5 Colour Mistakes That Can Ruin a Beautiful Room

Hi, I’m Eileen, and if there’s one thing I see time and time again when helping clients, it’s how much impact colour has on a room, for better or for worse.

You can have stunning furniture, beautiful artwork, and the perfect layout, but if the colours don’t work, the whole space can feel “off.”

The truth is, colour is one of the most powerful design tools, but it’s also one of the easiest places to go wrong.

I want to share five of the most common colour mistakes I see (and how you can avoid them) so your home feels balanced, welcoming, and completely you.

1. Ignoring Natural Light

Natural light changes everything. A soft grey that looks calming in a bright, north-facing room can feel cold and flat in a darker space. One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing paint colours without considering how much light the room actually gets throughout the day.

My tip: Always test large swatches on your walls and check them at different times of day before committing.

2. Forgetting Undertones

You’d be surprised how tricky whites and neutrals can be. A “white” with a yellow undertone can clash terribly with a cool-toned grey floor, while a crisp, blue-based white might feel harsh against warm timber.

My tip: Always compare samples side by side and look at them against your existing finishes like flooring, benchtops, or window frames.

3. Playing It Too Safe

I know it’s tempting to stick to beige or white everything because it feels “safe,” but the result can be a home that feels bland and lifeless.

Colour doesn’t have to mean bold feature walls.

It could be subtle earthy tones, soft greens, or muted blues that still feel timeless.

My tip: Don’t be afraid to add personality. Even small pops of colour in cushions, artwork, or a rug can transform the mood of a room.

4. Ignoring Flow Between Rooms

Each room in your home doesn’t have to match, but they should feel like they belong to the same house.

If every room has a completely different colour scheme, it can feel disconnected and jarring as you move through your home.

My tip: Think of your house as a whole. Create a palette that flows from space to space, even if the intensity of colour changes, the undertones should still work together.

5. Forgetting That Colour Creates Emotion

Colour isn’t just visual, it affects how we feel. A bright red might energise, but it can also feel overwhelming in a bedroom where you want calm.

On the other hand, muted tones can feel soothing but may lack energy in a living area where you gather with family and friends.

My tip: Always think about how you want to feel in a room before deciding on the colour scheme.

Need a hand choosing colours?

Choosing colours can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

With the right guidance, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but feels exactly the way you want it to.

If you’re unsure where to start, that’s where I come in. I can help you avoid these common mistakes and create a colour palette that flows effortlessly through your home.

Contact me today and let’s make your home feel like you 🏡