Page Turner's Favorite Moments From 'Love It or List It'

With two seasons as the designer of HGTV's iconic show Love It or List It under her tool belt and two seasons of competing on Rock the Block behind her, renovation guru Page Turner has seen it all. Namely, home-design conundrums that would make most homeowners scratch their heads and turn to Zillow. But not Page. On Love It or List It, she's determined to fix up her clients' blah spaces so they no longer want to sell. Ahead, Page shares her favorite behind-the-scenes details from Love It or List It.

The second episode of Season 19 features Page's favorite design details from the season. During this reno, she's tasked with transforming the home of a "big fat Greek family" who longs to stay in their home of 26 years, but desperately needs more space (and some major updates). The dated '90s-style staircase in the entry was one of the first things to go.

"The original stairs were dated … [and] took up most of the foyer," says Page. "The homeowners trusted me to bring in a cool, ultra-modern look starting right at the front door. Guests are now welcomed by a gorgeous, fully lit staircase in the entryway."

"The homeowner is the family's chef and had been limited on prep space and storage for over two decades, so I pulled out all the stops," says Page.

Page's stops include a restaurant-style range with nine burners and a double oven, a nine-foot island with tons of storage, a hidden pantry big enough to be a bedroom, a flat-paneled fridge to the left of the pantry's double doors and a full-size freezer on the right. "This kitchen has every design and function whistle there is," says Page. "Black cabinetry with white countertops veined in gold. It's one of my favorite kitchens of the season and a truly 'fully loaded' space."

"We genuinely never know whether the couples are going to love it or list it," reveals Page. "Oh, and we don't film two endings, like I’ve heard!" reveals Page. "We do three or four takes of that final scene and tell the homeowners to build the suspense and keep a strong poker face before they let us know their decision. On the third or fourth take, after all the buildup, they finally reveal their decision, and that allows David [Visentin] and I to always be authentically surprised, right along with everyone watching. I’m usually happier than David is, but he puts in a lot of work for his team!"

"Matt is my right-hand rock star and an absolute powerhouse with construction. I ask a lot of him, and even when he's not smiling about it, he always delivers and brings my vision to life. And for that, I’m grateful. Hopefully, the homeowners and audience are as well!" (Pictured: Page and her contractor, Matt.)

During Episode 9, Page renovates a 3,500-square-foot home with a tiny galley kitchen and no pantry at all. "Insane for a house so big!" she says. "The original floor plan was choppy and lacked basic storage despite the home's size."

"I took the large, never-used formal dining room at the front of the house and split it in two: a beautiful private office with built-ins, tons of storage and natural light from the front windows. And the other half of the converted dining room became a much-needed walk-in pantry."

The walk-in pantry now boasts a coffee corner, built-in shelving, a sleek (and functional) tile backsplash and ample storage. And to think … this used to be a dining room?

During Episode 7, Page was presented with a two-story home with a bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, boxed in by walls everywhere. "Opening up the main level would have left the bathroom without any privacy and a door sitting awkwardly between the kitchen and living room, which is a no-go!" remembers Page.

"With just a few extra inches of framing, I created what looks like a pantry wall: cabinets on either side, and in the middle, a secret door leading to more storage and a second pocket door into a beautiful shower bath. Problem solved, with no visible bathroom door in the kitchen or living room. Hidden pocket doors are a great privacy hack."

A pocket door in the pantry opens right into the bathroom. Voila!

"One couple wanted an open floor plan but couldn't afford to remove the load-bearing main wall to add a beam. It actually worked in my favor, since I didn't think this house needed an open concept anyway," explains Page.

"I wanted to preserve its character while still bringing natural light into the living room and front entry. Instead of the wall coming down, I created two case openings with a beautiful wood-trim inset that added light, character and elegance in a way an open floor plan never could have. I'm honestly all for moving away from open concepts and bringing charm and defined rooms back, and you don't always need a heavy wall to do it. Simple room dividers, like wood slats, can do the job beautifully, making a space elevated, elegant and timeless."