Ep 1. Make Room for Baby

In the season 8 premiere episode of Love It or List It, titled "Make Room for Baby," homeowners Karen and Bryce are in desperate need of some extra living space as they prepare for the arrival of their third child. The couple currently lives in a small, outdated home with minimal storage and a cramped layout that simply cannot accommodate their growing family.

Enter the show's dynamic duo: designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin. Hilary is determined to transform the couple's existing home into a functional and stylish space that meets all of their needs, while David's goal is to help them find a new, larger home that fits their growing family.

As the episode kicks off, Karen and Bryce describe the challenges they face in their current home, including a lack of storage space and a small, dated kitchen. They also hope to create a dedicated playroom for their two young children, as well as a nursery for the new baby.

Hilary starts her renovation plans by focusing on the kitchen, which is the heart of the home and a key space for entertaining guests. She proposes knocking down a wall to create an open concept kitchen and dining area that's more functional and spacious. She also plans to add a large island with plenty of storage and seating, as well as new appliances and modern finishes that will bring the space into the 21st century.

Meanwhile, David takes Karen and Bryce on a tour of three potential new homes that offer more space and better layouts. The first option is a newly built home that's move-in ready but lacks the character and charm of their current house. The second is a larger home with a beautiful yard, but it's further away from their current neighborhood and requires some work to meet their design preferences. Finally, the third option is a spacious home with plenty of potential, but it's more expensive than their current budget allows.

As Hilary and her team begin demolition and construction on the couple's existing home, Karen and Bryce face some unexpected challenges with the new baby's arrival. Bed rest leaves Karen unable to participate in many of the design decisions, while unexpected complications with the house create additional stress for the couple. However, Hilary is able to remain flexible and adapt her plans as needed in order to create a space that meets their family's needs.

Meanwhile, David takes Karen and Bryce back to their current home to compare the progress of the renovation to the potential new homes. They're impressed with the changes Hilary has made so far and are able to envision themselves living in the newly revamped space. However, they're still torn between staying in their current neighborhood and moving to a larger, more modern home.

In the final moments of the episode, Karen and Bryce are faced with a difficult decision: do they love their newly renovated home enough to stay, or is it time to list it and move on to a larger space that can accommodate their growing family? With both Hilary and David presenting compelling arguments and options, the couple must weigh their personal priorities and decide which path to take.

Overall, "Make Room for Baby" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the importance of family, function, and style in creating a dream home. With seasoned professionals like Hilary and David on hand to guide them through the process, Karen and Bryce are able to explore all of their options and make an informed decision about their family's future.