I'm an interior designer – here's the paint colour I'd never use in a small room, it shrinks the walls
WITH summer fast approaching, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for.
But figuring out what to do with each room, what colours to use, and how to make it a relaxing space can be tricky.
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And it can be even harder when it comes to the rooms that are a little bit smaller than you would like.
When it comes to those rooms where there's not a lot of space to work with, decorating them properly is even more important.
And experts have said that it's all about the colour that you put on the walls, as this can massively impact the feel of the space.
Interior designer Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home has said there is one colour that every homeowner should avoid using when painting a small room.
The property pro explained that it could actually be sabotaging your interiors without you even realising.
He revealed that dark grey should definitely be on the list of colours to avoid for your home.
It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with
Terry FisherInterior designer of We Buy Any Home
And he added that it can make even a decent-sized space feel smaller, darker and more oppressive.
Terry said: "Dark grey is one of the worst colours you can choose for a small room.
"It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with.
'People think it'll make a room look moody and cosy, but what it actually does is shrink the walls, make ceilings feel lower, and highlight awkward shadows.
I'm an interior designer & 12 'rookie errors' are making your home look cheap - avoid Mrs Hinch grey for starters
"It can end up feeling more like a storage cupboard than a snug."
And it's not just about looks - it could affect your home's appeal, too.
He added: 'Buyers often get their first impression from photos online.
'Rooms painted in deep grey can photograph poorly - they often look dull or cramped, even if they're not in real life.
"That can put buyers off before they've even stepped through the door.'
Instead, Terry recommends sticking with light, neutral tones that bounce light around and make the space feel open and inviting.
He said: 'You can't go wrong with soft off-whites, pale greys with warm undertones, or even subtle pastel shades.
"They make rooms feel brighter and airier, which tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is.
The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025
IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated.
With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025.
Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places.
Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated".
Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.'
Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand".
Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue.
Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.'
'If you want to add drama, do it through accessories - cushions, rugs, or one feature wall.
"But when it comes to the overall colour scheme, keep it light and simple in smaller rooms.'
The right paint shade can even make your home more sellable, and Terry says it could ensure you get a higher offer.
He added: 'Most people want a space that feels clean, bright and easy to live in.
"And if your paint colour is putting buyers off or making a room feel smaller than it is, that could mean lower offers.
'Colour might seem like a personal choice - but when it comes to selling, it's a strategic one too.'
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