5 Common Color Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Your Home

Color has the power to completely transform a space. A well-chosen palette can create harmony, set a mood, and make your home feel both stylish and inviting. But even the most carefully thought-out designs can fall short if the colors aren't working together. As a seasoned Material and Color Consultant, I've seen my fair share of color mistakes—and more importantly, how easy it is to avoid them. Let’s dive into five common color mistakes and how you can steer clear of them to create a home that feels just right.

1. Choosing Colors Without Considering Natural Light

The Mistake: It’s easy to choose a color based on how it looks in the store or on a tiny swatch, but lighting plays a huge role in how a color will appear in your home. Many homeowners make the mistake of picking a color without factoring in how natural light will affect it. A color that looks perfect in the store could appear totally different in the room due to the lighting.

How to Avoid It: Always test your colors in the actual room where they’ll be applied. Natural light changes throughout the day, so what looks great in the morning might look completely different in the afternoon. Paint large swatches on the walls or get big swatches at Samplize and observe them at various times of day. You’ll get a better sense of how the color will look in the space, under different lighting conditions. If a room is naturally dark, you might want to choose lighter shades that reflect more light, while a sun-soaked room can handle deeper tones without feeling too overwhelming.

2. Overusing Bold Colors

The Mistake: Bold, vibrant colors like deep reds, dark blues, and bright oranges can be striking and beautiful, but using them excessively in a room can create a chaotic or overwhelming atmosphere. Many people make the mistake of going all-in on a bold color without considering its impact on the space.

How to Avoid It: Bold colors work best when used as accents, not as the dominant color. Instead of painting an entire room in a bright hue, use bold colors for accent walls, throw pillows, rugs, or artwork. These touches of color can create a focal point without overwhelming the space. You can also pair bold colors with neutrals to balance the intensity and create a more harmonious look. For example, a deep navy blue looks stunning as an accent wall when paired with soft grays or whites in the rest of the room.

3. Ignoring the Flow Between Rooms

The Mistake: One of the most common color mistakes is choosing colors without thinking about how they’ll flow from room to room. It’s easy to get excited about the color for your living room and forget about how it will transition to the hallway, kitchen, or dining room.

How to Avoid It: When selecting colors for different rooms in your home, think about how each space connects to the next. Choose colors that flow cohesively from room to room, creating a sense of continuity. You don’t have to use the same color everywhere, but opt for colors within the same family or tone. For example, a soft, muted beige in the hallway can seamlessly transition to a rich taupe in the living room. If you prefer more contrast, make sure to balance bold colors with neutral shades to avoid jarring transitions.

4. Forgetting to Consider the Size of the Room

The Mistake: Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing colors that don't suit the size or shape of a room. Dark colors can make small rooms feel even smaller, while light colors can open up a large room but may leave it feeling cold or too sterile.

How to Avoid It: To make a small room feel larger, choose lighter shades such as soft pastels, whites, or light neutrals. Light colors reflect light and make a space feel airy and open. On the other hand, darker colors, such as charcoal or navy, can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, making them ideal for larger spaces or rooms where you want a more enclosed, personal feel. If you’re dealing with a room that has an unusual shape (such as one with slanted ceilings or awkward corners), use color strategically to highlight the best features and minimize less desirable ones. For example, dark shades can work well in a room with high ceilings to create a sense of balance.

5. Skipping the Test Swatches

The Mistake: Perhaps the most avoidable mistake is choosing a color and going straight to the paint store to purchase gallons, only to realize later that the color doesn’t quite work the way you thought it would. Color looks different in every space, and what works in a magazine or on a small swatch might not translate the same way once it's on your walls.

How to Avoid It: Before you commit to a color, always test it in your space. Purchase sample sizes of your top color choices and paint large swatches on different walls. This gives you a better sense of how the color will look on your entire wall, and how it interacts with other elements in the room (like your furniture, flooring, and natural light). Leave the swatches up for a few days to get a full picture of how the color shifts with the changing light throughout the day. This step can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right colors for your home is one of the most impactful decisions you can make when it comes to interior design. By avoiding these common color mistakes and following these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that feels beautifully coordinated, harmonious, and reflective of your personal style.

If you're still unsure about which colors to choose or how to make them work in your space, a professional color consultation can provide you with the guidance you need. I’ve helped countless clients navigate the world of color, and I’d love to help you create the perfect palette for your home!

Ready to avoid these color mistakes? Contact me today to schedule a consultation, and let's make your home the perfect blend of style and color!