old daughter. Thank you!
Hello Hilary! I am a big fan of yours. And of David’s. I love your chemistry. I love your designs. Can’t wait to see some new shows.
Miss Faar,
I love your program.
You are the BEST
Wish I could afford you!
Love your blog. All of it is true. I have bags of clothing ( kept most of my purses too) . I miss friends and family. I wish I could update my kitchen during this down time ( up and down here in the states) .would love to see your reno.