1. Not Considering the Lighting
Lighting in a room has a significant effect on paint colors. "Inadequate lighting can diminish the impact of a stunning color, which results in a room that seems dim or the color is inaccurate," Ramchandani explains. Before you start choosing and pairing colors together, consider the lighting in the room. Does the space get lots of natural light? Which direction do the windows face? Is the room bright early in the morning, or does it fill up with the warm glow of afternoon light? Are you using the right type of lightbulbs?
All of these questions are important, as the answers ultimately affect the way your colors will actually look like in the space. To avoid color pairings that just don't seem right, Ramchandani suggests looking at the paint samples in your space at different times of day. "I always evaluate paint colors in the actual space and consider the lighting conditions that will be present," she says.
2. Overlooking Undertones
Ramchandani says one of the most common color-pairing mistakes is overlooking undertones. "While colors may individually appear beautiful, when pairing them, it's important to ensure they share similar undertones," she explains. To get it right, she shares a simple rule to follow: "I like aligning warm colors with other warm tones and cool colors with their cool counterparts for a harmonious combination," she says.
3. Skimping on Wall Prep
While it may seem like prepping walls before painting has no impact on how colors look together, Ramchandani says it's more important than you may think. "Even if you've selected the ideal colors, a lack of proper wall preparation can result in a paint job that appears amateurish and untidy," she says. Thoroughly prepare walls for paint through sanding and cleaning, patching any holes and cracks, and correctly applying primer so that your color pairings have a flawless finish to set a beautiful backdrop for the rest of the room.
4. Disregarding Paint Finishes
"Not all paint finishes are alike, and it's important to note that the sheen alters the appearance of the color, which should be thought about when coordinating colors," Ramchandani says. Paint finishes range from flat to high-gloss, each achieving a different look and atmosphere. When pairing colors together for walls and trim, keep the finishes in mind to ensure the colors read as you imagine. "When aiming for a glamorous space, I might choose a high-gloss sheen, but for a more laid-back room, flat or suede finishes could be my preference," she says.
5. Choosing Similar Shades
When looking for the perfect color pairing, don't go too matchy-matchy, even when designing a monochromatic room. "The secret to harmonizing closely toned colors is to introduce ample contrast," Ramchandani says, adding that opting for colors that only differ by one to two shades may not effectively highlight the distinctions between them. For maximum design impact, choose a light and dark hue. "I like to create monochromatic spaces with depth, so I mix light and dark variations of the same shade and this interplay of hues infuses a space with intrigue and excitement," she says.
6. Using Tiny Paint Swatches
Another color-pairing mistake is using tiny paint swatch squares to come up with a color scheme for a space. The small size of the swatches makes it hard to envision the finished space and doesn't allow you to see how the colors react to various sources of light, or whether their undertones are compatible. "If possible, do a swatch test on the wall to ensure that the colors align with your envisioned outcome," Ramchandani says.