If you’ve ever had to choose the paint colour for your internal walls, you’ll know how overwhelming it can be. There are just so many colours to choose from!

While narrowing down the selection is not always easy, avoiding a few common mistakes can make the process much simpler. Here are seven colour mistakes interior decorators often see homeowners make:

Not testing paint colours on your own walls first

So you’ve seen a colour you like at your friend’s house. And you’ve assumed that it will look the same in your house. Unfortunately, it won’t. Different room sizes, lighting, furniture and positioning can lead to drastic differences in the way any given paint colour looks. So it’s best to always test that colour on your own walls before committing to it.

Reducing the strength of paint

Another very common mistake is assuming if you dilute a colour by 25% or 50% you will get the same colour but it will be less intense. Again, no. Yes, the intensity will be reduced but you could also end up with a totally different colour. For instance some greys diluted bring the base colour of blue to the forefront. Many manufacturers offer swatches that show the differences in a given colour over different strengths. So check online or with your local paint shop.

Painting a ceiling in flat white

Many flat whites actually look grey when applied to a ceiling, and this can make the ceiling appear lower than it is. That’s why most paint professionals recommend using a cream shade on your ceiling instead.

Matching everything

Please don’t match your paint colours with your furniture (unless you really know what you’re doing!) It can make a room look quite lifeless when there is no contrast between the furnishings and the walls.

Going too bright

If you’re over the neutral look and want to add some dazzle to your room, a bright splash of colour is always going to be a temptation. And truly, bright colours in a very light, sunny room can look amazing. But remember, we tend to tire of loud colours quite quickly. So use them sparingly (unless you’re one of those people who loves painting and is willing to change the colour of a wall every six months!).

Being too safe

Neutral colours are classic and they are always a safe option. But they can also look quite boring. You can give a room a bit of life while still using neutrals by bring in slightly contrasting colours on skirting boards, cornices, window frames and door frames.

Different colour schemes from room to room

This was very in fashion in the 70’s – different coloured walls, and carpet in just about every room in the house. It sounds horrifying because it was and it’s safe to say we are all thankful that fashion has passed. In 2016, colour experts believe all the rooms need a connection. So try a slightly lighter or darker hue throughout the house. Each room will have an association without making some rooms look like they belong in someone else’s house.