Applying a new coat of paint is one of the fastest and most budget-friendly methods to instantly enhance a room, yet taking a wrong turn can swiftly nullify all your hard work. A smudged edge here, an unwise color choice there, and suddenly a space that was meant to feel newly refreshed and clean-cut appears outdated and shabby. Peggy Haddad, a renowned interior designer and founder of Peggy Haddad Interiors, succinctly sums it up: “A botched paint job is akin to wearing a rumpled outfit. It catches your eye right away, and in no pleasant way.”
Paint and color are much more than mere decorations; they are the very essence of architectural expression. Thoughtful color usage can make a ceiling seem higher, expand the room, and set the tone and ambiance of a space. “Paint is a potent tool; it’s one of the most transformative elements in design,” Haddad asserts. “Sure, a high-quality paint job might consume a significant portion of your renovation budget, but it’s an investment worth every cent and cost-effective in the long run.” A shoddy paint job, on the other hand, can make even the most stunning architecture and designer furniture seem dull.
Drawing from the expertise of our interior specialists, we’ve pinpointed seven common painting blunders that can instantly diminish a room’s value and provided solutions to rectify them. From overlooked preparation to color missteps, here’s how to guarantee that every brushstroke adds to, rather than detracts from, the room’s value.
White is often thought of as the safest color to paint with, but it can actually be one of the trickiest to execute properly. Contrary to common belief, there’s no such thing as a “pure white.” “Every shade of white carries subtle hues—pink, yellow, blue, even green—and lighting can either highlight or diminish these undertones,” explains Carla Royder, an accomplished interior designer and founder of Carla Royder Designs & Co. All colors shift under various lighting conditions, but white is particularly susceptible due to its highly reflective nature. “That pristine white you fell in love with at the store? It might resemble a smoky room under warm yellow lighting, or a clinical space under cool light.”
The secret to finding the perfect white shade for your space lies in testing. Apply large swatches to multiple walls and observe them throughout the day, both in natural and artificial light. Always test the paint against a pure white backdrop to ensure underlying colors don’t skew the white shade. Forging ahead with fresh walls and worn-out trims is futile, as worn-out trims will draw attention for all the wrong reasons. “Paint the trim, walls, doors, and ceiling—all in the same shade of white—using different sheens—for a seamless, polished finish,” Haddad advises.
Designers often turn to Benjamin Moore’s Simply White for their go-to white, a soft, warm hue suitable for nearly any room. “It never feels sterile, and it’s ideal for crafting an elevated coastal vibe,” Haddad notes. “But make sure to buy it from a Benjamin Moore store to sidestep color mismatches that could veer it toward mint green.” For a richer, more complex white, consider Sherwin-Williams Aesthetic White. “It’s light and airy yet offers more depth and character.”
The way paint appears can vary greatly based on the light it’s exposed to, the room’s orientation, and surrounding finishes. “This is the number one mistake I see,” Haddad says. “Just because a color looks perfect in a Pinterest photo doesn’t mean it will work in your home. Always test the color in the space before making a commitment and live with it for a few days.”
Before delving into paint color charts, consider the room’s orientation and the quality of light throughout the day. As a rule of thumb, North-facing rooms can benefit from warm colors to counteract the cool, shadowy light, while South-facing rooms can accommodate richer colors and true whites under abundant sunlight. East-facing spaces pair nicely with cool or neutral tones to accentuate morning brightness, and West-facing rooms thrive with warm neutrals or muted greens and blues to soften the afternoon glow. Lastly, think about how you will spend the most time in that space and how you want it to make you feel: cozy and relaxed, or fresh and energized?
Artificial light also significantly impacts how colors appear. Royder suggests using 3000K bulbs on dimmers for a clear, adaptable glow. “If you want the surest way to a color that works the first time, rely on a designer’s trained eye—we’re experts at interpreting light, finishes, and undertones to ensure your space feels just right,” Haddad adds.
