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Paint Design Dilemma Living Room

Help! What paint color(s) to tie together open living/dining room?

last year

In desperate need of a refresh! Decor is a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs and furniture we bought 20 years ago with no particular style or design sensibility in mind. Lots of different light exposures--couch wall is southern, dining room accent wall window northern. Current paint color is Valspar Filoli Antique Lace which we inherited when we moved in and never got around to changing. I've never really liked it--it tends to look dingy in midday and artificial light, especially on the north (bookcase) and west walls--but can't decide on a replacement. Wondering what color(s) would work best with all the different wood tones and colors. Fixed elements are the dining room furniture and window trim--rugs, furniture and decor can ultimately be swapped out but not anytime soon. (I realize the scales of the sofa and chairs and rug are all off.)

I'm leaning toward white/offwhite/cream or pale, sagey green/gray (e.g., Valspar Villa Grey looks really nice against the orangey wood, but I'm wondering if, on all the walls it would make the whole space too green). I'm also intrigued by dark, moody blues and greens but probably don't have the guts to commit. Any thoughts much appreciated--my family is *beyond* sick of my indecision!

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Comments (5)

Charlotte E.
Original Author
last year
Some repeat photos to show light at different times of day.
0
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
This is one of my faves for a nice neutral and I usually cut it 25% for a nice hint of color but not too much . I have found it works in every light and if the nightime lighting is too yellow then you need to change your bulbs to daylight LEDs I like 4000K but you can do 3500K
Charlotte E. thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
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Great, Sally. Hope we didn't overwhelm you with too much information. Most of us do go for a holistic approach to space since no single element exists in a room by itself; they connect through layout, style, finishes, palettes. Sometimes the "problem child" isn't the actual problem, or the only problem, and getting a bunch of alternative suggestions can be useful. Your room is lovely as is, frankly. If you are getting wood flooring, that will definitely modernize the room without your doing anything else. Feel free to post again with all the details at the outset--i.e. not loving the paint, getting wood floors, etc.--then people won't chime in with too much information. Good luck with your new home. You have beautiful pieces.
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To have the best flow and harmony, paint everything one color. Isn't having one space the reason you opend up the space? Do coordinate the new color with your fireplace and floor in the warm direction. A color consultant could really help you tie together your furnishings with your visible "givens," fireplace, floors, big sofa. A warm white would work beautifully in your living area and kitchen. Some of the pros can make suggestions. Could you take some photos in daylight standing with your back to the French doors?
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A quick fix is a lighter rug, but purchase to suit the eventual look you are aiming for. I would hold back on doing anything else and start saving inspiration rooms that appeal to you (search beamed ceilings in small living rooms, for example). If it were me, I’d skip MCM. First step is to consider best layout and pieces to take advantage of view and better tv viewing. A sectional may work well and place swivels in front of window. When choosing seating, suggest lighter to off-set the large art, to brighten room and to better work with kitchen. Other decisions will be easier to decide on.
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Comments (4)
Since it is all so open, I would paint the same color in the kitchen, dining and living. Maybe the creamy white of your dining chairs would work throughout. If you don't want to paint the kitchen, you could bring that same color into the dining/living. Or you could take another shade from that same color strip/card and bring that into the living/dining. Other improvements: your rugs are too small, and so are your lamps. Your dining light is dated and your art is dissonant and not hung correctly. The coffee table is too large and heavy, and I would match drapes to the wall color once you figure that out. I do like your red cabinet and blue cache-pot! Have you thought about installing drown molding? How high are your walls? Here's a creamy white on walls (Navajo White) and brighter on trim (White Dove) so you can get the idea, even though this is not the style of your home.
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Charlotte E.
Original Author
last year
Thank you, Patricia, but which paint are you referring to? I don't see one specified in your comment...
0
Lyn Nielson
last year
Yes, Villa Grey looks very Celery on the wall (I have it in a bedroom, North & East light)

I would go with SW Alabaster. a warm white that will look whiter in the light and warm, not yellow in the north light. (not to mention, it goes well with darker colors, so if you plan to do a dark accent somewhere, it's very soft. That red wall would look nice SW Naval (a deep clean Navy) Personally, I would paint the ceiling and all the woodwork SW Alabaster for a fresh look, and to open up the space.
Charlotte E. thanked Lyn Nielson
HU-187528210
last year
I think a light blue would be perfecto.
0
Charlotte E. thanked HU-187528210

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