Busted! Get the Facts for 8 Common Color Myths

Give hearsay the heave-ho — let these expert explanations improve your paint and decor choices instead

February 25, 2013
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More
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For something that looks so innocuous on a paint chip, color pushes our buttons like few other design details can. Everyone has opinions, and no one's shy about sharing — whether trying to convince you that a red kitchen will increase your appetite, a blue bedroom will help you sleep or a neutral palette is dull, dull and duller. Oh, and clashing colors? Don't even go there.

But is there any truth behind these ideas? Well, yes ... and no. Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors in Atlanta, an acclaimed designer who's known for her nuanced, cohesive use of color, helps us probe a little deeper. Here you'll find out which color myths hold up and which crumble under the magnifying glass.
Contemporary Bedroom by LDa Architecture & Interiors
LDa Architecture & Interiors
The myth: Blue is soothing.

The truth: It depends on the shade. "There are shocking blues out there that wouldn't be very calming," says Williams. Robin's egg, pale turquoise and deep indigo will mellow a space out, and they're ideal when you want to set a relaxed mood. Still, Williams says, "blue definitely seems to be a trend for bedrooms, so there must be some merit to this myth."

How to pick the right blue paint
1
The myth: Certain color combinations are taboo (think pink and orange).

The truth: That idea is dated — there's no such thing as an off-limits color pairing. "Unexpected color combinations can really work and be fun," Williams says. Colors that don't blend seamlessly add a welcome element of energy and visual tension. "Even in the most neutral rooms, throwing in fun and different pops of color can be very interesting," she says. "Don't be afraid to mix colors thought to be incompatible in the past."

How to combine colors fearlessly
Traditional Dining Room by Farinelli Construction, Inc.
Farinelli Construction, Inc.
The myth: Painting a ceiling darker makes it seem lower.

The truth: With the right approach, it's just the opposite. "I find that sometimes painting walls and trim in the same lighter color is a great contrast to a darker ceiling and can make the ceiling appear higher rather than lower, similar to how a black ceiling disappears in a theater," Williams says.

Browse more great ceiling ideas
Traditional Living Room by Carolina Design Associates, LLC
Carolina Design Associates, LLC
The myth: Dark wall colors make a room feel smaller.

The truth: Not always. "If the room gets plenty of natural light and the trim is in high contrast with the wall color, the room can still seem crisp and light," Williams explains. "For example, navy walls with very white trim and ceiling can feel nice and bright in the right room." She also suggests using high-gloss or lacquer paint to bounce light off the walls and create a sense of openness.

How to use dark colors
Beach Style Bedroom by Liz Williams Interiors
Liz Williams Interiors
The myth: Neutral palettes come only in beige, gray and cream.

The truth: Absolutely not, Williams says. "Colors that are prevalent in nature can also be neutrals, such as greens and blues," she asserts. "This is true especially when they are softer, grayed-out versions of green or blue. We have all seen colors that while considered to be neutral lean to a green or blue hue."

Get ideas to bring a neutral color scheme to life
Rustic Kitchen by Johnson Berman
Johnson Berman
The myth: Red makes you hungry.

The truth: Red is said to trigger the release of chemicals in your brain that increase appetite, and there's a measure of scientific evidence to back that up. However, that's no reason to shy away. "Red can really make a statement and warm up a room," Williams says. If you're not sure you want that much stimulation, start small by sprinkling in accents such as lamps and pillows. A subtler use of red, such as a toile fabric, could work too.

Learn when to use red in the kitchen
Contemporary Dining Room by Iris
Iris
The myth: White rooms are boring.

The truth: They're anything but, Williams says. "It all depends on what else is in the white room," she declares. Create contrast with layers of texture, varied white tones or a few dark or bright elements. "White is a great background for almost anything — it can work with all-white furniture or with dark browns or also with lots of color. It is truly the most versatile. ... There are so many whites from which to choose."

How to work the white-on-white look
Farmhouse Hall by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
The myth: Every room must be painted the same color to feel of a piece.

The truth: "Rather than all the same color, I prefer layer varying shades of a color room to room," Williams says. "Rooms can all be tied together with a common trim paint, but varying the shade ever so slightly can help with the flow of the house. This is easy to do right on a color wheel or by creating custom colors at the paint store."

More:
Color guides for every room

How to live happily ever after with a colorphobe
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Comments (34)
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Susan Lawson
Excellent article! I've been saying green is a great neutral for years. A friend bought a house that had a candy pink carpet in the master bedroom. It was in good shape and she didn't hate it enough to change it, but wanted to tone it down. She was committed to a plain white down comforter on the bed, so I suggested painting the walls a pale green--sort of a celery--and going for a print in the draperies, bedskirt and shams that combined all the colors. It turned out beautifully. She was very happy with the result, and that pink carpet just seemed to fade into the walkways, so to speak.
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mcshroff
was also planning to go for red in kitchen, but was confused. now feeling like going for it again..thanks
   
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Jeff ginsburg
Helpful...but white is boring!
   

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