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5 Common Mistakes When Using Colors in Decoration (and How to Avoid Them)

Betting on colors in decoration requires understanding how they interact with light, furniture, and the sensations they evoke

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Oct 1, 2025, 8:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Janaina Araujo Architecture and Interior Design - Hall Between Times. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2025.

Janaina Araujo Architecture and Interior Design - Hall Between Times. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2025. (Estudio NY18)

The colors in decoration have the power to transform any space whether by the intensity of the shades, the harmony between the elements, or the way they interact with the natural light! However, improper use can compromise the desired atmosphere, leaving the projects overloaded, disproportionate, or disconnected from the lifestyle of the residents.
Angela Feitoza and Maria Carolina Feitoza - Podcast. CASACOR Brasília 2025 project.

Angela Feitoza e Maria Carolina Feitoza - Podcast. Projeto da CASACOR Brasília 2025. (Edgard Cesar/CASACOR)

When thinking about the application of colors in decoration, it is common to be led by trends or by a preference for a very restricted palette. However, each color carries meanings, sensations, and visual effects that need to be considered carefully. Avoiding the most common mistakes is essential to achieve a balanced result that respects both aesthetics and the well-being of those who inhabit the space. Below, we have gathered the main tips and inspirations to get it right!

Overdoing the use of strong colors


The excess of vibrant colors can make the project tiring and hinder prolonged stay. When applied to large surfaces, very intense shades tend to overload the space, creating an atmosphere of tension rather than welcoming. This does not mean that colors in decoration should be limited to neutral, but that they need to be used with balance. One solution is to reserve strong tones for specific details, such as cushions, pictures, or decorative objects, allowing the base to remain softer.
Victor Niskier + Arqnisk - Apê Conrado. Project of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025.

Victor Niskier + Arqnisk - Apê Conrado. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Ignoring the lighting of the project


The natural and artificial light significantly alters the perception of colors in decoration. Many mistakes arise when the choice of a palette is made only from catalogs or samples, without considering how the lighting of the space interferes with the tones. A blue that seems calm in a lit room can become oppressive in a poorly lit bedroom. Testing samples directly on the wall and observing throughout the day is a simple way to avoid this problem, ensuring that the color reveals itself harmoniously.
Maurício Arruda - Coral House - Colors of the Park. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Maurício Arruda - Casa Coral – Cores do Parque. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Not creating harmony between projects


Each room can have its own identity, but it is important that there is a dialogue between them. One of the most common mistakes when applying colors in decoration is ignoring the visual continuity of the house or apartment. Very disconnected palettes give a sense of fragmentation, making circulation less pleasant. Working with variations of the same color family, or establishing a neutral tone as a common thread, helps to integrate the spaces without giving up diversity.
Felipe Carolo Architecture - Theodoro Studio. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 Project.

Felipe Carolo Arquitetura - Estúdio Theodoro. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Only following trends


The trends offer inspiration, but should not be adopted without reflection on the routine and personality of the residents. The risk lies in choosing a trendy color that, in a short time, loses its charm and leaves the project outdated. Colors in decoration need to resonate with the essence of the house and withstand time. The recommendation is to use trends in elements that are easier to change, such as textiles or accessories preserving durability in coatings and main walls!
João Gabriel - Atelier of Thebes. Project of CASACOR Bahia 2025.

João Gabriel - Ateliê de Tebas. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)

Forgetting the emotional effect of colors


Shades directly influence mood and the sense of well-being in the project. Ignoring this aspect can compromise the experience of being at home. For example, red can be stimulating in the dining room but cause restlessness in the bedroom. Green tends to bring calm and freshness, ideal for rest areas. Taking into account the psychology of colors in decoration is essential to create projects that truly meet the emotional needs of the residents. [caption id="attachment_208369" align="alignnone" width="5000"]Sofia Franco Motta and Luana Pimenta - The House-Time - The Awakening. Project of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2025.[/caption> CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. [abril-veja-tambem]W3siaWQiOjIxMDQwNiwidGl0bGUiOiI1IHRlbmQmI3hFQTtuY2lhcyBkZSBjb3JlcyBwYXJhIDIwMjYsIHNlZ3VuZG8gbyBDaGF0R1BUIn0seyJpZCI6MjEwMDc2LCJ0aXRsZSI6IjE0IGFtYmllbnRlcyBxdWUgcHJvdmFtIGEgZWxlZyYjeEUyO25jaWEgZSBhIGZvciYjeEU3O2EgZGEgcGFsZXRhIG5ldXRyYSJ9LHsiaWQiOjIwODgwOCwidGl0bGUiOiJDb3JlcyB2aWJyYW50ZXMgZW0gZXNwYSYjeEU3O29zIHBlcXVlbm9zPyAxMyBwcm9qZXRvcyBwcm92YW0gcXVlIGZ1bmNpb25hIn1d