Benjamin Moore just debunked these 3 common paint and color decorating 'myths' – here's why you should also veto these traditional rules
Here's why you don't need to follow these decorating assumptions to create a stylish and cohesive color scheme

When decorating with paint and color, there's a wide range of traditional 'rules' that can be difficult to veer away from. From keeping the ceiling white to only using light colors in small rooms, you're not alone if you have ingrained ideas about how to – or how not to – decorate with paint.
But for Sharon Grech, color expert at Benjamin Moore, these are often misconceptions that can be debunked. Taking to Instagram, Benjamin Moore shared a video in which Sharon talks through three of the biggest paint myths and shares her advice on what to do instead.
Below, we've rounded up each of Sharon's color decorating rules to ignore. If you're in need of some expert guidance with your paint ideas to ensure a cohesive yet exciting space, Sharon's tips will help you along the way.
A post shared by Benjamin Moore (@benjaminmoore)
A photo posted by on
1. Ceilings should be painted white
Benjamin Moore's Indian Summer CC-186 and Light Salmon 2175-60
The first decorating myth that Sharon addresses is the assumption that ceilings and trim should be painted white. 'Well, although white is not a bad choice, it’s just not always the most harmonious one,' begins Sharon.
'It’s actually really important that you think about all the other elements in the space and make sure that your ceiling and trim connect with all of those. Some of the most interesting rooms that I have seen treat the ceiling and the trim as decorative details. So you can really add contrast or drama or even just something a little playful and unexpected,' she adds.
As demonstrated in this calming living room decorated with Benjamin Moore's Indian Summer and Light Salmon, sometimes continuing the wall colors onto the ceiling feels much softer and cohesive. If white had been used on the ceiling, it would have caused a harsh visual break against the warm neutral paints – causing a disjointed feel.
2. Each room should include the same color
Benjamin Moore's Glacier White OC-37, Witching Hour 2120-30, Celery Salt OC-136, and Odessa Pink HC-59
When choosing a color scheme for a whole home, it can be tricky to know how much crossover there should be between each room, with Sharon listing, 'I have to use one color throughout my home to create color harmony' as a common misconception.
'The key is to create harmony between all of the elements in all of the rooms. So, the flooring, the countertops, the cabinets, all of the furnishings. Think of these all as having a color and then being sure that through the sight lines, where you see these, you repeat some of those colors throughout,' explains Sharon.
As Sharon implies, you can embrace a creative approach to your room color ideas. So long as the design elements between each room speak to one another in some way, your home can feel cohesive even with a wider palette of colors.
3. Small rooms should be painted white
Benjamin Moore's Slate Teal
Sharon's third and final color misconception is: 'I have to paint my small room white in order to make it feel larger.'
'The best tip to make a small room feel larger is really to invest in great lighting that fills all the shadows in the corners and to minimize the contrast of everything that’s in the space,' Sharon explains. 'While white does reflect light well around the room with great lighting, many other colors can feel expansive, especially if you have minimal contrast between the walls and all the other elements in the room.'
Take inspiration from this colorful home office with Benjamin Moore's Slate Teal on the walls, a rich blue-green, showing that a bold color can be one of the best choices in small rooms.
Have you followed any of these color rules before? If so, consider veering away from them next time you decorate with paint. While certain color rules can be useful, Sharon proves that there are alternative ways of decorating that can add much more interest to your home.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Chrissy Teigen's stunning vertical shelving adds a pop of color to her quiet luxury kitchen – experts swear by her stylish and easily replicable technique
Open shelves transform the model's neutral marble kitchen into a relaxed personal museum – her book and pot storage is some of the best we've seen
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
This simple sugar solution will keep flies off houseplants – plus 7 other non-toxic methods plants experts say really work
This humble ingredient sitting in your pantry is one of the easiest ways to deter flies from your indoor plants
By Lola Houlton Published