7 Times HGTV's Hilary Farr Skipped Popular Design Trends For Something More Unique

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Hilary Farr's style tends to be luxurious yet understated, making her an ideal source of inspiration for classic design. Although she sometimes experiments with trends, her primary goal is curating a space that will stand the test of time. When it comes to optimizing your interior design to reflect your personal style, you should undoubtedly consider Farr's tips. After all, as the host of HGTV's "Love It or List It" and "Tough Love with Hilary Farr," she knows how to blend a client's unique taste with an elegant aesthetic.

Because her aim is to please the client, she doesn't shy away from bold decor if it suits the homeowner's style. There have been several times she's gone against the grain of current trends and made a more unique choice. If you'd like a stylish space that's updated, but you also want to break from the crowd, take Farr's alternative solutions into consideration. From your living room furniture to your paint colors, explore Hilary Farr's most original design ideas that go against expectations.

When it comes to kitchen color schemes, earthy greens are timeless. Designers are always experimenting with the color in the kitchen, but many play it safe with organic variations like olive tones. In Season 2, Episode 9, of "Tough Love," Hilary Farr chose a much more shocking shade of green. To match the quirkiness of her clients' taste, she went with a backsplash in a neon lime hue. This gave the home a pop of personality that directly contradicted the earthy green look. However, the homeowners loved it, as did the viewers. YouTube user @angelbulldog4934 commented: "For those of us who were beyond sick of black/grey/white 20 years ago, this is adorable. I could damage a lot of groceries in that happy, vibrant kitchen."

Neon colors aren't for everyone, but if you're yearning for a vibrant focal point, your backsplash could be a great space to make a bold statement. For a texturally dynamic option, try a bright green tile. Or you can give this unexpected shade a subtle, trendy touch by selecting a handmade choice like zellige tile in a shade like lime green or yellow. Besides paint or tile, tempered glass is a low-maintenance option that comes in a wide range of bright hues. Because there is no grout, it looks seamless and is easy to clean. Another benefit is that tempered glass will reflect light throughout your kitchen, creating the illusion of a larger space. If these ideas aren't rocking your boat, here is a master list of 55 creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen.

Hilary Farr can't stand one of today's biggest kitchen cabinet trends — natural wood. She explained that stained wood grain cabinetry can pull focus and look out of place unless there are other matching wood grain features throughout the living space. While she is no stranger to painted cabinets, Season 2, Episode 5, of "Tough Love" showcases a particularly stunning example where she opted for a shade of sky blue. This eye-catching color is proof that sometimes a wash of paint is the right choice.

When it comes to selecting the best kitchen cabinet paint colors, the possibilities are practically endless. Rather than following the current trends, decide on your target aesthetic. For a classic appearance, try installing upper glass front cabinets and painting the surrounding cabinets in a pastel shade. If you want to create a timeless space, you can't go wrong with the ever-popular White Dove by Benjamin Moore. However, if you love Farr's blue cabinets but want something slightly more daring that will suit a contemporary space, go with a bold navy hue.

Warm earth tones and natural textures are currently trending when it comes to sofas and living room upholstery. However, Farr has selected loud, patterned sofas on more than one occasion. Her renovation in Season 2, Episode 2, of "Tough Love" is proof that bold, thematic prints are a great way to make a statement in your living space. Plus, the project is another impressive example of Hilary Farr appealing to the unique tastes of her clients.

If you find yourself drawn to loud, unapologetic patterns and prints, don't shy away — lean into them. Furniture is an impermanent addition to your home, which means it can be changed as your tastes evolve. Adding visual interest to your interior with a showstopping sofa is also a renter-friendly way to switch up the feel of your space. Plus, Farr is a big fan of reupholstering vintage sofas, so you can always follow in her footsteps if you want a change of scenery. To create a romantic look, go with a classic floral pattern, or for a coastal theme, consider tropical botanical prints like palms. If you want something more modern, look for fabric with geometric prints or stripes. A temporary option, like this Hyha Couch Cover, is a great way to try out a look before committing.

