There are no hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to painting your Alamo, CA, home. If your style is purely minimalist, embrace clean lines, simple designs, and muted colors. Or if loud and bold is your thing, go for bright colors and maximalist patterns and textures. Really, it’s up to you.

But if you have other plans for painting your home, such as putting it up for sale, there are some colors and color schemes you may want to steer clear of. Of course, these are only opinions and suggestions – if neon orange is calling you, we won’t stand in your way.

1) “Greige” (gray and beige)

Greige is the once-beloved color that has seen a steady decline in popularity among interior design circles. No wonder – it is quite overdone and has become very tiresome. With a somewhat humdrum look, greige tends to absorb light, making the space appear dull and dreary. While you can liven it up with mirrors and accents, it may be a good idea not to use this color from the start. Of course, some homeowners are able to make greige work for their décor, accents, and furnishings.

2) “Italian” color scheme

One color scheme that has become a bit excessively common is the so-called “Italian” color scheme. It combines red, gold, and green, which are often used to give the space a “Tuscan” flair. Another color scheme that’s also overused is cocoa brown and blue. You might try combining any of these colors, adding blue to the former in place of one of its colors, or adding one of those colors to the cocoa brown and blue scheme to accent.

3) Lime green

Lime green is bright – in fact, it holds too much light. Instead of blinding you and your guests with lime green, try going for relaxing tones of green, such as pale-yellow greens, beige greens, or more sophisticated dark greens.

4) White

White can be a versatile color as it goes with almost anything. However, it is stark, plain, and cold. Instead of white, try going for other neutrals such as beige, cream, or light gray to add some warmth to your space. Then, relegate white to trim, where it will define your spaces nicely.

5) Red

Many designers advise homeowners against red, especially for bedrooms. If used on walls, red is a too aggressive and overstimulating color that doesn’t allow you to relax. But if you still want red, use it in smaller doses or through accessories such as the headboard, throw pillows, or a rug.

6) Dark colors

Dark colors can be too much. If your room lacks natural light or is not lighted well, dark colors will even make it look even darker. It’s recommended to test colors in various lighting throughout the day – daylight inside, daylight outside, nighttime inside, and nighttime outside. It will provide you with a better insight into whether or not you will like it. If you are uncertain about the shade, try going for a few shades lighter than your initial color choice.

7) Bright colors

Bright colors can give a similar effect as dark colors. When used on all four walls, bright colors can be too overwhelming.

If you still want to use bright colors, though, choose a single wall and paint it with any bright color to make it an accent wall. It is a good idea to choose a color that’s not drastically different from the rest of the room. You don’t want the accent wall to be severe or distracting. Choose an accent color that will coordinate and complement the surrounding walls instead of clashing with them. Sometimes, painting one wall with a semi-gloss finish is enough to turn it into an accent wall.

If you are not quite sure how you will like a bright or bold color, consider going for a few shades darker.

8) Orange

Much like red, orange is also regarded as an overstimulating color, making it a bad choice for spaces of rest and relaxation, such as the bedroom. Therefore, orange (in all of its variations) should be approached with caution. This fiery color can be used as an accent or through accessories. But if you are looking for a color to reduce stress, orange isn’t it.

Colors can make or break a home, depending on your choice. So, avoid these colors when you’re planning your next painting in Alamo project.