Color has a big impact on how a room looks and feels. The colors you choose for your home can influence the mood of the space, its aesthetic, and even how large or small it feels. For example, while bold, dark hues can create a sense of intimacy and coziness, they can also have the unintended effect of making a room feel cramped and confined.
If you want to make your space feel more open and airy, here are a few colors you should avoid, according to designers.
Meet the Expert
- Kanika Bakshi Khurana is the principal designer and founder of Kanika Design, a full-service interior design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Katie Gutierrez is the principal interior designer of Errez Design, a firm based in Miami, Florida.
Dark Charcoal Gray
As a general rule, when it comes to colors and interiors, the darker you go, the smaller your space will feel. While dark, moody neutrals like charcoal gray and black can add drama and depth to a space, they are also notorious for making rooms feel small and cramped. Unfortunately, these moody tones live up to that reputation more often than not.
“These colors absorb so much light,” says Kanika Bakshi Khurana, founder and principal designer of Kanika Design. “They create a heavy, enveloping vibe that works well in bigger, more open rooms but can feel suffocating in a small space.”
Instead, Khurana recommends choosing a soft, warm gray or a light taupe. These medium-toned neutrals will add depth and character to your space without the heaviness that dark colors are known for.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
Navy Blue
Similarly, experts agree that navy blue, particularly deep, dark shades of navy, is a common culprit when it comes to making spaces feel smaller. While this royal shade is revered for its elegance and versatility, according to Khurana, it tends to draw the walls in and make the space feel less expansive.
Instead of navy blue, Khurana suggests softer, airier shades like pale powder blue or even a soft slate hue. These options will better reflect light and make the space feel bigger and brighter.
Forest Green
Earthy with a hint of understated elegance, forest green is an increasingly popular shade in interiors. From cabinetry to wall paint, it’s popping up more and more as homeowners look to nature to inspire their design choices. However, if you’re working with a small space or looking for a bright and airy feel, this rich green should be avoided, particularly as wall paint.
“[Forest green] is gorgeous in theory, but in reality, it’s the design equivalent of a blackout curtain,” says Katie Gutierrez, principal designer at Errez Design. “It drowns the room in shadow, erasing any sense of airiness or escape.”
If you want to incorporate forest green in your space, consider using it as an accent color instead of the primary hue. Then, opt for a lighter shade of green for the walls, such as sage or a washed-out olive. Alternatively, Gutierrez says an earthy neutral, like light taupe, is also a great option.
Saturated Orange
Dark colors aren’t the only culprits here. According to Khurana, overly saturated and vibrant hues can also make a space feel small and cramped. First on the list are bold, intense oranges.
“While vibrant oranges can energize a room, they can also make a small space feel crowded and chaotic,” she says. “It’s an energetic and exciting color, but in tight quarters, it can feel like the walls are closing in.”
Instead, Khurana recommends choosing softer, lighter shades. If you want to stick to the warm, orangey hues, try a color like soft apricot or warm peach. These colors will add a touch of vibrancy without overwhelming the room.
Vibrant or Heavy Reds
Similarly, experts agree that vibrant and heavy shades of red can make a space feel smaller. Think fire-engine red, brick red, and even more muted terracotta tones.
“Red demands attention, but in a confined room, it highlights every boundary and every edge, making the space feel loud and overwhelming,” Gutierrez says.
Instead, incorporate these zesty hues into your space using accents like furniture and decor. You could even give your front door a makeover for a bold pop of unexpected color. On the walls, stick to lighter, more neutral tones that better reflect light and make the space feel bigger.
