Christina Hall's Surprising Home Design 'Ins' and 'Outs'

Good news farmhouse lovers, shiplap is still totally in.

Longtime HGTV host Christina Hall knows what she likes. On Christina on the Coast and Christina in the Country, she makes quick design decisions with confidence. HGTV asked Christina and her design partner in crime, James Bender, to share their decorating yays and nays. Even we were surprised with what they said is still "in" and what's definitely "out."

In: Shiplap

According to this design duo, shiplap still has tons of charm. Whether you're using it to add texture to the ceiling of a coastal home or as an accent wall in a bedroom for a rustic touch, the wood treatment stays timeless.

Out: Curvy Furniture

Sorry curvy-sofa and arched-cabinet lovers: Christina and James are not on board with this Instagram-loving trend. They’re all about classic shapes and clean lines.

“I like straight edges!” James said.

In: Vintage Furniture

There’s a reason those treasured pieces have been around for so long! Vintage furniture is usually well-made, timeless and meaningful. Whether it’s a midcentury teak dresser or an antique French settee, a perfectly curated vintage piece can often add the one extra touch missing from a space.

Out: Vibrant Colors

It’s no surprise Christina (the queen of neutrals) is averse to bright pops of color. Christina's response when HGTV asked about vibrant hues?

“Nay, sorry!”

She still knows how to go bold with neutrals though. During a particularly memorable episode of Christina in the Country, she layered black materials of varying textures throughout the living room and kitchen of a Tennessee home for a striking look and cozy ambiance.

Christina's neutral-bold living room design from Season 1 of Christina in the Country.

Photo by: Matt Blair

Matt Blair

Christina's neutral-bold living room design from Season 1 of Christina in the Country.

In: Textured Tile

Think imperfect concrete tile in a Spanish style home, fluted ceramic tile as a kitchen backsplash or wavy porcelain tile in a beachy bathroom. Textured tile has a lot to offer, which is why both Christina and James gave it an immediate thumbs up of approval.

Detail of the bathroom double vanity in the newly renovated Costa Mesa, CA home, as seen on HGTV's Christina on the Coast.

Detail of the bathroom double vanity in the newly renovated Costa Mesa, CA home, as seen on HGTV's Christina on the Coast.

Out: Maximalism

If there’s one thing Christina is known for other than her masterful use of neutrals, it’s her love of minimalism, which might explain her reply of “Who?!” when asked about bold maximalism. Her own home in Newport Beach, California, is a careful balance of subtle texture, pared down accessories and neatly tucked-away features (like a projector screen that stores away in the ceiling).

In (ish): Subway Tile

“Yay-ish,” said James and Christina in unison when asked their opinion on subway tile. “We share a brain,” Christina added. HGTV's pro tip: There’s a special art to making subway tile cool. Try using a non-standard size, like super skinny tiles, installing it in a chevron pattern, or picking tile with a glossy texture for boho flair.

Out: Paper Fabric Lighting

Tassels and fringe lighting are in — Christina has a multi-tier fringe chandelier in her Newport Beach living room but paper fabric lighting is unfortunately out.

Tiered chandeliers are a staple for Christina when it comes to lighting.

Photo by: Matt Blair

Matt Blair

Tiered chandeliers are a staple for Christina when it comes to lighting.

In: Mudrooms

A place to kick off your shoes and drop your bags as soon as you walk through the door is an obvious “in.” Plus, there are a million cute ways to decorate them — vintage lockers, statement wallpaper, a fun runner — the list goes on.

Catch up on Christina on the Coast and Christina in the Country on discovery+. For more design inspiration, Follow Christina on Instagram at @thechristinahall.

Next Up

Watch: Ben Napier Has the Ultimate Super-Dad Moment in NYC

You’ll get some serious holiday joy after watching Home Town host Ben Napier step up for his daughter, Helen. Even better: We found out where you can buy Helen's hat. (It's only $10!)

Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Are Hosting 'White House Christmas 2022'

It's not the holiday season without our annual White House Christmas special — which hits HGTV and discovery+ December 11 at 6|5c. We have all the details.

This is the One Kitchen Trend Chelsea DeBoer Stays Away From

The Down Home Fab co-host reveals her favorite ways to add color to a neutral kitchen design, and her tips are super easy.

HGTV's Kim Wolfe Called on Her 'Survivor' Bestie to Help With a Special Nursery Design

If you can survive on an island together, you can put a crib together, right?

Tarek El Moussa and Christina Hall Compete Against Each Other in Epic Real Estate Showdown

The longtime hosts and exes are back with their new partners, Heather Rae El Moussa and Josh Hall, for some competition — HGTV style.

Drag Superstar Trixie Mattel Comes to HGTV in New Series

Trixie and her partner David Silver will star in the greenlighted series Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home. HGTV has all the details.

Here's Why Galey Alix Uses Hearts on Social Media and in Her Designs

'The hearts are a reminder to the home that what I'm leaving behind was created with love, but they're also a reminder to myself of what these families have done for my own heart's recovery.'

We're Swooning Over Galey Alix's Latest Home Transformation

You won't believe what the home — as seen in a recent episode of Home in a Heartbeat — looked like before.

HGTV Gets Ugly on New Year's Day With the Return of Retta and 'Ugliest House in America'

Actress and comedian Retta tours more hideous homes in the Season 3 premiere of Ugliest House in America, airing on HGTV and discovery+ Sunday, January 1.

New Series Featuring 'Australia’s Thunder From Down Under' Stars Comes to HGTV

These steamy construction gurus are ready to 'Flip the Strip.' Here's what you need to know.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated modern home in Atlanta, Georgia

HGTV Dream Home

A gorgeous getaway on Anastasia Island, Florida

HGTV Urban Oasis

A gorgeous remodel in Kansas City, Missouri