9 Design Trends Worth Leaving Behind, According To HGTV's Hilary Farr

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If your goal is to curate a timeless interior, look to HGTV star Hilary Farr. Host of both "Love It or List It" and "Tough Love," she is known for her elegant, yet cozy, design style. Because of her preference for timeless design, she doesn't jump on board with every passing trend. She is much more committed to classic home decor trends that stand the test of time. If you're on the fence about whether to try out certain design fads, Farr has a few opinions you might want to consider.

Designing a modern home can easily lead you into a trap of fleeting trends, which is why it's important to determine what truly suits your space. You can create a contemporary interior while still ensuring stylish longevity. Because she is so passionate about this issue, Farr has gotten into arguments with her clients regarding the importance of decor that will look appealing for countless years to come. If you take a look at what the inside of Hilary Farr's home really looks like, you won't be met with an overly curated, modern space. Instead, you will find an interior that is reflective of her own style: comfortable, communal, and effortlessly chic.

In Season 2, Episode 8, of "Tough Love," Farr was faced with the challenge of convincing the clients that an all-gray interior isn't as modern as it used to be. She said in her confessional: "So, Nicole is afraid of color. I need to try and get Nicole to understand so I can un-bland their house, while keeping a comfort zone which is calm, peaceful decor." Ultimately, Farr swapped the gray for more timeless neutrals like black and white, and added pops of color through palatable shades of blue, green, and natural wood.

Not everyone is a fan of bright colors, and that's okay! You don't have to douse your home in vivid shades to create visual variation. As Farr demonstrated, even earthy tones can help create a timeless space that doesn't fall into the dated, all-gray trap. Millennial Gray is a newly coined term that refers to the past Millennial-oriented trend that saw new homeowners using gray finishes, furniture, and paint colors. To avoid this pointed label, opt for organic shades that still have a soothing quality. For example, Quietude by Sherwin Williams is a Color of the Year, and Farr has been a fan of a neutral sage blue for years. In fact, this shade is strikingly similar to the backsplash she chose for her clients in the "Tough Love" episode mentioned above. You can test out a similar shade by using these AdoDeco Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles.

High-tech, stainless steel trash cans have been a major trend in recent years. However, Farr will always favor a pull-out trash can hidden within the kitchen cabinets. While her client in Season 2, Episode 1 of "Tough Love," wanted a freestanding trash can, Farr fought until she got her way. She defended the concealed choice: "Garbage in a kitchen is an issue, it's a tricky one. No question. But why would you choose to have it out in plain sight when you could have it in a cabinet out of sight? It is strange." She continued, pointing out how it's an eyesore (and a nose-sore): "Nobody likes trash cans out in a kitchen. It's ugly, it's smelly, and it just doesn't work." 

There are undoubtedly pros and cons to storing your trash can in your cabinets. One of the biggest complaints is that you can't move it freely around your space as you clean, or that it'll hog up valuable storage space. This is why placement is so important. It should be away from where you store food, but close to high-prep areas, like the countertop next to the sink. One way to prevent possible cleanliness concerns is to purchase a "freestanding" trash receptacle that is designed to look like a cabinet. This GazHome 10 Gallon Tilt Out Trash Can is the best of both worlds! If you're still not sold on a trash can in your kitchen cabinets, try this design idea in your bathroom. Consider this DIY that transforms an old cabinet into the prettiest trash can you've ever seen.

In Season 1, Episode 7, of "Tough Love," Farr originally intended to go for a trendy, white subway tile backsplash. However, she changed her mind in favor of a colorful focal point. She emphasized that with white cabinets, a white backsplash can appear too monochrome. Farr explained the sharp right turn in her design plans: "Now that their cabinets are going to remain white, I really want to add a bold color to their kitchen somewhere, and the backsplash is the perfect place. Instead of the classic white tiles I'd planned, I'm now giving them blue glass tiles that will become a focal point in their kitchen."

A colorful backsplash is a recurring theme in Farr-approved interiors. It's an ideal spot for a splash of color that won't overwhelm your space. Although Farr doesn't subscribe to every trend, colorful glass tile backsplashes are trending and you can nail the look with these design tips. The benefits of glass tiles include their waterproof nature and reflective appearance. If you do want to go for a white backsplash, the combination is not completely off limits. You just have to make sure to add visual variation through elements like texture or pattern. For example, try handcrafted zellige tiles or white tiles with marbled designs.

Although Farr is a fan of a bright, statement-making backsplash, she recommends exercising restraint when it comes to the countertops. A bold countertop might seem trendy and exciting, but you should proceed with caution if your backsplash is already the star of the show. In Season 1, Episode 5, of "Tough Love," Farr said, "We're about to choose the countertops. Which really can define a kitchen as much as any other element within it. So, when choosing a countertop, you have to have already decided what your backsplash is going to be. And in this case, my backsplash is quite complex and is going to make a big design statement. So, I want to pull back on my countertop and make them very simple."