Pale closet interiors have always been popular, and designers are leaning into matte, neutral paint colors more than ever. However, Hilary Farr's renovation in Season 1, Episode 5, of "Tough Love," is proof that a dark closet interior can look equally stylish. She chose to paint her client's walk-in closet a gorgeous navy blue shade. The client exclaimed, "I love the color!" upon the reveal. Because the walk-in closet was spacious, the dark color didn't make it feel cramped. It only enhanced the visual character and depth.

One benefit of darker paint colors is that they can hide visible dust, and make walls visually recede, creating the illusion that your walk-in closet is deeper, wider, and roomier than it actually is. Deep shades like chocolate brown or navy blue can also create a cozy feel in your wardrobe. It is generally recommended to match your closet color to the mood of the rest of your interior. If you have deep and daring paint colors throughout your space, your closet shouldn't be the exception. Try charcoal gray for a sleek, sophisticated touch. If you're hesitant to plump for a very deep paint color, go with a rich taupe for a timeless alternative to white.

If you're wondering what to prioritize in your outdoor living area, cozy, verdant spaces are currently trending. Designers are focused on maximizing seating and the surrounding greenery when it comes to yards. However, Hilary Farr's unique design is proof that your backyard should represent you, first and foremost. In Season 11, Episode 8, of "Love It or List It," Farr conspired with one of the homeowners to create a backyard skatepark for her husband. Although this took up most of their outdoor space, his reaction was worth it.

If you're open to turning your backyard into a playful, recreational space, there are a few different directions you can go. While a skate park is one unique example, golfers might consider a miniature golf course. Another way to give your backyard a sporty (yet still stylish) touch is to build a bocce ball or croquet area. For those who love to entertain, adding an activity-based corner can wow your guests. If you're designing on a strict budget, there are tons of fun backyard games you can DIY out of scrap wood. Another affordable option is to purchase a playful kit like this Franklin Sports Fun 5 Combo pack. This is a great first step towards curating a fun exterior without having to redo your yard.

Bold, colorful kitchens have been popping up everywhere over the last few years. The designer even admits to being a fan of bold colors herself but has her limits. In fact, Hilary Farr warns to avoid falling into the popular kitchen color trend and going overboard. The one space where she defends a white color palette is the kitchen. In Season 2, Episode 4, of "Tough Love," she painted the cabinets white and went with matching white countertops. For a tasteful touch of color that added subtle depth, she painted the area under the kitchen island in a sleek blue shade.

Although making bold choices can pay off, sometimes it's better to keep things simple. This is particularly true if you are prepping your home for resale, or you haven't yet decided on your interior style. Off-white and ivory will never go out of style and will complement any surrounding decor. However, Farr's addition of blue on the kitchen island is proof that you don't have to completely commit to a monochromatic color scheme. You can also add color through temporary pieces like stools, kitchen towels, or decorative dishes. If you need more inspiration, these 50 white kitchen designs will never go out of style.

Tiled oven hoods are currently trending, and they're undeniably eye-catching. However, they might not work in every style of home. In Season 2, Episode 10, of "Tough Love," Hilary Farr selected a unique wood-slatted oven hood to match the mid-century interior. This was a great way to modify the statement hood trend while still maintaining a timeless space. If you have a retro interior or simply want to add an organic touch, a wooden oven hood can be customized to suit a variety of homes.

If you love Farr's natural approach but you don't want your home to look retro, try a lighter wood stain. White oak can add a contemporary touch, while the wood slat style can create either a nostalgic feel, or play perfectly into an organic modern aesthetic. If you want to try your hand at DIYing this kind of oven range hood, make sure to build a sturdy frame. Then, use plywood to enclose the cover. Next, start gluing two-inch wooden slats around the hood. Make sure to measure how many slats you will need before you start attaching them. Then, add finishing strips for a polished look before staining and securely mounting the hood.