8 Paint Color Mistakes That Make Designers Cringe

Designers can help turn a ho-hum palette into a full-fledged work of art.

Achieve a color scheme you love with these expert paint tips. Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images/TCA

By Patricia Shannon and Kathy Barnes BHG.com

Let’s get something straight: There’s nothing wrong with choosing a paint color you love, even if it doesn’t top the paint color charts. In fact, choosing a color that doesn’t speak to you might just be the most cringe-worthy of mistakes, according to Michelle Bray, owner of Five Star Painting.

But some of the most problematic paint color issues arise because of the absence of professional expertise. Designers can help turn a ho-hum palette into a full-fledged work of art. To help steer you clear of any paint color problems, designers share the top paint color pitfalls.

Don’t Settle for Seconds

Bray warns of keeping the color scheme of the house you just moved into, especially when it’s not totally off-putting but definitely not something you would have chosen yourself if given the option.

“This can lead you to start making bigger purchases, like sofas and rugs, and end up with a mix of stagnant decor that you don’t care about,” Bray said. “That’s just a waste of money.”

She suggests hiring a professional to help you decide on both the flooring and paint color options before you move in to help set the tone for your new space.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make an Emotional Choice

When it comes to certain spaces, such as a mudroom, hall bath, or even the upstairs den, you might be able to get away with a slightly trendier paint choice. But when it comes to the spaces where you spend the most time, Bray says to go with your gut.

“Determine the most lived-in spaces and start from there,” she said.

Avoid selecting a paint color simply because it’s trendy—a surefire way to end up with a palette you hate that would likely have a negative effect on your mood.

“Work with a color consultant who can physically come to your space and help you figure that out,” Bray said.

But most importantly, she says to always be honest with yourself to ensure you wind up with a color scheme you love living in.

Don’t Only Think About Walls

Crown molding, baseboards, and door casings often get forgotten.

“I think most people think those have to be painted white,” said Nicole White, CEO and principal designer at Nicole White Designs. “Newsflash: They don’t.”

Even if you’re going for a bolder, non-neutral choice, bring that color all the way to the ceiling. Make sure you’ve chosen the right paint for your project. Walls and trim have different requirements.

Don’t DIY a Project Beyond Your Skill Level

This is a good time to circle back on the idea of being honest with yourself. Your time and talent for this particular job should be at the top of the list of deciding factors. Bray warned that often, without those two things, the “job is rushed, things get missed, colors go wrong, and you end up with an amazing home with a bad paint job.” Nobody wants that. Know when to call in the pros and you can save yourself (and those who dwell with you) from this fate.

Don’t Use Tricky Colors Without Testing

According to Bray, any color has the potential to go wrong thanks to factors such as whether you’re working with artificial or natural light, the height of your ceiling, your flooring type, and more. But there are two paint colors that are notorious troublemakers for the DIYer: yellow and red.

“Both can go wrong, ending up looking like totally different colors on different walls in the same space or different rooms in the same home,” Bray said.

She suggests keeping red outside (like on the front door). As for yellow, you’ll want to observe the color in your home throughout the day.

“Get a sample of the color, paint several white poster boards, and move them throughout the space at different times of the day,” Bray suggested.

Don’t Overlook the Finish

For a novice home painter, going with a flat finish will afford the most forgiveness, camouflaging imperfections rather than drawing the eye to them. That said, White doesn’t advise going that route if you have small children who are likely to leave fingerprints and sticky smudges all over your walls. In that case, an eggshell or satin finish is your best option, as both hide some drywall imperfections (unlike a gloss finish) and can also be wiped down easily when needed.

Don’t Decide Until You Paint a Sample Swatch

Give yourself time to paint a few sample swatches on the wall, then observe your color samples before you invest in gallons and paint your rooms. It’s good practice to put an 18-inch square swatch of paint on the wall and sit with it through a few cycles of light—sunrise, daytime, sunset, evening, cloudy days, sunny days. And if you made the wrong choice with your sample selection, you can find new ways to use those leftover paint samples on DIY projects.

Don’t Rush It

If you’re planning to paint the walls, one key factor to consider is dry time. You’ll need to wait for the paint to fully cure in order to see its true color. So don’t rush the process. Different paint finishes will take different amounts of time to fully cure.

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