The Bold Wall Color Hilary Farr Can't Stand (& Better Alternatives To Consider)

There are some paint colors that just work, and then there are others that should require a second and maybe even third opinion before being used for interior walls. One of these shades happens to be a bright green, and take it from HGTV star Hilary Farr: This color is a big no-no when it comes to your home. In an episode of "Love It or List It," Farr warned that a powder room, which featured a garish lime green, needed an upgrade immediately. While this paint option may have been popular when shag carpeting was en vogue, gone are the days when people's eyes wanted to be assaulted when they entered a room. 

Farr described the color as "hideous," and she isn't alone in thinking this, as TikTokkers and interior designers alike agree that lime is one hue of green you should avoid using in your home. Not to worry, though. There are a variety of other green shades that will work, acting to transform your space while also making it feel serene, inviting, and crucially stylish too. Depending on the color scheme you are aiming for, you can delve into dark forest shades or softer sages, and all the options in between would get Farr's seal of approval — as long as the dreaded lime is relegated to the back of the paint queue.

With this loud color banished from your home, it's time to focus on what does work and why. First, it's important to consider the theme and aesthetic you're going for, as this will affect your paint choices. If you're aiming for bold or dramatic palettes and décor, leaning into a dark green for an accent wall or all over the room will enhance and elevate the space. Benjamin Moore's Essex Green is a deep hue that creates an elegant backdrop for any area, and would mix well with pops of gold and brass, natural woods, and neutral textiles. 

According to another pro, the best place to incorporate forest green shades are accent walls and even on trim. Kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms can all benefit from this color, and the earthy tone is very grounding and cozy. While the dark green theme is making a splash in the interior design world, Hilary Farr is a big fan of a lighter, more neutral shade that introduces a softer ambiance into any room, while still incorporating the earthy green tone.

HGTV star Hilary Farr calls the paint Contemplation 700E-3 by Behr "earthy but ethereal" and credits it with cultivating a more calming vibe. On their website, this shade is technically considered a gray tone, but there is a definite sage hue that will suit any room, either as an accent wall or even across all of them. Great for bedrooms, the tranquility associated with this and similar shades is undeniable, and it pairs well with other neutrals, natural wood elements, and Boho or rattan accents.

If you like Farr's soothing neutral paint color but want to consider varying shades of the gray/sage, Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog is a warm green with gray undertones, while Farrow & Ball's Breakfast Room Green is on the slightly brighter side but doesn't lean too heavily into the lime shade Farr advises avoiding. This color is great for rooms you want to lighten up and add a more pronounced, bold hue to without leaning too far towards the harsh lime that makes a space look and feel dated.