Simple countertops don't mean plain. When it comes to selecting the countertop choice that will give your kitchen a modern, minimalist look, it is all about choosing the right material. Quartz is a popular finish to consider because of its durability compared to natural stone. It will look brand-new for countless years to come, enhancing its timelessness. Farr herself is a big fan of quartz countertops and even chose a white version with simple gray veining for her own kitchen. If you prefer natural stone for its organic visual variation, consider marble or light granite for a minimalist approach that pairs well with almost anything.

Floor tile has been trending, but Farr believes there's a time and a place. If you have an open concept kitchen, a tiled floor can make it look awkward and closed off. It's preferable to continue your hardwood floors into the kitchen for visual flow. Farr demonstrated this technique in Season 1, Episode 3, of "Tough Love." She explained, "I need to keep a visual flow throughout the entire space. Otherwise, it's not truly open concept. So, I'm going to replace those kitchen tiles with hardwood floors that will tie in seamlessly with the ones you already have in the living and dining room."

If you don't have the ability to rip out your tile floor for the sake of cohesion, there are a few ways you can enhance the flow of your space. Click-and-lock vinyl flooring planks can be placed over tile, as long as you check with the manufacturer's instructions. For a more temporary solution, there are peel-and-stick floor tiles that mimic the look of wood, like these Art3d Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Wood Planks. An even less expensive option is to use rugs that tie in the colors from your living space to your kitchen. This is a simple way to create unity without having to alter the floor itself.

Although the homeowners eventually got their way in Season 2, Episode 1 of "Tough Love," Farr didn't think there was anything wrong with the vintage tiles in their original bathroom. The vintage square tiles included clusters of mosaic accents, creating a funky, yet timeless, display. She complimented the original design:, "It's a really good space. Those tiles are awesome!" The client responded, "Not a fan of the tile..." To which Farr exclaimed, "Pardon??"

Old doesn't necessarily mean dated, and the "Tough Love" bathroom was proof. Before you start your remodel, take a step back and ask yourself if the materials themselves really need replacing, or if you can use modern decor to give your finishes new life. Farr herself argues that you don't need to rip apart your bathroom in order to modernize it. In fact, glazing tiles can be just as impactful as the expensive and time-consuming re-tiling process. In Season 1, Episode 8 of "Tough Love," she told her clients, "I'll reglaze your tiles, giving them a fresh new look that's more affordable than replacing them." Consider the Nadamoo Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit.

There have been several occasions where Farr expressed her distaste for stained wood grain cabinetry. In addition to interviews where she warned homeowners about its tendency to pull focus away from other features in the kitchen, she recently posted a photo of herself on Instagram in front of a wood-heavy kitchen with the caption: "Can't wait to demo this kitchen and create beauty. Right now, the only nice thing about it is my yellow blouse!"

The good news about wood grain cabinetry is that it can be repainted or stained. Although Farr has designed many kitchens with sleek, white cabinets, she also branches out with bolder choices. In fact, she chose black cabinets for her own kitchen — a daring, yet timeless, choice. Navy blue and muted cool tones are currently popular for kitchen cabinets, and blue is a trending shade that Farr actually does approve of. Get the look with this Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Cabinet Paint in Dark Navy.

Large format tiles are a major trend for small bathrooms this year. However, Farr much prefers making a statement with small, mosaic style tiles in compact bathrooms. She showcased a jaw-dropping "Love It or List It" makeover on Instagram with the caption: "I love to give small bathrooms and even not often thought of spaces, like the laundry room, BIG design impact!"

There is more than one benefit to opting for small format tiles. Although many homeowners are afraid of extra grout, you can use small grout lines for less maintenance. The thinnest recommended grout line for small, ceramic tile is 1/16" wide. In spite of the grout, small tiles can be a massive help in preventing slipping accidents in the shower or on the bathroom floor. More grout means more grip, which is much safer for those who are at risk of falling. Small tiles are also more forgiving on a mildly unlevel surface, and they can even help even out a wall or floor that isn't completely level. Last but not least, small format tiles open up the possibility of creating an eye-catching, custom mosaic look. Choose penny tiles or tile sheets for a simpler installation process.

Wood paneling has gone in and out of favor over the last few decades. However, it is currently having a notable comeback. In the Season 2, Episode 9 of "Tough Love," Farr had a major disagreement with her clients. They spoke about their 1957 home, "We are on the fence about whether or not to stay with this wood paneling, but for right now, we're leaning into it." Farr was quick to interject, "I think right now you might want to lean back out again!" It's evident that she has opted not to explore this re-emerging trend in any of her interiors.

If you're already stuck with floor-to-ceiling wood panels, don't fret! There are some easy ways to modernize your accent wall. To stick with Farr's advice, you can try covering it in its entirety. Wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to conceal the panels, but the textured surface can make an even application tricky. You can also cover a portion of the wall with art or a tapestry, distracting from the wood itself. Another option is to hang shelving or a board-and-batten pattern so it looks intentional, rather than retro. If you want to leave the wood as-is, consider painting it white, so that it looks clean and contemporary, rather than dark and dated. You can use this painting trick to give outdated wood paneling a modern twist.