skip to main content

Paint Design Dilemma home office

Painting office: One bold color, or color + lighter accent wall?

14 days ago

Hi! I need to decide on colors for my office. I can't stand the greyish-blue that is currently in there, and am thinking of doing a bold green, like Benjamin Moore Juniper. Or a deep teal.

I have a few concerns: it's a fairly small room, so will a darker color make it seem cramped? And will it be overwhelming for ALL of the walls to be green? I'm afraid it might give the room (and my face!) a "green glow" if I'm shooting YouTube videos.

Would it work to put color on the two longer (side) walls, and a lighter neutral color on the shorter wall with the window?

This room will mostly be used for computer work, YouTube videos, and music production.

The rest of my condo is mostly a saturated tan color (not my choice, it's what was here when I moved in), and this greyish-blue is in the Master Bedroom and this office.

Should I be steering toward something lighter and more understated, like BM Aegean Teal? I'm just kind of tired of neutrals, and I would love to spice things up a bit. Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

partim
14 days ago
last modified: 14 days ago
It's a fairly small room, so will a darker color make it seem cramped? Yes

And will it be overwhelming for ALL of the walls to be green? Yes

I'm afraid it might give the room (and my face!) a "green glow" if I'm shooting YouTube videos. Yes, it sure will.

Would it work to put color on the two longer (side) walls, and a lighter neutral color on the shorter wall with the window? Will still have the same problems.

Given the use of your room, I'd be very wary of this move, and would add the intense colour with wall art and accessories. Decorators choose the paint colour last, after all is done.
Lyn Nielson
14 days ago
I'd forget the teals all together with only that little bit of natural light.

Paint the whole space incl. ceiling a soft white (SW Alabaster) and if you must... paint just the window/door wall the color you love.
Related Discussions
Please help me choose a wall color for my home office!
Q
Comments (15)
kristinamaria and teacats, you are on the same wavelength. I think I will do that... find the fabric first. And teacats, I absolutely LOVE THAT FABRIC. Seriously, I LOVE it!! I am going to go back to that site in a minute and see about a sample. Thanks for linking that. I luv my GW friends. :o) You all are so helpful. Each person has something to share that I had not thought of/had not realized. Thanks for sharing all of your advice. I'm going to find the fabric and see if I can get my green in the fabric, and then I think I'll go with whatever blue the "experts" have put in the fabric. I'm just not the best with paint colors. Thanks! ;o) mrsrose, I am headed out the door in a few minutes, but will post a few kitchen shots on here later today for you to see. Thanks for the compliments from you and lindybarts too. ;o)
...See More
Painting inside corners? Color is much lighter?
Q
Comments (1)
It looks like the grey primer is too far on the white side of the scale to me. It should be a real grey. Your corners are just not covered because you used a brush there and the roller covers much better than the brush. It you want better coverage in the corners you may want to try a 2" brush or bigger. Lay the paint on fairly heavy, brush it on and leave it be. If you play with it too much you pull the paint off that you applied and the coverage suffers.
...See More
Accent Wall Color
Q
Comments (8)
Orange/rust adds a lot more of the same color that the wood already brings into the house. I'd look for something with a little more contrast. I think green would look nice, or a shade of blue. But the colors in your home are so neutral that any color you want would work. I would start with what I want to put on the wall and then select a color based on that.
...See More
BM Majestic Blue as Office Accent Wall: Opinions?
Q
Comments (4)
If that looks too dark, you can always move to the lighter version, Tranquil Blue, 2051-50. Or ask them at the paint store if they can split the difference between the two shades. The equipment is quite advanced these days (my husband and I got a dissertation on it from the clerk the last time we bought paint, which was only about a week ago). I think colors always look darker on walls than they do on chips, so I always go one shade lighter from the one I like when purchasing. This has always worked out for me.
...See More
Nicole Person
Original Author
14 days ago
@Lyn I can't stand all white, unfortunately. :(

My doors are all white, and I'd like to keep those consistent, as well as the window frames.

@partim Thank you. If I shoot YouTube videos, it won't be from my computer using the natural light, I'll have softboxes and only be using one corner of the space, so I'd hope that the green wouldn't interfere too much. But you raise a good point. I just really, really want an accent wall. The rest of my place is soooo boring.
kandrewspa
14 days ago
Because of your need for a background for videos I don't see how a dark color is workable as the other commenters have said. But because you want something with at least a little color I suggest you look at the lightest or second lightest colors on the BM strips numbered 2138 through 2144. They are more subtle greens, but maybe there is something there that will satisfy your requirements.
Nicole Person
Original Author
14 days ago
Thank you - I'm in an artist/musician, so these aren't the typical "talking head" videos...think more of a maximalist, funky vibe. I've seen a number of people use colorful backgrounds effectively, but you're right that I don't want to box myself in. I checked out that color range, and I'm not a fan of light sage, or anything along those lines.
la_la Girl
14 days ago
I think it could be fun to have more brightly colored workspace but if it were me, I would want a color with a bit more energy (or I would add some orange & white elements to the teal room) - if you search "colorful home office" you'll see lots of inspiration

Related Stories

Just One Wall: When the Accent Wall Works

DECORATING GUIDES The Case for the Anti-Accent Wall

By Annie Thornton

Go ahead, paint everything the same color (even the trim)

COLOR Why Accent Walls Are Here to Stay

By Jennifer Ott Design

Trendy or not, feature walls are a design element that endures

COLOR Why You Should Paint Your Walls More Than One Color

Using multiple colors can define zones, highlight features or just add that special something

WALL TREATMENTS 7 Alternatives to the Painted Accent Wall

By Jennifer Ott Design

Create a focal point in a room without having to bust out the painting supplies

DECORATING GUIDES 13 Stylish Ways to Accent a Bedroom Wall

By Becky Harris

From tried-and-true favorites to the latest textures, these creative ideas can strengthen your bedroom’s design

WALL TREATMENTS 7 Ways to Decorate Your Walls When Painting Is Not an Option

By Morgan Province

These wall decor ideas let you be creative when you rent, despite any design restrictions you may face

BEDROOMS Make Over Your Bedroom With One Wall of Color

By Tiffany Carboni

Go serene or high energy with a single bedroom wall in a color you love. These 9 rooms show how it's done

FEEL-GOOD HOME 50 Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Bedroom Accent Walls

Neon signs, gallery walls, wood and dramatic paint add personality and budget-friendly flair to these bedrooms

BATHROOM DESIGN Your Bath: Treat Yourself to an Accent Wall

By Shawn Gauthier

Jazz Up the Bath or Shower With Stone, Paper, Color and Light

Sponsored

Shylee Grossman Interiors

Industry Leading Interior Designers & Decorators in Franklin County

More Discussions

Paint/decor suggestions

5

What Taupe paint color goes well with a white paint for a 2 tone kitch

16

Paint color help!!

7

Best stain for wood fence?

3

Colonial influenced West Indes design

0