Avoid These 6 Common Paint Color Mistakes Recommended by Top Designers

Interior designers have some strong opinions about common paint color mistakes. They share insights on what to do and what to avoid when you’re ready to transform your space. Let’s break down their expert advice.

One of the biggest mistakes is not paying attention to undertones. Undertones are the subtle shades in paint colors that can change with lighting. Marie Cloud, founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, highlights that what looks neutral in the store might shift to blue or purple under different lights. Her advice? Always test paint colors in various lighting before you commit.

Wendy Smit, from Wendy Smit Interiors, adds that you should compare multiple colors—ideally three to six—before making a choice. "You can really see how the undertones differ when they’re side by side. It makes a huge difference," she says.

Another aspect to consider is the finish of the paint. Cloud emphasizes that the type of sheen can significantly impact the feel and maintenance of your walls. For instance, high-gloss finishes tend to show wall imperfections, while flat finishes might not hold up in high-traffic areas. Smit even advises against using eggshell finishes because they feel outdated. Instead, she suggests using a matte finish for a more modern and forgiving look.

Accent walls? Wells thinks it’s time to rethink them. “People often hesitate to fully commit to a color, so they play it safe with an accent wall," she says. Her suggestion is to go bold and paint the entire room in a color you love.

When it comes to trim color, keeping it white is a classic move according to Wells. She believes it offers a timeless look, especially as design trends shift. Bold walls can still stand out while maintaining neutral trim.

Also, be mindful of how ceiling colors relate to trim. Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer from Schnabel Interiors advises that carrying the trim color up to the ceiling creates a seamless look. "It helps the eye flow around the room nicely," she says.

Lastly, don’t just follow trends. Shani Core warns against picking colors based solely on what’s popular or what you see on social media. “Trends can be short-lived," she says. She recommends ordering paint swatches to see how colors truly look in your space and under various lighting conditions. Services like Samplize offer peel-and-stick samples that are mess-free and easy to test.

As a rule, make choices that suit your style and your space. A color that shines in one home may not work in another. Take your time, do your homework, and enjoy the process of choosing colors that make you happy.

For more details on how paint colors can affect home aesthetics, check out this article from Southern Living.

Source link

eggshell paint finish, Marie Cloud, lighting conditions, paint colors, matte finish