Picking the perfect colour palette is a daunting task for any homeowner. Whether you've just purchased a new home and can't wait to start painting or you're simply looking for inspiration, it's important to remember that paint does more than just cover up walls.
When it comes to painting your home, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the biggest decisions you'll make is what color to choose for your walls. Unfortunately, many people end up making common mistakes that can really affect the look and feel of their home.
Here are the 5 biggest mistakes people make when choosing paint colors for their home.
1. Choosing the wrong undertones
When thinking about colour, many people think in terms of neutrals -- white, off-white, grey and black are all considered neutral colours because they're easy to match with other shades.
But what most homeowners don't realise is that choosing one shade isn't enough.
"Colour experts recommend choosing two or three major shades," says interior designer Kirsten Grove from Colour by Design.
"Harmonising the undertones of these colours will help to tie them together."
For example, if you're choosing warm neutral colours like red and orange, make sure your yellows are also warm to give your space definition.
If you choose cool neutrals like blue and grey, make sure your purples are also cool for maximum impact.
2. Not taking into account existing elements
Once you've chosen a few major shades for your walls, it's time to think about what else is already in the room -- lighting fixtures, flooring, furniture etc.
"Don't forget that other elements in the room should be part of the decision-making process," says Grove.
"If you have an older home with floral wallpaper, for instance, it's important to choose colours that complement the existing pieces.
The same goes for carpeting, floorboards and even artwork."
According to Grove, homeowners should always consider how their colour choices will influence the overall ambience of their home.
3. Choosing your favorite shades
There are few more universal tips than this one: don't choose only colours you like because they won't look good together at all. Unless you really know what you're doing, it's best to stick with two or three major shades in your colour palette. Of course, there are exceptions -- bold brights and deep darks can work with most colour schemes and should only be avoided if they don't fit the overall mood of your place.
4. Painting without research
It's not just your job to choose the colours you plan to paint with -- it's also important for you to learn everything you can about them first.
"It's a good idea for homeowners to familiarise themselves as much as possible with the different properties of each paint colour before making a final decision." says Grove.
This means researching which shades work best in which rooms, as well as reading up on the latest trends so that you can incorporate those into your design scheme.
5. Forgetting about light sources
The lighting and windows in each room will play an important role in determining which shades look best. "Choosing a colour that looks good under any lighting is no easy task -- it requires a bit of experimentation," says Grove. "If you plan on using the room regularly, test out each colour under all types of light so you know which shades will work best."
Avoid these costly blunders and you're sure to end up with a beautiful, cohesive color palette!
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