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Help with color scheme for living room.

10 years ago

I need help with a complementary color scheme for my downstairs. I am presently focusing on my living room and would like to have a color scheme that would flow with the present colors of the family room and kitchen. Both rooms are neutral. The wall color (light champagne) and and the dark brownreddish hardwood floor are the same throughout downstairs. My living room is separated by the kitchen which is neutral (painted cream cabinets, granite counters of cream,browns and golds). The other side of the kitchen is the family room. (Hopefully the picture I have attached can give you an accurate idea of family room) My style is traditional, but with a light current feel. I know that there are many color combinations that I could go with, but hopefully I can get some suggestions, as I am easily overwhelmed. It woud be great if in addition to color suggestions you can show me some sample fabric combinations. I am looking to furnish the room with a couch, club chair and two wood frame chairs. I would prefer not to have a white couch though I see that idea in all the magazines and I do not want a bold color couch. I am looking for something timeless. Presently my living room has a blue tone couch. I am thinking of perhaps a celadon or seaform, but not too blue, however I am open to suggestions. My preference if for a couch that is easy on the eyes--that I will not tire of. The wood frame chairs could be a print, but again what color? Also, if possible please show me a sample fabric where the print is not too bold. I very much appreciate whatever help you can provide.

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Comments (4)

egbar
10 years ago
will you keep the rug? You can take color hints from that, as they seem to be compatible with the connecting rooms.
Your shades of blue are there as well. Blue comes and goes quickly from popularity. Maybe consider a blue-ish shade of gray such as is in that rug for your sofa. Chairs can be lighter browns or different shades of the same color as the couch.. pull some of the reddish browns and the darker blues from the rug for
your throws and pillows as well as a couple lighter cream or beige. I prefer to keep my furniture without prints, it stays current longer and is easier to change out the look of the room by changing accent colors or prints in pillows, throws, accent pieces, etc..... Now, if you are intending to get rid of the rug, that's another post!
ksd51
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks very much for your input egbar, however, I must clarify; I included the picture of my family room because I want to a develop a color scheme for the LIVING ROOM that flows from the family room. I would like THE LIVING ROOM to be different from the family room but for it all to work together. The rooms are on either side of the house, separated by the kitchen. (I will use your suggestion of colors for the FR couch pillows. I have yet to do that and that will brighten family room space). Your advise about staying away from printed fabric is very useful. Todays prints seem a little too bold for me. Perhaps if I am able to find a texture fabric that could work for my accent chairs and club chair.
For anyone else who would like to comment, I would like to use some color in the family room, to keep it interesting. It is a light and airy room with tall ceilings. It is a long room, each end opens to windows that look out onto the garden. ( one end is the dining room---another project!) Ideally the living room couch will be one color with coordinating fabrics on the club and wood frame chairs. If I am brave enough I might consider a cream color couch, but would be concerned if my cat or guest got something on it. The room does not get used much, but to be safe would prefer a couch with color that is not too strong. Thanks again everyone for any input you can provide.
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With the budget in mind, I would continue with the cream drapes you have on the other window, cream slip covers for the sofas. If the cream patterned pillows match the green chair, use them as accent pillows throughout. I'm thinking you might be able to move the furniture around for a better fit, but I don't have it all clear in my head. Current thoughts - move patterned sofa so the back is to the door, place half circle table behind sofa to make entry space. Move TV to wall where the elephant art is. Hang elephant lower wherever it ends up. Bring green chair in to the group. Move cabinet out of corner
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I can see where you are going. You want the bold pop of colour to enhance the browns. What has happened is you have gone a bit too DARK on the carpet and NOT DARK ENOUGH on the pillows. Believe it or not, I would switch out the depth of colour between the rug and the pillows. In your situation, a bound carpet is PERFECT for you. It allows you the size you need without having to deal with 'regular' sized area rugs. You can always look at a neutral colour carpet (boring) that has a WIDE binding in a FANTASTIC colour. You can have your cake and eat it too. The other thing that is 'missing' from your situation is a 3rd colour. Right now you have a monochromatic theme (which rates as ONE colour) with strong blue. In the design work that means you have only used 2 of the 3 colours in the 'three colour' rule. Here's how the 3 colour rule works: Main Colour: 60% Secondary colour: 30% Contrasting colour: !0% Right now I'm seeing 70% of the brown/white/black theme and then 30% of the blue. As pretty as it is...it is missing that last little bit of interest = 3rd colour. I would love to see a lemon/lime colour in here. Maybe a picture frame or a few vases placed around the room. You don't need much...but you need something.
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yayagal
10 years ago
There is a gorgeous pale seafoam green couch on the site
55 Downing St. I'd find it for you but I have to leave in five minutes. I bought it for my granddaughter and she's in love with it. I think the it would work so well and then you could blend the two rooms easily.

Here is a link that might be useful: online site
ksd51
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you very much yayagal. I immediately went to the site but did not see the seafoam green couch. When you have a moment, if you wouldn't mind could you direct me to the section on that site. I did look through all but did not see it. Thanks again for your help.

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