The 10 Colour Palette Mistakes Designers Always Spot (and How to Fix Them!)

4 days ago

Colour is the heartbeat of interior design, capable of setting a room’s tone, mood, and personality. A carefully curated palette can make a space feel inviting and cohesive, while mistakes in colour selection can have the opposite effect, leaving rooms feeling chaotic or uninspired. Even the most creative among us can stumble when it comes to combining hues harmoniously.

The beauty of designing with colour lies in its versatility and impact. A deep blue accent wall can add drama, while a soft sage green creates a calming atmosphere. However, achieving balance and avoiding common colour pitfalls requires both attention to detail and a touch of strategy. This guide sheds light on the most frequent colour palette mistakes, so you can sidestep these errors and craft a beautifully designed space.

Whether you’re painting a statement wall, picking textiles, or curating accent pieces, understanding the nuances of colour combinations is essential. With real paint colour recommendations from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball, let’s dive into the top 10 color palette mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Colour Palette Mistakes: Overlooking Natural Lighting

Lighting dramatically alters how colors appear in your space. Forgetting to factor in natural light can leave your carefully chosen colors looking dull or too vibrant.

Avoid This Mistake:

In north-facing rooms, use warm tones like Benjamin Moore’s “Simply White” or Sherwin-Williams’ “Creamy” to counterbalance cool light.
For south-facing rooms, opt for cooler tones like Farrow & Ball’s “Skylight” or Benjamin Moore’s “Pale Smoke” to prevent overpowering warmth.

Always observe paint samples at different times of the day to understand how light influences their appearance.

2. Colour Palette Mistakes: Using Too Many Colors

While variety can add visual interest, using too many colors in one space can make it feel disjointed and chaotic.

Avoid This Mistake:

Stick to a three-color rule:

Primary Color: Dominates 60% of the room, such as walls.
Secondary Color: Covers 30%, often in furniture or rugs.
Accent Color: Completes the remaining 10%, appearing in accessories or artwork.

For example, pair Sherwin-Williams’ “Sea Salt” (primary), Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy” (secondary), and Farrow & Ball’s “Pink Ground” (accent) for a harmonious look.

3. Colour Palette Mistakes: Ignoring Undertones

Undertones are subtle but impactful. Misjudging them can clash with existing décor or architectural elements.

Avoid This Mistake:

Test swatches against your flooring, trim, or major furnishings.
For warm undertones, choose complementary colors like Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter.”
For cool undertones, consider shades like Farrow & Ball’s “Cornforth White.”

4. Colour Palette Mistakes: Failing to Use Neutral Colors Wisely

Neutrals should balance bold colors but can fall flat without proper pairing.

Avoid This Mistake:

Layer textures like linen, jute, or wood with shades like Sherwin-Williams’ “Accessible Beige” for a warm neutral or Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” for crisp white.
Use high-contrast neutrals, such as pairing Farrow & Ball’s “Railings” (dark gray) with a soft beige for a striking effect.

5. Colour Palette Mistakes: Neglecting Adjacent Spaces

Rooms that feel disconnected often result from clashing palettes between adjacent areas.

Avoid This Mistake:

Choose complementary colors across spaces, such as using Benjamin Moore’s “Edgecomb Gray” in a hallway and Sherwin-Williams’ “Naval” in an adjoining room.

6. Colour Palette Mistakes: Misjudging Saturation

Overly vibrant colors can feel overwhelming, while muted tones may lack energy.

Avoid This Mistake:

For balance:

Use bold shades like Sherwin-Williams’ “Caviar” sparingly on feature walls or furniture.
Pair muted tones like Benjamin Moore’s “Silver Satin” with a bold accent.

7. Colour Palette Mistakes: Skipping Patterns and Textures

Flat, one-dimensional palettes can feel lifeless. Patterns and textures can invigorate a space.

Avoid This Mistake:

Introduce patterned rugs, such as blue Persian styles or geometric prints.
Pair textured fabrics like velvet or wool with soft tones like Farrow & Ball’s “Oval Room Blue.”

8. Colour Palette Mistakes: Forgetting the Ceiling

The ceiling is often overlooked but can be a game-changer in defining a room’s atmosphere.

Avoid This Mistake:

Paint the ceiling a subtle shade, such as Sherwin-Williams’ “Alabaster”, to add depth without overwhelming.

9. Colour Palette Mistakes: Choosing Colors Based on Trends Alone

Trendy colors may not stand the test of time, leading to quick regret.

Avoid This Mistake:

Focus on hues you genuinely love. For example:

Use trendy shades like Benjamin Moore’s “Caliente” (red) sparingly in accents rather than committing to walls.

10. Colour Palette Mistakes: Forgetting to Test Swatches

Testing swatches is non-negotiable to avoid unexpected results.

Avoid This Mistake:

Test samples in natural and artificial lighting.
Compare multiple finishes (matte, satin, eggshell) to find the perfect look.

FAQ: Colour Palette Mistakes

Q: How do I coordinate colors in an open-concept space?A: Use a cohesive color scheme with variations of the same hue. For instance, pair Benjamin Moore’s “Balboa Mist” in the living area with Sherwin-Williams’ “Dorian Gray” in the kitchen.

Q: How can I refresh a room without repainting?A: Update textiles, rugs, and accessories with bold or complementary colors to revitalize the space.

Q: What’s the best way to pick accent colors?A: Pull colors from existing patterns in the room, like rugs or artwork, for natural harmony.

Your Next Step

Ready to perfect your home’s color palette? At BY Design and Viz, our expert team can help you avoid these common pitfalls and design a space that truly feels like home.

Schedule a free consultation today and bring your vision to life!