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Is a temporary color solution recommended for your recently purchased house, if you dislike its current paint shade? Quick-fix paint specialists suggest this approach.

In a nutshell, paint experts endorse the use of a transitional color as a means to alleviate visual discomfort when moving into a newly painted residence.

Freshly moved into a place with a paint color you despise? Quick Fix Paint Experts suggest...
Freshly moved into a place with a paint color you despise? Quick Fix Paint Experts suggest incorporating a 'stopgap color' as a temporary solution.

In the realm of interior design, making a permanent colour choice for your walls can sometimes feel like a daunting task. That's where the concept of a "holding" paint colour comes into play, offering a versatile and flexible solution during the decision-making process.

A holding paint colour is typically a neutral shade such as soft whites, beiges, or greys. These colours act as a blank canvas, helping accessories, fabrics, and artwork stand out without clashing. They also brighten spaces by reflecting natural light, making rooms feel larger and more welcoming, especially useful in smaller or less-lit areas.

Neutral colours, like soft whites, creams, light beiges, soft grays, champagne, ivory, and dove gray, work with nearly any style or palette, making them safe placeholders as you experiment with permanent options. They reduce visual competition, allowing for flexibility in introducing bold or textured elements later.

Some specific recommendations for holding paint colours include Farrow and Ball's Wimborne White, Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace, and Crown's Sail White. These colours provide a blank canvas to test future colours against.

Sara Hesikova, a Content Editor at the platform since June 2024, starting as a News Writer in July 2023, is a Certified Expert in Training on Furniture. Sara has tested over 150 different sofas, offering valuable insights into the world of interior design.

While the term 'holding paint colour' is not used by professionals, it is widely practiced and referred to as a "stopgap colour" in the trade. Using a stopgap paint colour provides more time to make a final decision about a permanent colour.

However, delaying the real update is a possible consequence of getting comfortable with the temporary colour. The risk of getting too comfortable with a temporary neutral colour and never changing it is a potential downside of using a holding paint colour. Using a holding paint colour involves extra work and extra cost for the holding paint.

In the guide to white paint, Earthborn's White Clay shade is ranked as the overall best white paint for its versatility and eco-friendliness. Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White is a popular off-white paint colour that is slightly warmer and a shade away from pure white.

In summary, soft neutral shades in the spectrum of cream, beige, and gray provide a versatile, temporary "holding" paint colour to enable flexibility and ease throughout the decision-making process for your permanent interior colour palette. These choices avoid the risk of being too bold or dominant, helping maintain a balanced, adaptable background.

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