10 Paint Colors Interior Designers Say Are the Absolute Worst

When it comes to picking paint colors, some shades are a hit, while others are a definite miss. Certain colors have a knack for making rooms feel smaller, darker, or just plain odd.

Here’s a roundup of 10 paint colors that interior designers practically shudder at. They share why these particular hues can drag down your décor and what you might want to choose instead.

If you’re thinking about a fresh coat of paint, reading this list might save you from a color choice you’ll regret. Let’s find out which colors to skip to keep your home looking chic and inviting.

Pink

Pink can be tricky in interior design. Antonino Buzzetta points out that while some shades like hot pink or coral can make a bold statement, others such as Pepto Bismol pink or an ’80s dusty rose might not hit the mark. If you’re thinking about pink, consider going for a very soft, pale shade or a strong, vibrant one.

Wendy Labrum also suggests exploring more creative options for children’s rooms instead of the traditional pink for girls, using patterns and colors that inspire creativity.

Peach

Peach can be a challenging color to incorporate into your home decor. Karen Vidal has often found herself removing peach rather than adding it, due to its unflattering tone.

Allison Paladino also criticizes a particular peachy shade from Benjamin Moore (HC-57), describing it as ineffective and unappealing. If you’re drawn to warm tones but skeptical about peach, consider exploring related hues that might offer more flexibility and appeal in your space.

Brown

Many designers, including Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Studio, are steering clear of dark brown shades, as they can make a room feel outdated and somber. If you’re drawn to the warmth of brown, focus on choosing the right shade. A chocolate brown with a glossy or lacquered finish can add depth and prevent the color from looking flat.

For bathrooms, where brown can feel too heavy, Kate Dawson recommends using it sparingly through accessories like brown apothecary jars or leather cabinet pulls to maintain a light and open feel.

Purple

Using purple in your home requires a careful touch, as Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design points out. This vibrant hue can dominate a room, so it’s important to balance it with neutral colors in furniture and decor.

If you choose a bold purple, keep other elements subdued to let the color shine without overwhelming your space. This approach helps create a vibrant yet balanced atmosphere that showcases purple’s richness without letting it take over.

Emerald Green

While emerald green has been a popular choice for accent walls, Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design suggests it might be time for a change. The intense vibrancy of emerald can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Instead, consider a palette of blue-green colors with gray undertones. These shades are softer on the eyes and versatile enough to work in various spaces, offering a fresh and contemporary alternative to the boldness of emerald.

Pastels

Pastels can create a serene and gentle ambiance, but they’re not without their challenges. Phillips notes that some pastels might lack sophistication or appear too muted outside of nursery settings. A popular choice among designers now is a muted ivory with pink undertones, which balances softness with a chic feel.

However, be cautious with pastels in bathrooms, as Amy Switzer points out. They can look washed out against bright white fixtures, leading to a disjointed aesthetic. In contrast, a child’s bathroom might be the perfect place to embrace pastel whimsy, adding a playful and charming touch.

Yellow

Yellow can brighten a room with its sunny vibes, yet mastering this shade on walls is no small feat, according to Shannon Eddings of Shannon Eddings Interiors. If you’re drawn to yellow, look for inspiration in well-designed rooms that handle this color beautifully.

However, Marie Flanigan cautions that yellow’s reflective quality can alter the perception of surrounding colors and textures, sometimes making spaces feel less vibrant than intended. When using yellow, consider its impact on the entire room and choose shades that complement rather than overpower your existing decor.

Red

You might feel tempted to paint a room red for that touch of drama, but many designers, including Bethany Adams from Bethany Adams Interiors, feel this color has been overused, especially in formal dining areas.

Instead of covering large wall spaces with red, Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors suggests using it sparingly. Consider incorporating red in textiles or decor items to create a vibrant yet balanced atmosphere. For those committed to red, opt for shades that add complexity and a sophisticated flair to your space.

Despite its popularity, red often dominates more than decorates, a sentiment echoed by Susana Simonpietri, the creative director at Chango & Co. Wesley Moon also advises caution, noting that the success of red isn’t just about the color but its application and the elements it’s paired with.

If you decide to use red, think about the overall balance of your room to ensure it complements, rather than overwhelms, your design vision.

Gray

If you’re feeling surrounded by endless walls of gray, you’re not alone. Many designers, including Kelly, are ready to move past this trend. They find gray too cold, lacking in depth and character.

When considering a new color for your space, explore warmer and more complex neutral tones. These can add the subtlety and warmth missing in plain gray, offering a cozy ambiance without overwhelming your senses.

Neon

While neon colors like hot pink and lime green might catch your eye, they tend to feel overwhelming in most indoor environments. According to Kelly, these vibrant shades often overpower the space rather than enhancing it.

If you’re aiming for a bold look, consider using neon as accent details rather than primary wall colors. This approach lets you enjoy a pop of color without it taking over your entire living area.