7 Paint Colors Designers Say Make Your Home Look Tacky

Color sets both the mood and the message in your home; sometimes, the wrong shade can make a bad impression. So while there’s no such thing as a tacky color per se, even the prettiest hue can fall flat in the wrong circumstance.

Finding the right shade is less about following trends and more about intention, as well as understanding how certain tones interact with a room’s light and texture. Here, designers share which colors are most likely to ruin a space—and what you should decorate with instead.

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Related: 5 Outdated Kitchen Paint Colors That Interior Designers Are Tired of Seeing

Teal

Cristina Mata, an interior designer, says that teal is one shade that she struggles to love. “It’s really a color that I hate in interiors—except maybe by the beach,” she notes. Once a darling of the 90s—and often paired with glossy, plastic finishes—teal now feels more nostalgic than fresh. As an accent, it rarely achieves the sophistication it aims for, and can easily tip into tacky territory.

Instead: Mata recommends warmer greens or softer blues. These shades are “easier, or at least people are more accustomed to seeing them,” she says. They give a space a more natural, balanced, and welcoming feel.

Neon

Bright neon hues in any color tend to read as harsh and dated. “Some shades are more difficult to get right, like lime green. It’s a color I personally like, but one that doesn’t always work,” says Mata. These saturated tones can overwhelm a space, and they rarely evoke the same calm, cohesive feeling as more muted shades.

Instead: Try a pastel or softened version of the neon color you love. It will feel more intentional, refined, and far easier on the eyes.

Related: The 6 Worst Front Door Colors for Curb Appeal, According to Designers

Bright Red

Bright red isn’t always as design-forward as you might imagine. It can read as aggressive or even unsettling to the eye.

“[It’s] vivid, especially when used on all four walls, and can overwhelm a space,” says Todd Harmon, designer and co-founder of Aura Modern Home. “In kitchens, the color may evoke an old-time American diner; in bedrooms, it’s too stimulating to relax. Instead of bold and chic, it often feels loud or even cheap.”

Instead: Harmon suggests trying softer, more grounded versions of red, like muted burgundy, rich terracotta, or diluted crimson. These shades still bring warmth and depth, but in a way that feels timeless, sophisticated, and inviting.

Cool Gray

“Once a go-to neutral, icy gray has lost its charm,” says Harmon. “When it’s too light or cold, it can make a room feel sterile and lifeless, especially in those with little natural light.”

That steely shade—once beloved for its minimalist appeal—now feels more corporate than chic. It’s the kind of gray that you see in office buildings or hospital corridors, and lacks warmth and personality.

Instead: Swap it for warmer neutrals like greige (a mix of gray and beige), soft taupe, or sandy brown. These tones still read modern and versatile, but bring in a sense of coziness and depth.

Stark White

It’s easy to equate white with clean, crisp minimalist designs. But not all white hues are created equal. “[Stark white] tends to be cold and clinical. It also highlights every imperfection on your walls,” says Harmon. It can feel severe, while softer shades create more depth and dimension.

Instead: If you love a light, airy look, opt for an off-white with gentle, warm undertones. It maintains that fresh, open feel, but adds just enough warmth to make the space comfortable and natural.

Related: Are All-White Kitchens Losing Their Appeal? Interior Designers Weigh In

Builder Beige

You know this color the moment you walk into an older home—a beige with yellow or green undertones that instantly dates the space.

“That beige from yesteryear’s builders generally carries undertones that make the walls appear dull and sometimes even a little dirty. It doesn’t look good with wood tones, either, and makes a room feel old and uninteresting,” says Harmon. In today’s world of rich browns and layered neutrals, this flat, outdated beige reads as uninspired.

Instead: There are countless modern takes on beige that are worth exploring. Harmon recommends creamy off-white, light golden brown, or warm greige. These shades feel fresh and clean, and will complement nearly any finish or furnishing.

Gold

Mata says that gold is another color that often goes wrong in home interiors. When overused or paired with the wrong tones, it can quickly feel dated, and excessive use can read as ostentatious rather than refined.

Instead: Gold tones naturally carry warmth, so Mata prefers to channel that energy through mustard and yellow shades that feel fresh and contemporary. These hues bring light and depth, without overpowering a space.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart