Sometimes we look for guidance when we are uncertain about how to tackle a color project. Some of the advice is good, some is scary, some needs to be ignored. Why not break some color rules? Get out of our comfort zone and be bold!

MYTH #1 Ceilings Should be White

White ceilings are perfectly fine. Nothing wrong with having some continuity throughout a colorfully painted home. But ceilings can be other colors. They can match your walls. They can make a statement. If you want to stick with a white ceiling, many designers recommend adding a touch of your wall color to the ceiling white.

This bedroom shows a contrasting color to highlight a vaulted ceiling.

Another with a stunning contrasting color.

This one wraps the pink from the walls up to the ceiling for a dramatic effect.

MYTH #2 Dark Colors Make a Room Feel Small

Rather than fighting against the architecture of a room, embrace it! Go for cozy. Go for drama and make that room special!

I don’t know about you but I’m not thinking about the size of this bedroom, it’s just gorgeous.

A powder room that is swoon-worthy in black? Yes.

This post on thecreativityexchange.com has more moody dark painted rooms.

MYTH #3 You Can’t Have Gray Walls with Stained Wood Trim

Think of your wood trim as just another color that you are working with. Every room you paint will have some permanent features that need to be considered, such as trim, flooring and furniture. The key is picking a gray that works with the color of the wood. Browns are from the orange, yellow or red hue family and once you determine their “base” you are set to pick your gray.

And this kitchen! So fresh in a pale gray and yet the trim is strong and has that lovely been-there-forever look.

MYTH #4 Yellow Makes Babies Cry

Let’s stop this silliness. Your baby is gonna cry sometimes but it is not because of the color you painted their nursery. The old wive’s tale conveyed that if you painted a nursery in a bold yellow, the jarring color would keep the baby awake. No science to back this up. Here are a few perfectly beautiful and sunny yellows that any baby would bask in.

This playroom has a fun splash of bold yellow.

This yellow nursery is soft and sweet.

MYTH #5 Metal Finishes Have to Match

In the past, you maybe wouldn’t consider bringing in that trendy gold or brass metallic because everything in your home was silver. You don’t have to stick to one finish! It’s really ok to have a mix. Take a look at these beauties.

Studio McGee’s gold and silver and black

Studio McGee’s post has more tips for mixing metals.

MYTH #6 Wood Tones Have to Match

Along the same lines as the metallics, you can mix it up with wood finishes. This post from Ballard Designs offers good tips on getting the right balance.

This room has a mix of wood colors that are unified by the rustic finish.

This mix of finishes is unified with a highly textured rug.

My mantra for color is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. I feel like some of the “rules” surrounding the use of color can be limiting and deceptive. Color is fun and it is personal. Follow your gut and if you get stuck know that there is always a way to COLOR yourself out of it. It’s all in the mix and the combinations of colors. These aren’t necessarily “rules” from me but there are a couple “suggestions” that I would recommend when shopping for paint colors. #1 Always test your paint colors out with large samples before you decide and then #2 live with them for a bit.

6 Color Myths Busted