A poorly selected color palette can undo a room’s appeal. “It’s the foundation of your space—get it wrong, and no amount of luxurious furniture or decor can save you,” cautions Royder. “The right shade can elevate a room; the wrong one can drag it into the depths of poor design.”
As a general rule, avoid overly saturated color palettes. “Bold color schemes can sometimes come off as garish and overly sweet and might end up feeling like a Barbie Dreamhouse—and not in a good way,” Royder warns. Even classic color pairs can backfire if not carefully considered. “Pink and green? Adorable on paper, but if the greens are too bright, it’s like a watermelon. Gray and yellow? If the tones are too similar, it resembles a hard-boiled egg,” she adds. The solution? Opt for slightly muted shades with a touch of “muddiness” for a more timeless and sophisticated look.
Neglecting undertones in fixed finishes like tiles, countertops, or cabinetry is a common pitfall. “Warm and cool tones can complement each other beautifully, but it must be done intentionally,” Haddad explains. Wall colors that clash with permanent finishes can make the entire room feel off-kilter. For a cohesive design, choose paint colors that harmonize with the existing undertones. Warm wood floors pair well with paints that have a yellow, orange, or red base, while cool-colored tiles or cabinetry look best with colors having a blue, green, or purple base.
Once you’ve settled on a paint color, don’t forget to specify the finish. This could be the difference between your paintwork lasting for years or mere days. Trim painted in flat paint? A beginner’s mistake, Royder cautions. “Eggshell and semi-gloss are your best friends for longevity and style.”
While glossy walls are currently in vogue, they can be unforgiving. “High-gloss finishes will amplify every blemish on the wall,” Haddad warns. “On the flip side, ultra-flat finishes are a stylish choice, but they don’t fare well in high-traffic areas. They show scuffs and stains immediately, and often can’t be cleaned with a damp cloth without some paint coming off.” Haddad’s advice: “Match the finish to the function. Use eggshell or satin for high-traffic and wet areas, semi-gloss for trim and doors, and flat for ceilings and low-traffic areas.”
Painting may seem like a quick fix, but skipping preparation is a path to disaster. “Cut corners on prep, and your walls will reveal your shortcomings,” Royder asserts. “Shiny finishes will highlight every flaw. Sand, prime, and patch as if your life depends on it—because your walls’ reputation does.”
No amount of paint can mask cracks in plaster, dents, nail holes, or uneven textures. Without proper preparation, even premium paint will adhere to imperfections, leading to spots, streaks, or peeling within weeks. In high-traffic areas, these issues worsen, turning a room meant to feel polished into one that appears worn and disheveled. Treat the prep work as the cornerstone of every painting project, and your walls will repay you with a smooth, durable, high-end finish that truly elevates your space.
Gray has long been a favorite in interior design, but the trend is shifting towards more nuanced colors with natural depth, warmth, and a subtle complexity. “Warm tones are in vogue now—consider cozy, inviting, and ageless shades,” Royder notes. “When in doubt, go muddy. Colors with depth and complexity always look richer and more expensive, bringing a sense of sophistication to any space.” Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, embodies this trend—a nurturing shade that caters to our longing for comfort, warmth, and a closer connection to nature. This same sentiment is reflected in other popular hues. Look at Benjamin Moore’s Sycamore, for example: a soft, salmon-like pink with just enough muddiness to transition from pastel to polished, with a hint of nostalgia. “Imagine Sycamore adorning the walls of a living room—it evokes warmth and elegance without veering into overly sweet or juvenile territory,” Royder explains, “It’s the perfect balance for creating an understated, refined ambiance.”
If you’re still leaning towards gray, Royder suggests considering Farrow and Ball’s Pigeon. “It’s a stunning deep shade that straddles the line between a smoky stone and a pale blue-green.” Whatever color you choose, “Muddy, nuanced colors like these don’t just paint a room; they shape the experience within it.”
