Paint colour everyone should avoid that makes rooms feel 'cold and lifeless'

Homeowners are being urged to stay away from one particular paint shade that can make a room feel "cold and lifeless".

Choosing interior paint can be a difficult decision. Not only do you want a shade that you like, but you also want the room to feel bright, airy and warm.

It's a known fact that north facing rooms, which get less sun than those facing south, should have lighter shades with warm undertones of yellow, pink and brown.

But, according to experts, one particular colour shade should should be avoided altogether to avoid your house feeling feeling dark, cold, and lacking depth.

Experts at premium window and door designer The Residence Collection have warned people to be careful about using grey, especially if it has blue undertones. 

The experts surveyed Brits to find out the colour that Brits feel happiest about spending their time in, with grey being a popular choice. However, they reminded homeowners to think carefully about the shade they choose.

"Grey is a popular choice, sitting in the top five for colours Brits say is in their happiest room in the house."

They added: "Just remember, choosing the right shade is key, as the wrong one can appear cold and lifeless."

However, the experts added that some shades of grey can have the opposite effect."Warm greys with taupe and mole undertones blend seamlessly with autumn’s rich palette, creating a sophisticated yet cosy atmosphere," the experts said. 

Here are the paint colours of rooms that Brits feel happiest spending their time in.

Happiest colours to paint your home

Cream

Cream emerged as the top colour choice for rooms in the home where homeowners felt the happiest, with a quarter (25%) of Brits stating this.

This classic, versatile shade pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of tan, camel and beige.

There are endless ways to use cream in your home. You can paint entire rooms in rich cream tones for a serene, inviting atmosphere.

But if you're not looking for a big project, use cream for smaller furnishings like cushions, rugs or window coverings. Cream curtains or blinds create a soft glow and maximise natural light, giving your room that nice cosy and welcoming feel.

Blue

Blue is also a fan favourite when it comes to creating spaces where relaxation and calm are the vibes, with it being the second choice of Brits selecting this colour for their happiest room behind cream.

Warm shades like marine navy, sea blue and viking blue are especially appealing as they complement the cosy earth tones of the season. 

How can you bring these beautiful blues into your home? You could paint your bathroom or bedroom walls in warm blue tones to create a tranquil ambiance.

Or, try adding blue accents with decorative pieces to enhance a room’s depth. Near windows, blue provides a pop of colour that contrasts with natural light, making your space feel both serene and stylish.

Green

Green is a standout colour for autumn, especially in muted shades like sage, olive and forest green.

It also stands in third place as the colour Brits choose to feature in the room that makes them the happiest, and it’s easy to see why.

Greens are perfect for spaces that benefit from a connection to nature, like living rooms and dining areas. Create a cosy space with an accent wall in deep olive or forest green.

For a subtle touch of elegance, try sage green on kitchen cabinets, dining room walls or even window frames. When used near windows, green can frame the view of the outdoors, blending the indoor with the outdoor.