5 Paint Color Trends Designers Say You’ll Regret in 10 Years

There’s so much appeal in current paint color trends, particularly when you’re looking at walls that feel dated, drab, or downright in need of a bit of love. So why not jump aboard the latest paint color craze for an overhaul that’s perfectly on trend? Well, designers say it can be a great idea until you consider longevity.

Selecting a paint color that will last is all about intentionality. Design trends come and go, and they all have one thing in common—they have a time stamp. Designer Tracy Kurc says a good paint color should strike a balance between restraint and curated selection, rather than a theme. This can be the difference between a color trend that skews more timeless than of-the-moment, and one that might eventually date your home, like the following trends that Kurk and interior designer Galey Alix are ready to leave behind. But rest assured, these style experts are quick to share ways to get your home back on track should you find yourself rethinking one of these not-so-lasting fads.

1. Trendy Palettes

While it might be tempting to jump aboard a new paint color trend, restraint will typically pay off. According to Kurc, choosing a palette should be more about serving the space rather than chasing trends. “The most timeless interiors aren’t frozen in time; they evolve slowly and thoughtfully.” The designer advises considering whether the color will elevate the space's architecture and mood. If you can answer that question in the affirmative, you’re on the right track, even if you’re working with a bold color.

2. Beige and Taupe Everything

It’s time to say goodbye to all-over applications of beige and taupe. “It was fresh and exciting, even calming in the beginning, but now people are seeking more energy and movement in their spaces,” says Alix. Instead, the designer suggests going for bright-white everything. While it can still lend that neutral feel many home decorators are after, it does so with a fresh, clean energy that can make a space feel larger, she explains. Just be sure to find the right tones. “Warm, nuanced whites like Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee or Farrow & Ball Pointing feel lived-in rather than clinical,” says Kurc.

3. Color Drenching

“It's beautiful in photos and makes for wonderful before and after shots, but living inside of a color-drenched home is, well, a lot,” says Alix. When color drenching spaces, it’s often deep, dark jewel tones we reach for, but the designer says this can give the space a cave-like feel. If you’re still looking for a drenched aesthetic, Alix recommends incorporating color-drenched elements into your space, such as rugs, furniture, and walls. Instead of extending the color to the ceiling, introduce a new texture there. “Custom wood paneling or molding is a great alternative to adding more paint.”

Kurc offers another option, too, suggesting tonal variation throughout the room and adding in textural elements. “Think dusty sage greens or layered taupes with stone, linen, and wood,” she suggests.

4. Flat Blacks, Saturated Teals, and Artificial Pastels

There’s a trend with these of-the-moment hues; they’re all a bit one-dimensional. When looking to teals and turquoise to impart a calming effect, Kurc advises taking a more muted perspective. Picks like Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay or Farrow & Ball Green Smoke take a more muted blue-green perspective that is complex, calming, and rooted in nature, she says.

Black paint colors should also be viewed through the lens of dimension. “Opt for inky, layered charcoals or off-blacks like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black or Farrow & Ball Railings that shift with the light and feel more architectural than trendy,” Kurc explains. You can also add more interest to pastels by opting for chalkier versions. “Farrow & Ball Calluna or Benjamin Moore Silver Marlin feel grown-up and atmospheric.”

5. Themed Palettes

Alix says it’s time to move beyond the farmhouse gray and greige look, as well as those cool coastal blue and whites. The era for themed palettes is quickly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have an overarching aspect to your paint color story. These themed ideas are a great starting point, but if you want to avoid a dated look, mix in an unexpected tone like rust, ochre, or moss, the designer suggests. This will keep the palette feeling grounded while adding a fresh dose of unpredictability, Alix says.

How to Avoid Painter’s Remorse

“Painter's remorse is a real thing, and I've found it has a uniquely high correlation to the use of bold colors,” says Alix. “Perhaps because bold colors are louder, and the longer something is screaming on your walls, the sooner you'll get tired of hearing it.”

The good news is that the designer says it’s still possible to use color boldly without feeling like you’re jumping on a trend you’ll soon tire of. She advises focusing on intentionality. Consider the space and its purpose before deciding how bold you want to be. Spaces like a playroom, home office, or home theater are excellent opportunities to take a bolder paint stance. “Kitchen cabinets, however? The exterior of your home? Do your future self a favor and don't get too daringly bold unless you're a zero-regrets type of person,” Alix warns.