5 colors to avoid painting a landing – and the secret to choosing the right shades

Designers identify five paint colors that have become overused and suggest alternative shades to create more contemporary and unique home interiors. The article emphasizes that while some colors were once popular, their ubiquitous use has made them appear generic and dated as decor trends evolve. Expert interior designers Tavia Forbes, Rebekah Murphy, and Kim Dee offer their perspectives on these colors and provide specific recommendations for more refined and current alternatives. First, 'Cold White,' particularly cool-toned white walls, is discussed. Designers note that while white is classic and creates a sense of space, an undifferentiated bright white can look like primer rather than a deliberate design choice. Instead of a sterile bright white, Forbes suggests Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace for a crisp, gallery-style white that complements modern decor, or Swiss Coffee for its warmth, making a space feel more lived-in and soft. Murphy recommends Benjamin Moore White Dove, which has creamy undertones that add warmth without yellowing, suitable for kitchens, living rooms, and spaces with natural textures. Dee advises replacing Sherwin-Williams Extra White with Sherwin-Williams Shoji White, a creamy white that offers warmth without appearing yellow, suitable for all rooms, cabinetry, kitchens, and bathrooms. Second, 'Light Greige,' specifically Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray, is cited as overused. Designers feel it has become a default 'safe' color that now appears dull and dated. Forbes recommends Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray for a cooler, more refined option or Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist for warmth without muddiness, both working well with modern finishes and organic textures. Murphy suggests Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone as an alternative, offering depth and softness suitable for bedrooms and studies. Dee proposes Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter for a richer, more current, earthy, and inviting feel, ideal for home offices and family rooms. Third, 'Navy Blue' is highlighted as a predictable choice. Forbes suggests moving away from navy, which is seen as a 'bold-but-not-too-bold' option, toward deep olive green or charcoal brown. She explains that deep olive brings warmth and earthiness, while charcoal brown offers a luxurious and grounding effect, especially when layered with mixed materials. For those who prefer blue, Murphy recommends Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray, a gentle blue-gray that evokes coastal calmness with subtle moodiness, perfect for powder rooms or laundry spaces. Dee suggests embracing newly trendy butter yellows like Benjamin Moore Sweet Cream for kitchens, offering a light, cozy, and unique feel. Fourth, 'Cool Charcoal Gray' is mentioned, with Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray specifically. Dee suggests replacing it with Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze, which provides depth with warm, moody undertones, creating a fresh and dramatic look. This color is recommended for powder rooms, built-ins, or exterior trim to add understated boldness. Finally, 'Pale Blue' is identified as potentially washed-out or overly delicate. Interior designer Lauren Saab advises trading 'forgettable soft sky blues' for deeper, more nuanced options. She recommends Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, a rich, moody, and elevated blue that offers quiet confidence and depth, making it ideal for libraries, entryways, or dining rooms. These recommendations aim to guide homeowners and designers towards more sophisticated and current color choices, avoiding the pitfalls of overly common trends. #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ColorPalette #HomeImprovement #DesignerTips #ModernInteriors

This article discusses common paint color mistakes that interior designers recommend avoiding to achieve a professional and timeless look in home interiors. The first significant mistake highlighted is disregarding undertones in paint colors. A color that appears neutral in a store setting might exhibit blue or purple undertones under different lighting conditions, disrupting a room's overall palette. To circumvent this, it is advised to test at least three to five paint samples in the actual space under various lighting before making a final selection, as comparing multiple colors side-by-side reveals their true undertones. Another crucial aspect is the paint finish, which can significantly impact a design's aesthetics and durability. Choosing the wrong sheen can either accentuate wall imperfections or prove inadequate for high-traffic areas. Designers suggest avoiding eggshell finishes, which they consider dated, and instead opting for a matte finish, described as a more refined and durable alternative that is also more forgiving with surface imperfections. This choice ensures both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Accent walls are another design element that professionals recommend phasing out. Often used by individuals hesitant to commit to painting an entire room, accent walls can detract from a cohesive design. The advice is to be confident and paint the entire room for a more integrated and sophisticated outcome. Similarly, painting trim a bold color is discouraged in favor of a white or subtle trim. White trim is considered a timeless choice that prevents a room from looking trendy and ensures longevity in design appeal, even as decor styles evolve. Maintaining color consistency between the ceiling and trim is also emphasized. Painting the ceiling the same color as the trim allows the eye to move seamlessly around the room, fostering a cohesive and appealing energy. Introducing a third distinct color for the ceiling, in addition to wall and trim colors, can create a disjointed and less harmonious environment. Finally, the article strongly advises against choosing paint colors based solely on current trends or influencer recommendations. A color that looks stunning in one home might not translate well to another due to differing architectural styles, natural light, and existing decor. To make an informed decision, ordering paint swatches and testing them at home at various times of the day is recommended. This practical step allows homeowners to observe how colors genuinely appear in their specific space, avoiding potential dissatisfaction and ensuring the chosen palette complements the home's unique characteristics. #PaintColorMistakes #InteriorDesignTips #HomeDecor #PaintUndertones #PaintFinishes #AccentWalls #TrimColor #CeilingPaint #ColorTrends

