4 Colour Mistakes to Avoid That Could Sabotage Your Home’s Appeal

If you’re thinking of making a bold statement with colour in your home, it pays to get it right. The wrong choices can quickly turn eye-catching into off-putting, harming your home’s overall appeal.

To help you avoid costly design missteps, we’ve outlined four common colour mistakes that could sabotage the look and feel of your space – and even put off potential buyers.

Mistake 1:

Not Considering the Direction of Natural Light

Natural light is a key factor when choosing paint colours. Getting it right helps create a clean, balanced space. South and North-facing rooms need the most attention, while East and West-facing spaces depend more on when you use them.



South-facing rooms get the most sunlight, so balance their warmth with cooler shades like blues, greens, or soft purples. North-facing rooms have softer, cooler light. Avoid cold tones and warm them up with oranges, reds, yellows, or earthy browns for a cosy feel. East and West-facing rooms vary depending on the time of day, so test colours with swatches to see how they shift in different lighting. Finally, always maximise natural light wherever possible as it can transform a space.

Mistake 2: 

Pairing Colours with Conflicting Colour Temperatures

Mixing warm and cool shades in the same room can work, but it comes with risks. Get it wrong and the space can feel disjointed and uninviting, especially in areas that connect to other rooms. Sticking to one temperature is often the safer choice. However, with careful planning, warm and cool tones can work together. Neutral shades act as a bridge, helping to create a cohesive and visually striking space.

Mistake 3: 

Letting Dark Colours Dominate Your Room

Relying too heavily on dark colours can make a room feel smaller and less inviting. While deep tones can add drama and sophistication, they work best in moderation. Dark shades are most effective as accents, adding contrast without closing in the space. Try painting trim, creating a feature wall, or using darker tones to define zones like dining or seating areas. If in doubt, follow the 60-30-10 rule, with just 10% of the room in a darker hue to keep the balance right.

Dark colours tend to work best in rooms with plenty of natural light, helping prevent the space from feeling closed in. In low-light areas, dark shades can make a room feel even more cramped, so balancing them with lighter tones is key.

Mistake 4:

Choosing Paint Colours That Don’t Suit the Room’s Purpose

Choosing the wrong paint colours for a room’s purpose is a common mistake that can affect how the space feels and functions. Colours influence mood, energy, and relaxation, so it is important to match your palette to how you plan to use the room.

For a home office, energising shades like yellows or vibrant blues can boost focus and motivation. In a living room, warm, earthy tones help create a cosy and welcoming space. Bedrooms benefit from calming colours like soft greens or gentle blues to promote rest and relaxation.

While bold colour clashes can add personality and even boost a home’s desirability, the key is balance. Trends like contrasting palettes, dopamine decor, and Barbiecore can inject joy and individuality, but they work best when the colours still complement the way you live in the space.

Paint Pots & Swatches for Featured Colours