Interior designers have identified five paint colour mistakes that can make a home look cheap and potentially lower its market value. While colour choice is subjective, certain hues consistently undermine a property's appearance, according to experts.
Bright Red Can Overwhelm a Space
Todd Harmon, designer and co-founder of Aura Modern Home, warns that bright red is particularly problematic. He told the Express, "[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. Harmon recommends choosing gentler, more natural tones of red, including subdued burgundy, deep terracotta, or softened crimson.
Teal Feels Dated and Tacky
Interior designer Cristina Mata told Martha Stewart that teal is one hue she finds difficult to embrace. "It's really a colour that I hate in interiors, except maybe at the beach," she said. Once a darling of the 1990s, 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. Mata recommends choosing warmer greens or gentler blues instead.
Pure White Screams Cheap Rental
Bright, stark white is overly harsh and devoid of character. 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." She advises looking for off-whites with subtle undertones for more depth. The finish also matters: "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Dark Brown Looks Gloomy and Outdated
Dark brown paint surged in popularity during the 1990s and 2000s, but Joni Burden, executive chairman and creative director of J. Banks Design, told Veranda that opting for an outdated brown shade can make a room look cheap very quickly. Homeowners should avoid creating a gloomy or murky atmosphere.
Mint Green Changes With Light
Mint green is another colour that can make a room look cheap, according to Christine Kohut, owner of Christine Kohut Interiors. While it has potential to look stunning, it can appear markedly different depending on natural light levels. This challenging shade sometimes looks green, other times blue or even grey, creating an inconsistent atmosphere that is rarely desirable.
