Does your home look common? The six colour schemes you must avoid – and the VERY obvious mistake so many of us make, revealed by interiors expert NICOLE GRAY

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

If you have ever scrolled through Instagram and thought, Wait, didn’t I just see this living room five posts ago?, you’re not alone or imagining things. Homes are beginning to blur into one neutral-toned, greige-hued mass. And your own walls may be part of the problem.

The colour we choose to paint our walls sets the mood, acts as a backdrop to the decor, and even affects how spacious a room feels. But while neutral shades are often considered ‘safe,’ some of the most popular tones might actually be stripping homes of personality. Making them look, dare I say it…common.

So, which shades are overdone, and what shades should you replace them with? Here’s a closer look at the colours that may be making your home blend in – and how to change it.

1. Builder’s beige 

There was a time when beige was the go-to for understated elegance. It was even given a glow-up and called ‘cashmere’ for a hot minute, But after years of dominating new builds, rentals, and DIY quick flips, it’s become synonymous with safe, soulless design.

The issue isn’t beige itself – the shade is actually incredibly versatile and can look high-end when used in smaller doses such as across skirting, bookshelf or on an internal door. The issue is how often it’s used with little thought for contrast or character. When paired with similarly neutral furniture and flooring, it leaves a space feeling forgettable.

Try this instead: If you are a fan of neutrals, earthier tones such as soft olive will bring the same neutrality but with added warmth and depth. Olive will also feel far more current. I love Drab Green by Edward Bulmer.

2. Cool greys 

It’s not 2010 anymore- the days of 50 Shades of Grey are over. The problem? Many cool-toned greys (especially blue- or green-based ones) feel cold, sterile, and overused – particularly when used in rooms with limited natural light.

It’s also become the default wall shade of suburbia. Along with laminate flooring.

Try this instead: You don’t have to ditch the grey completely, just opt for warmer tones with taupe or brown undertones. Perennial Gray by Little Greene is a good example. Better yet, experiment with rich neutrals like mocha or rust if you’re ready for something bolder. Go on, I dare you.

3. White…..everything

White walls might promise brightness and the excitement of a blank canvas. But it can also veer into clinical dentist surgery territory. Add in white ceilings and white furniture, and suddenly your home resembles an unfinished showroom.

Also, for those with young children, pets or muddy boots, white doesn’t hide flaws – it exposes them. Steer clear!

Try this instead: Use whites for areas that you want to highlight, such as arches and woodwork. But save the walls for something with a dash of personality.

4. Navy 

I used to think of navy as the shortcut to instant sophistication. A navy feature wall in the bedroom? So chic. A navy kitchen island? Hello dinner party. But like all trends, its overuse has dulled its impact. Navy is also a heavy colour, which means it will dominate rather than define rooms that are smaller in scale. Which is anyone in inner London.

Also, I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure my neighbour has painted her hallway in Hague blue, a look she copied from a friend who saw it in a magazine. Yep, it has become the cookie-cutter shade for those who think that navy looks like you have taste.

Sadly, it has the opposite effect when everyone has the same shade slathered across the walls.

Try this instead: If you are looking to add depth to your scheme, try forest greens, aubergine, or inky charcoal. They’re less expected but just as striking – and feel like the evolution of navy. I’m partial to the rich plum of Barolo paint, grahandbrown.com.

5. Millennial pink and sage green 

The two shades that practically owned the early 2020s. Sage green kitchens and millennial pink bathrooms were everywhere. I still have selfies I took surrounded by the colour pairing in cafes and bars. Back when it was still cool. Now it looks dated.

Plus, the clue is in the name of the paint shade- Millennial Pink- you might as well be handing out avocado toast at the front door.

Try this instead: Look at dusky terracotta and soft mustard. These colours have history, character, and haven’t been overexposed on social media. My current favourite shade is India Yellow, farrow-ball.com.

6. Eggshell yellow 

This once-popular shade was meant to bring cheer and warmth, but it has since been stolen by the Cotswold lot who use it to jazz up their walls, resulting in the shade looking overly traditional. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Thanks Cotswold crowd.

Try this instead: Soft ochre, muted golds, or warm creams for a more contemporary take on yellow. These shades preserve warmth without feeling stuck in the past. Look for paints like Hay by farrow-ball.com or Restful Neutral, yescolours.com to give a richer, more grounded effect.

My top tips for choosing timeless wall colours

Test before committing: It sounds obvious but paint swatches look very different on walls than they do on cards. Always sample in natural and artificial lighting and NEVER buy a colour from a swatch you have only ever seen on a computer screen. Trust me.

Consider undertones: Many neutral colours have undertones (blue, pink, green, yellow) that show up differently depending on your décor and lighting. The general rule of thumb is that you should try to stick to warmer-based tones in North-facing rooms as they receive less natural light throughout the day, and cooler tones in South-Facing rooms.

Balance boldness with softness: If you love dramatic colour, consider using it on an accent wall or in smaller rooms like powder rooms or hallways so that it doesn’t dominate the space.