Common Colour Mistakes Homeowners Make

March 27, 2025

How to Avoid Common Colour Mistakes When Painting Your Home

Picking the right colours for your home can feel like a high-stakes decision. A fresh coat of paint has the power to change the entire vibe of a space, but one wrong shade? That’s a recipe for regret. If you’ve ever looked at a wall and thought, “That’s not what I signed up for,” you’re not alone.

Let’s run through some of the most common colour mistakes homeowners make so you can skip the frustration and fast-track your way to a stunning, well-balanced space.

Relying Solely on Paint Swatches

Paint swatches are a great starting point, but they don’t always tell the whole story. What looks perfect under the store’s bright lighting might feel entirely different under your home’s natural or artificial lighting.

Instead of guessing, test it out. Grab a sample pot of Haymes Paint, brush it onto a large piece of cardboard, and observe how it looks throughout the day. You might be surprised how different it appears in morning versus evening light. Doing this can save you from choosing a colour that shifts from elegant to overwhelming once it’s on the entire wall.

Ignoring Undertones

Not all whites are the same, and the same goes for greys, beiges, and every other colour. Many paints have subtle undertones that only become obvious once they’re on the walls.

You don’t want to pick a grey that suddenly turns blue next to your warm timber floors. Hold your sample colours next to existing features like flooring, benchtops, and furniture to ensure everything works together before committing!

Overloading on Bold Colours

Love a deep, moody blue or a fiery red? Bold colours can add character, but when overused, they can feel overwhelming. The trick is balance. If you want to add vibrancy, consider using a bold shade for an accent wall while keeping the surrounding walls more neutral.

For areas with strong hues, using something like Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen ensures a sleek, refined look that enhances bold colours rather than making them feel heavy.

Forgetting About Your Lighting

Lighting changes everything. A colour that looks perfect under cool LED lighting might feel entirely different under warm-toned bulbs. It’s crucial to think about how the natural and artificial light will affect your paint colour before making a final decision.

Test under different lighting conditions at various times of the day. That soft beige might turn greenish at night, shifting the whole mood of the space.

Not Considering Room Size and Mood

Dark colours can make a room feel cosy and intimate, while light hues create an airy, open vibe. If you’re painting a small room, a too-dark shade might make it feel even smaller. On the flip side, an all-white room can sometimes feel sterile instead of welcoming.

A balanced, warm neutral like a Haymes Paint colour in a soft greige might be the ideal middle ground.

Ignoring Paint Finishes

A colour isn’t just about the shade—it’s also about the finish. Do you want something matte or with a slight sheen? Flat finishes hide imperfections yet can be harder to clean, while satin, low-sheen, or gloss finishes add durability and reflect light beautifully.

For high-traffic areas, something like Haymes Exterior Acrylic Semi-Gloss ensures longevity and easy maintenance.

Going Too Trendy

Trendy colours can make a space feel stylish, but trends change fast. That trendy dusty pink everyone loved last year? Your future self might not be a fan. When choosing colours, think about longevity. If you love a colour, use it as an accent rather than covering your entire home in it.

Skipping a Primer

Yes, it’s tempting to jump straight to painting, but if you skip the primer, you might regret it. Certain colours need a proper base coat to avoid patchy or inconsistent results. A great choice is the Haymes Ultra Premium Prepcoat Ultra Seal—it creates a smooth foundation for that perfect finish.

The Solution? Test, Plan, and Trust the Right Products

A little planning goes a long way. Test colours in different lights, consider undertones, and keep an eye on how finishes play with your space. And don’t forget—choosing high-quality paint makes all the difference when it comes to lasting results. If in doubt, visit Strathalbyn H Hardware - Haymes Paint Shop for expert advice and top-tier products.

Got a colour mistake story? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve learned along the way!

Happy painting!
Candeece