These Paint Colors Will ALWAYS Ruin the Relaxing Ambience of a Room, Designers Say

Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuaries—places where we can kick back and relax after a busy or stressful day. One way to easily create a relaxing ambience is to paint the walls a tranquil color, such as beige or a shade of white—perhaps light blue. But sometimes, in the pursuit of the perfect paint color, we make a mistake and our spaces feel anything but calm. Repainting is costly and time-consuming, so it’s crucial to get it right the first time. Here are the worst paint colors for a relaxing ambience, according to professional interior designers.

Red and Orange

While red can be a bold design choice, it’s a terrible idea if you’re designing a space where a sense of calm and relaxation is essential, such as a bedroom or bathroom. “Science shows colors have an enormous impact on our moods and sense of well-being. If you want your home to have a more relaxed vibe, energetic colors like reds and oranges tend to hype us up. That psychological stimulation can also trigger anxiety,” says interior designer and star of HGTV’s Unfinished Business, Shay Holland.   

However, if you’re really into the idea of red and can’t quite give up on it, Samantha Gallacher of IG Workshop tells me, “A terra-cotta shade can be quite relaxing.” So, clay-colored hues may be a good alternative.

Yellow 

A bright yellow hue might sound calming initially, but overall, this color doesn’t elicit a sense of relaxation. According to Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke, it’s actually one of the worst colors for a relaxing ambience. “It is alarming, which will send you into an alert, possibly over-stimulated mode,” they explain.

Bold Colors or Shiny Finishes

The bolder the color, the less likely it is to be relaxing according to interior designer Tamarra Younis of Union of Art. “Don’t go bold, don’t go shiny, and there is no need to make a loud statement. Those fabulous jewel tones need to stay outside of the bathroom.”

Very Dark Hues

“Very dark colors can also have a negative emotional impact on some people. While black rooms have been trending the last few years, I don’t recommend them for main living spaces where you want a welcoming ambience that fosters connection and positivity,” Holland explains.

If you’re looking for a color that’s chic yet relaxing but have your heart set on something dark, opt for a sophisticated shade such as hunter green. 

If you want a space to feel dark and moody but still calm, consider a dark leather sofa, deeper-colored window treatments, and even black and brown-hued accessories like candles. But skip the paint.

Any Color That Doesn’t Pass the Fast Food Test

If you aren’t sure if a color is going to be relaxing or not, give it the fast food test. “If the color is similar to colors you’d see in a fast food restaurant—avoid it,” Holland says. Fast food companies tend to use colors that are stimulating, promote hunger, and attract attention—exactly the opposite of the soothing effect you’re hoping for.