Interior designers concur: These 5 paint hues are imparting a “budget” appearance to your home, and Offer Sophisticated Substitutes

Irrespective of your budget, achieving an upscale ambiance in your home is a common desire. Selecting the right colors and materials plays a crucial role in accomplishing this goal, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. One of the most critical aspects of creating a designer look in your home is choosing the appropriate paint color for your walls. With numerous options available, some of which can inadvertently make your house appear cheap, it’s understandable why many of us spend considerable time experimenting with various shades before making a final decision.

While striving to elevate the appearance of your home, selecting the wrong shade of white can have the opposite effect. Opting for a tone that was trendy in the past may now make your home look outdated. Interior designers caution against certain paint colors that can cheapen the look of your home and offer suggestions for achieving a refined and timeless aesthetic.

1. Pure White: Bright, sparkling white lacks character and sophistication, often giving off a “cheap rental” vibe. Instead, opt for off-whites with subtle undertones, such as Benjamin Moore‘s White Dove, to add depth and elegance to your space.
2. Basic Gray: Overused “builder grade” gray can make a space feel generic and uninspired. Choose greige or less recognizable shades of gray, like Stonington Gray or Apparition by Benjamin Moore, for a more versatile and sophisticated look.
3. Primary Colors: Decorating with primary colors can lend a cheap and outdated feel to your home. Instead, incorporate muted versions of greens, reds, blues, and yellows, such as Pinelands, Sweet Basil, Dinner Party, and Dark Burgundy by Benjamin Moore, for a more sophisticated and elevated ambiance.
4. Baby Blues and Pinks: Overly pastel paint colors, such as baby blue and cotton candy pink, can cheapen a home’s appearance, especially in primary living areas. Opt for deeper, richer shades like Hale Navy or Peignoir for a more sophisticated and timeless look.
5. Loud Turquoise: While turquoise can add vibrancy to a space, bright shades may come across as flashy and garish. Choose richer shades like Bermuda Turquoise or Galapagos Turquoise for accents that beautifully complement other colors while maintaining sophistication.

When selecting paint colors for your home, consider tones and shades that elevate the color and give it depth, avoiding basic versions that can cheapen the overall look. By choosing the right paint colors, you can achieve a refined and upscale ambiance in your home that stands the test of time.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Living etc}