Selecting paint colours often comes down to individual taste; for example, one person might love a particular shade of green, while another may dislike it entirely. That said, certain hues consistently prove effective at elevating a home's aesthetic. Design experts indicate that some colours can lend interiors a more upmarket ambience, whereas others may, regrettably, make a property look 'cheap'.
Several motivations exist for ensuring your home decor doesn't project a budget appearance. Perhaps you're considering selling your property shortly and want to boost its market value, or maybe you simply desire your interiors to look their very best while residing there. Additionally, selecting inferior paint colours might trigger an unwelcome domino effect impacting other parts of your property.
Bright Red: Overwhelming and Aggressive
Vivid red isn't always as fashionable as one might assume. It can appear aggressive or even uncomfortable to view. Todd Harmon, designer and co-founder of Aura Modern Home, explained, 'It's vivid, especially when used on all four walls, and can overwhelm a space. In kitchens, the colour may evoke an old-time American diner; in bedrooms, it's too stimulating to relax. Instead of bold and chic, it often feels loud or even cheap.' Todd suggests choosing gentler, more natural tones of red, including subdued burgundy, deep terracotta, or softened crimson. These shades deliver warmth and richness while preserving a classic, refined and inviting atmosphere.
Teal: Nostalgic and Tacky
Interior designer Cristina Mata told Martha Stewart that teal is one shade she struggles to love. She said, 'It's really a colour that I hate in interiors, except maybe by the beach. Once a darling of the 90s, and often paired with glossy, plastic finishes, teal now feels more nostalgic than fresh. As an accent, it rarely achieves the sophistication it aims for and can easily tip into tacky territory.' Cristina recommends choosing warmer greens or softer blues instead, describing these tones as 'easier, or at least people are more accustomed to seeing them'. These shades tend to produce a more organic, harmonious and welcoming feel within a room.
Pure White: Stark and Characterless
Stark, dazzling white is far too overpowering and characterless; it has no place in your home if you're striving for a sophisticated aesthetic. Interior designer Bethany Adams told Livingetc: 'To me, bright white walls scream cheap rental. I absolutely love a neutral colour scheme, but choosing the right white is key.' Currently, the focus is on off-whites: shades of white with delicate undertones that add a unique charm. Bethany instructed, 'Look for something with undertones of other colours for more depth.' When choosing white paint, it's important to consider the finish too. The designer said, 'Make sure to choose a flat or matte finish if you have an older home. Any hint of sheen will highlight cracks and imperfections, which makes your house look crummy no matter how expensive it actually was.'
Dark Brown: Outmoded and Gloomy
Dark brown paint enjoyed considerable popularity throughout the 1990s and 2000s, but Joni Burden, executive chairman and creative director of J. Banks Design, said to Veranda that opting for an outmoded brown paint shade can swiftly diminish a room's appeal. The last thing you want is for your space to appear gloomy or lacklustre.
Mint Green: Inconsistent and Confusing
Mint green is one shade that can give a room a low-cost appearance, according to Christine Kohut, proprietor of New Hampshire-based Christine Kohut Interiors. Although it has the potential to look stunning, it can also appear markedly different depending on the level of light. This challenging hue can sometimes look green, while on other occasions it may take on a blue or even grey tone. An always changing atmosphere within a room is rarely desirable.
