Six Common Paint Color Blunders to Avoid
Wrecking Your Home's Chic with Cringe-worthy Paint Hues:
Interior design mavens have some stern words to share when it comes to the catastrophic paint picks that can leave your space looking like a relic from a bygone era. Herein, we explore the common blunders they've flagged, from the perils of undertones to the risks of trend-chasing, and more. Read on to ensure your reign as the resident design pro!
Underestimating Undertones:
Experts unanimously condemn the oversight of undertones as the most egregious offense in the realm of paint selection. To put it bluntly, not recognizing how lighting can transform a hue is a rookie mistake you'll want to steer clear of. Rebecca Powell, the leader of Charlestown & Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, warns that "a gray that looks pristine in-store may transform into a smurf-blue or lavender nightmare in different lighting conditions." To skirt disaster, always test your colors in various light scenarios prior to sealing the deal.
Neglecting Finish Thought:
Don't let the Type of Finish slip your mind; it's no small matter, advises Powell. She confides, "The sheen can complete or undermine a design." Understanding the nuances between a gleaming gloss versus a subtle semi-gloss, or a matte versus a flat finish, is pivotal. As she elaborates, "A high-gloss or semi-gloss can bring attention to wall imperfections, while a flat or matte may not be sturdy enough for high-traffic areas." Prematurely selecting the wrong finish could impact both aesthetics and upkeep.
Designers have harsh opinions on outmoded finishes, too. Powell laments, "I can't stand the eggshell paint finish, even in bathrooms! It's the very epitome of the tacky '90s home!" Instead, she suggests embracing a matte finish, a far more robust and forgiving choice in comparison to the eggshell.
Embracing Accent Walls:
Mary Kathryn Wells, founder of Mary Kathryn Wells Interior Design in Nashville, suggests giving accent walls a miss. She voices her opinion, "Most of the time, people implement accent walls out of fear to commit to a paint color." However, she urges, it's high time to step up and conquer your color choices, rather than settling for the mere consolation prize.
Dabbling in Bold Trim Colors:
Trim, says Wells, ought to be white, period. Upon explaining her preference, she reveals, "I believe the use of white trim and ceilings will endure despite the ever-changing trends." Certainly, you're free to explore vivid colors on your walls, but let your trim serve as a backdrop to maintain a timeless allure.
Ignoring the Ceiling-Trim Consensus:
In connection with trim, Schnabel Wedemeyer, the founder of Schnabel Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky, advocates for connecting the ceiling and trim color. This practice, she assures, allows the eye to flow uninterrupted, ensuring a seamless vibe. As she puts it, "Painting the walls, trim, and ceiling different colors creates a disjointed experience that can diminish the overall appeal of the space."
Uncritically Chasing Trends:
When choosing a paint color, trust yourself above all. Shani Core, the leader of Shani Core Interiors in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, counsels against basing your decision on trends or popular opinions. "A color that's fashionable in one setting can look completely out of whack in another!" To minimize the risk of an unfortunate mishap, Core advises ordering paint samples to preview the colors in your own environment, and she often relies on services like Samplize for their peel-and-stick alternatives. In her wise words, "Seeing how the hue performs in your space at different times of the day helps you maintain a forward-looking perspective, without the hassle of actual paint."
5 Paint Colors That Would Actually Make Your Grandma Cringe:
Enrichment Data:According to interior designers, these five colors can make any home look outdated:
- Tuscan Gold: Dubbed "Texas Tan", this mustardy gold was a favorite of the early '00s, but now it's seen as overly dated[2].
- Neon Colors: These Day-Glo hues used to be popular, but they're now viewed as gaudy and over-the-top[2].
- Cool-Toned Gray: Shades like Gray Owl reached their peak fame, but they're now regarded as overused and too cold[3].
- Turquoise: That bright blue-green shade was once all the rage, but it can now create an Old Hollywood vibe that feels antiquated.
- Builder Beige: Simple beiges are associated with generic, mass-produced homes and are often criticized for lacking character and style.
Use these color trends sparingly, or risk giving your home a retro feel that's better preserved in the annals of design history.
- Southern Living magazine recommends reconsidering the use of Tuscan gold, Neon colors, Cool-toned Gray, Turquoise, and Builder Beige in living rooms, as these paint colors might make your home look outdated and give it a retro feel.
- Rebecca Powell, the leader of Charlestown & Co., emphasizes that it's crucial to test paint colors in various light scenarios before making a decision, to avoid ending up with a smurf-blue or lavender nightmare in your living room.
- Mary Kathryn Wells, founder of Mary Kathryn Wells Interior Design, suggests steering clear of accent walls in the living room, as they are often implemented out of fear and may not contribute positively to the overall design.
- Schnabel Wedemeyer, the founder of Schnabel Interiors, recommends painting the living room's ceiling, trim, and walls the same color to create a seamless and cohesive look, rather than dividing the space with different colors.
- Shani Core, the leader of Shani Core Interiors, insists on trusting your own judgment when choosing paint colors for your living room and advocates for ordering paint samples to test colors in your home environment before making a final decision.