Interior designers frequently observe common mistakes made when selecting and applying paint colors, significantly impacting a space's aesthetic and longevity. A primary error involves neglecting undertones, which are crucial as they dictate how a paint color appears under various lighting conditions. For instance, a gray that seems neutral in a store can reveal blue or purple hues once applied. To avoid this, designers recommend testing at least three, if not five or six, potential colors in the actual space to accurately perceive their undertones and compare them side-by-side, helping to identify whether a color is too crisp, muddy, or bright for the intended environment. Another critical aspect often overlooked is the paint finish. The sheen of the paint can either enhance or detract from a design. For example, high-gloss or semi-gloss finishes tend to accentuate wall imperfections, while flat or matte finishes, though aesthetically pleasing, might lack the durability required for high-traffic areas. Designers specifically advise against eggshell finishes, considering them dated and suggestive of 1990s interiors. Instead, a matte finish is suggested as a more modern, durable, and forgiving alternative that can better conceal minor wall flaws. The practice of painting accent walls is also discouraged by designers, who view it as a reluctance to commit to painting an entire room. They suggest that homeowners should embrace confidence and paint the whole space for a more cohesive and impactful design. Similarly, bold colored trim is considered less timeless. Designers advocate for white trim and ceilings, believing this choice offers a classic look that transcends fleeting trends like maximalism and maintains its appeal over time, allowing for more daring wall colors without compromising the overall elegance of the room. Furthermore, consistency in trim and ceiling color is highlighted as important. Painting the ceiling the same color as the trim ensures a seamless visual flow throughout the room. Introducing a third color for the ceiling—distinct from both wall and trim colors—can disrupt this harmony, creating visual breaks and diminishing the room's cohesive and inviting feel. Ultimately, designers advise against choosing paint colors based solely on current trends or influencer recommendations. A color that looks stunning in one home may not translate well to another due to differences in lighting, existing decor, and architectural elements. To make an informed decision, ordering and reviewing peel-and-stick paint swatches in the actual home is recommended. This allows individuals to observe how colors change throughout the day without the commitment or mess of painting directly onto walls, ensuring the chosen color complements the specific space. #PaintColor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #PaintUndertones #PaintFinish #AccentWalls #TrimColor #HomeTrends #DesignTips

Hallways serve as crucial connectors between rooms, facilitating natural flow throughout a home. While they don't require extravagant decoration, they should also avoid being bland. This article consults design experts Brittny Button and Amanda Bell to outline paint colors and finishes that are best avoided in hallways, offering advice on how to select appropriate shades and styles. One primary recommendation is to steer clear of non-neutral colors in hallways. Button explains that hallways are shared spaces with adjacent rooms, necessitating a universal appeal. Bell adds that subtle or deep tones are preferable to maintain an inviting atmosphere while allowing for personality expression. Both designers emphasize that hallways often lack natural light, making lighter tones more suitable. Bold paint choices tend to appear tacky rather than intentional when viewed under artificial lighting or in shadow. Another point of caution is against using flat, moody hues, especially in small or cramped corridors. While dark, moody colors can work in larger hallways, Button advises against dull, flat paint finishes. Instead, she suggests incorporating elevated faux finishes like limewash or plaster to add textural depth. This approach can be complemented by captivating architectural elements such as arched ceilings or doorways to create visual height and elevate the space. Bell highlights the importance of good lighting to prevent dark palettes from making the space feel flat, suggesting pendants, wall sconces, or strategically placed lamps to draw the eye forward. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls is generally discouraged in standard hallways, particularly when using colored paints. Button explains that this can make the space feel smaller and less visually open. The exception is if the hallway is painted in a light, warm, neutral shade. Light paint colors on the ceiling are said to create visual height and offer a timeless appeal. For those considering bold colors, Button suggests reserving such choices for powder rooms, where their quirkiness can be contained rather than being overtly dominant throughout a main thoroughfare. If a homeowner insists on a bright hallway, Button recommends testing the color first by painting four or five poster boards and observing them in the hallway for several days. This practical step can help visualize how the shade truly appears in the living environment, often leading to a reconsideration in favor of neutrals. Finally, neon hues like bright red or bold orange are strongly advised against. Hallways are transitional spaces, not areas where people spend extended periods. Button recommends choosing soft and soothing colors that are pleasant to pass through daily. Bell reinforces this, stating that hyper-stimulating colors can overpower the space and disrupt the home's overall flow. The overarching message is to prioritize timeless, light, and neutral palettes to ensure seamless transitions and a cohesive home environment. #HallwayDesign #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #NeutralPalette #Lighting #TexturalFinishes

