Choosing a paint color usually leads to a serious bout of indecision. It’s not easy to find a timeless shade for your walls that doesn’t border on boring. In the rainbow of options, there are a few that have been overdone or now stand out as shades that look outdated.
We spoke with a few interior designers who not only shared their opinions on the paint colors to avoid and why, but also gave helpful advice on keeping these colors relevant in your home if you can’t repaint (or don’t want to).
Meet the Expert
- Jodi Peterman is the CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs.
- Christiane Lemieux is the designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.
- Ruthie Staalsen is the principal designer and founder of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors.
Builder’s Beige
The first example is a color that once seemed invincible to critique, simply because of how neutral it is. However, it’s no longer a shade that some designers would instantly recommend.
Beige often gives modern spaces the feeling of being flat and dated, according to Jodi Peterman of Elizabeth Erin Designs. Despite its neutrality, it could err on being too safe.
So, what do you opt for instead? Peterman recommends shades like Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015 or Benjamin Moore Bavarian Cream 2146-70, which give off an air of freshness while still maintaining a neutral look.
“Pair it with richer, more modern accents like deep blues or warm, earthy tones,” she suggests. “You can bring in light or cream furniture to create a sophisticated, monochromatic design.”
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Millennial Pink
Getty Images / onurdongel
It’s impossible not to admire the excitement that a more colorful shade can bring to a room, and this was certainly the case when “millennial pink” stepped onto the scene in the 2010s. It was fresh, modern, and fun—a far cry from traditional palettes.
But, with every trend, it either becomes timeless or cycles out, and with this pink, the latter happened, according to Christiane Lemieux, designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.
It may serve well as an accent wall, or simply in the form of decor, but dousing a room in this bubblegum pink feels off today.
“I am shifting towards softer alternatives like dusty rose, blush, or peach tones for a more timeless look,” Lemieux says.
Hunter Green
Many shades of green have remained beloved color choices throughout the home trend cycles. Some, though, have seen their fair share of dips and spikes in popularity—hunter green is one such example.
Although it was big in the ’80s and ’90s, Peterman notes that it often reads too muted or muddy. Instead of this bright green, she suggests choosing olive green, teal, or emerald for a splash of color that’s not dated.
If you’re stuck with hunter green or genuinely want to make the shade work in your home, Peterman has some tips.
“Start by bringing in natural materials, such as wood and stone,” she says. “It gives a soft, organic feel perfect for a cozy, nature-inspired design.”
Vibrant Accent Walls
Before you start rolling on hot pink or bright orange, you might want to reconsider a bright accent wall. While this isn’t necessarily a color per se, it’s a paint-heavy part of your home that doesn’t feel as modern as it once did.
The issue with these is that they can feel, “overpowering and too deliberate,” according to Lemieux. It could be a fun choice, but staring at an ultra-saturated color on your walls each day may start feeling a little overwhelming.
If you love bold colors, opt for them in smaller spaces that aren’t frequented as much, or bring these bold hues in through decorative elements.
Gray (and Other Overdone Colors)
Getty Images / izusek
Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors has a slightly different take on the idea of unpopular paint colors, and although some may feel stale, there is a caveat.
“I think no color is outdated these days,” she says. “What you don’t want to do is overdo a color so that it overpowers your home.”
She gives the example of gray, which has become enormously trendy over the last few years. That doesn’t mean she won’t use gray, but she’ll take care with how much it appears within a space—and really, this rule “applies to all colors you incorporate into your home.”
Tip
Lemieux also adds that in some contexts, cooler grays can be seen as cold and sterile. If you like gray or the atmosphere it creates, try warmer tones of the color, or use it in small doses.
