In the world of design, color is a powerful tool that can transform a space and evoke a range of emotions. However, not all colors are created equal, and some hues are simply off-limits for designers, no matter how tempting they may seem. In this article, I'll explore the five colors that designers would never use in their own homes, and delve into the reasons behind their preferences. From the bold and brash to the subtle and serene, these colors offer a fascinating insight into the minds of design experts and the trends that shape our homes.
Red: The Color of Passion or Fatigue?
Red is a color that has long been associated with passion, energy, and excitement. However, for L.A.-based designer Jeff Andrews, it's a color that he simply can't bring himself to use. "I am open to most colors, but I draw the line at a true red," he says. "I do like certain hues in the red family—from terracotta to burnt orange—but there’s something gaudy about red that I find depressing."
Andrews' preference for more muted shades of red is not uncommon. While red dining rooms were once a staple of 1990s interior design, the trend has since faded, and designers are now more likely to opt for softer, more subtle shades of red. But what makes red so off-putting to designers? Is it the association with anger and anxiety, or the sense of gaudiness that it can bring to a space?
Orange: The Color of Warmth or Agitation?
Orange is another color that has long been associated with warmth and energy. However, for Tennessee-based designer Victoria Forehan, it's a color that she simply can't bring herself to use. "It’s just never going to be an option for me," she says. "It’s abrasive and visually a bit unsettling, especially on your sofa or walls."
Despite its association with warmth and energy, orange can be a challenging color to use in interior design. While certain shades of orange can be versatile and pair beautifully with other colors, the truest version of the hue can be abrasive and unsettling. But what makes orange so divisive? Is it the sense of harshness that it can bring to a space, or the difficulty in finding the right shade?
Ochre: The Color of Earthiness or Off-Puttingness?
Ochre is a color that has long been associated with earthiness and warmth. However, for Allison Mattison of Trellis Home Design, it's a color that she simply can't bring herself to use. "I personally dislike the color ochre," she says. "It’s instantly off-putting and does not correspond nicely to any main colors I’m drawn to."
Despite its association with earthiness and warmth, ochre can be a divisive color in interior design. While it consistently appears in many of the most iconic historic rooms, it can be challenging to use in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. But what makes ochre so off-putting to designers? Is it the sense of datedness that it can bring to a space, or the difficulty in finding the right shade?
Chartreuse: The Color of Serenity or Overpoweringness?
Chartreuse is a color that has long been associated with serenity and tranquility. However, for Maggie Griesbeck of MNG Design, it's a color that she simply can't bring herself to use. "I would never advocate for chartreuse in a project’s color palette," she says. "Even in small doses—whether it’s the cording on a pillow or an accent color on an ottoman—I find chartreuse overpowering, which creates a sense of unease in a home."
Despite its association with serenity and tranquility, chartreuse can be a challenging color to use in interior design. While it can add a touch of vibrancy and energy to a space, it can also be overwhelming and unsettling. But what makes chartreuse so overpowering to designers? Is it the sense of chaos that it can bring to a space, or the difficulty in finding the right shade?
Mauve: The Color of Softness or Indecision?
Mauve is a color that has long been associated with softness and delicacy. However, for Darien, Connecticut-based designer Carey Karlan, it's a color that she simply can't bring herself to use. "The color I dislike most—and would only use under duress in an interior—is the dreaded mauve," she says. "In its deeper tones, it can feel bruised; in its paler iterations, a bit wan and undecided."
Despite its association with softness and delicacy, mauve can be a challenging color to use in interior design. While it has had its moments in decorating, from the Victorian "mauve decade" to its recent trend among color forecasters, it can be difficult to use in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. But what makes mauve so divisive? Is it the sense of indecision that it can bring to a space, or the difficulty in finding the right shade?
Conclusion: The Colors of Design
In conclusion, the five colors that designers would never use in their own homes offer a fascinating insight into the minds of design experts and the trends that shape our homes. From the bold and brash to the subtle and serene, these colors demonstrate the power of color in interior design and the importance of choosing the right hues for a space. So, the next time you're considering a new color scheme for your home, remember that designers have their own preferences and limitations, and that the colors you choose can have a profound impact on the mood and atmosphere of your space.
