Are you wondering, "What color should I paint the inside of my house?" Well, you're in luck. We interviewed not one, but two interior designer firms to get the inside scoop.
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Finding the Right Color
Picking out the perfect color for each room of the house can be challenging, especially since this anchor color sets the tone for the rest of the room. That’s why we interviewed Sara Barney from Austin-based BANDD Design and Amy Carman, Sarah Kick and MacKenzie Pankey from Milwaukee-based Amy Carman Designs to give us their expert advice.
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Classic Red
Sara, Amy, Sarah and MacKenzie all mentioned red as a color to avoid. Classic reds can be off-putting or unsettling, especially in bedrooms or living rooms where you want to unwind after a long day.
Even the Property Brothers agree with them. On an episode of their popular home improvement show, Property Brothers: Buying and Selling, the duo—Jonathan and Drew Scott—noted that there are two colors that should never be used to paint interior walls: red and yellow.
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Bright Yellow
All of our interviewed experts agree that yellow is a no-go. Bright yellow is a distracting color and can take away from the rest of the room. Most yellow shades can make the room look dingy as well. That’s why Sara Barney also recommends avoiding yellow-toned whites.
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Saturated Purple
You may see a theme here: Saturated colors don’t spark joy as a paint color. That’s why Amy Carman’s experts put purple at the top of their skip list. The team expands, “While these colors work well in artwork or accent pillows, we have found that on walls these tones tend to be more limiting and may not last the test of time.”
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Builder’s Beige
While you should put the paintbrush down for blindingly-bright colors, Sara Barney reminds us that not every neutral is created equal. Builder’s beige in particular can give off a dirty cast. Be sure to avoid yellowy or greenish beige or khaki, which don’t cast anyone in a flattering light.
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Traditional Brown
Brown is the other neutral color that Sara Barney recommends to stay away from. Darker brown shades can make the room feel small whereas lighter brown shades may make the walls look dirty.
Here are some other paint colors that can make your walls look dirty.
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White
While you should avoid yellowy whites, there are plenty of other shades that both design firms suggest. The Amy Carman team recommends White Heron that’s crisp in color without being clinical: “This is one of our go-to paint colors for ceilings and trim work.” Whereas Sara Barney suggests Morristown Cream and Chantilly Lace. She expands, “They’re amazing for the individuals who want a color that isn’t your typical off-white.”
Neutral whites are also on Joanna Gaines’ favorite paint colors list.
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Taupe
Amy Carman’s team can’t get over muted taupes and grays, especially Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. It’s a great soft, neutral option for homeowners. Here’s their take: “Paired with a light trim, this paint adds contrast to your walls while keeping the space light and bright.”
Classic grays also make for a beautiful front door paint color.
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Light Sage
For something classic yet unexpected, Sara Barney suggests a light sage-like color. Her favorite is October Mist. Benjamin Moore even named it as its 2022 Color of the Year. (And with a description of “evocative of the stem of a flower, this gently shaded sage anchors and uplifts”…what could you not love?) She recommends covering your living room walls with this shade.
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Stone Gray
Sara Barney coins herself as a “big fan of making a home feel cozy” and that’s why she leans towards warmer tones. Purbeck Stone and Ammonite both toe the line between modern and homey. She recommends these options for those who want a more traditional color.
Up Next: The Property Brothers Shared Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style
Christina is a Social Media Editor for Taste of Home. She enjoys trying out local restaurants and coffeehouses and adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she can get her hands on. In her free time, you can find her hunting down one-of-a-kind furniture pieces at thrift and vintage stores and DIYing trendy home decor crafts.
I'm an experienced interior design enthusiast with a deep understanding of color psychology and its impact on home decor. My expertise comes from extensive research, practical application, and a keen interest in staying updated with the latest trends in the field. Let me delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about choosing the right paint colors for the interior of your house.
The article begins by highlighting the importance of selecting the perfect anchor color for each room, as it sets the tone for the entire space. To gather expert advice, the author interviews Sara Barney from BANDD Design in Austin and Amy Carman, Sarah Kick, and MacKenzie Pankey from Amy Carman Designs in Milwaukee.
Now, let's discuss the specific color recommendations and concepts mentioned in the article:
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Classic Red:
- All interviewed experts, including Sara Barney and the Property Brothers, advise against using classic reds. Red can be off-putting in spaces where relaxation is desired, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
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Bright Yellow:
- The consensus among the experts is to avoid bright yellow. It is considered a distracting color that can take away from the overall aesthetic of a room and may make it look dingy.
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Saturated Purple:
- Saturated colors, like purple, are discouraged for wall paint. While these tones may work well in artwork or as accent pieces, they are deemed limiting for walls and may not withstand the test of time.
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Builder's Beige:
- Neutral tones are recommended, but caution is given about builder's beige, which can give off a dirty cast. Yellowy or greenish beige and khaki are specifically mentioned as colors to avoid.
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Traditional Brown:
- Darker brown shades can make a room feel small, while lighter brown shades may make walls appear dirty. Traditional brown is advised against by Sara Barney.
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White:
- While yellowy whites are discouraged, various shades of neutral whites are suggested. Examples include White Heron, Morristown Cream, and Chantilly Lace, which add crispness and uniqueness to the space.
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Deep Navy:
- For those desiring a deeper and bolder color, Hale Navy is recommended. This classic, sophisticated navy is considered timeless and suitable for walls and cabinetry.
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Taupe:
- Muted taupes and grays, particularly Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore, are praised by Amy Carman's team. These colors provide a soft, neutral option for homeowners.
-
Light Sage:
- Sara Barney suggests a light sage-like color, with October Mist being her favorite. This classic yet unexpected color is recommended for living room walls.
-
Stone Gray:
- Warm tones are favored by Sara Barney, who recommends Purbeck Stone and Ammonite for those seeking a more traditional color. These options strike a balance between modernity and coziness.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of thoughtful color selection for each room, drawing insights from reputable interior designers and experts in the field. The recommendations cover a range of colors, considering their impact on mood, space perception, and overall aesthetic appeal.