Choosing the right paint color for your home can be a daunting task, and many homeowners find themselves regretting their choices after the paint has dried. This article provides six common mistakes to avoid and offers expert tips to help you select a hue you'll love. The advice comes from color experts Amy Wax, author of 'Can't Fail Color Schemes,' and Amy Krane, architectural color consultant at Amy Krane Color and host of the podcast 'Let's Talk Paint Color.' One significant pitfall is selecting a color based solely on its appearance on home design websites or social media. While a particular shade of salmon or moody blue might look stunning in a professionally styled photograph, it may not translate well to your own home due to differences in lighting, existing decor, and personal taste. Experts emphasize that colors appear differently in various environments, and a hue that works for one homeowner's space might not suit another's. The key is to choose colors that resonate with your personal preferences and are harmonious with your living environment, rather than blindly following trends seen online. Another common error is choosing a shade that is unsuitable for a specific room's function. For instance, while olive green is a popular and potentially value-boosting color for kitchens, it might be unflattering in a small bathroom, as it can reflect poorly on skin tones. Similarly, for areas like closets or dressing rooms where accurate color perception is crucial for matching clothing, light and neutral wall colors are recommended to prevent distortion. The context of the room is paramount; a vibrant color that might be overwhelming in a bedroom could be perfectly suitable for a dining room, living room, den, or basement. The experts also caution against the use of excessively bright paint colors, which are frequently the source of regret. Colors like bright yellows, pinks, and those with strong undertones such as orange, yellowish-green, or pinkish-purple, often appear much more intense on a large wall than they do on a small swatch. The author shares a personal anecdote of painting a living room orange, only to find it too stimulating for a relaxing space, eventually repainting it a calming sea blue. This highlights the importance of understanding how a color's intensity can impact the mood and functionality of a room. Failing to test a paint color before committing to painting an entire room is a mistake many people make. It is strongly advised to prime the walls and apply at least two coats of the prospective color to a 2-square-foot section. Furthermore, observing this sample under various lighting conditions and at different times of the day is crucial. Checking the color with different light bulb temperatures (such as 3000K for a balanced light) can help determine if the hue is truly appealing and suitable for the space, thereby preventing costly repainting efforts later on. Following paint trends too closely is another mistake to avoid. While paint companies announce colors of the year, these trends are often fleeting. Selecting a paint color based solely on its fashionable status, rather than its personal appeal and suitability for your home, can lead to quick dissatisfaction. A color should complement your personal style and existing decor, as trends come and go rapidly. Finally, disregarding existing furnishings, trims, and other elements in a room when choosing a paint color can lead to an undesirable outcome. Unless a complete room overhaul is planned, the new paint color must harmonize with the items already present. For example, if a room has chestnut trim and a console with orange undertones, adding an orange paint color could result in an overpowering monochromatic scheme. The goal is to create balanced color combinations where the paint complements and enhances the existing elements, rather than clashing with or overwhelming them. Should a paint color choice be regretted, alternatives to immediate repainting include giving the color time to grow on you, strategically using artwork or curtains to cover problematic areas, and adjusting light bulb temperatures to alter the color's perception. #PaintColors #HomeDecorating #InteriorDesign #ColorSelection #HomeImprovement #DesignTips #PaintMistakes #RoomDesign #ColorPsychology