New This Week: 7 Colorful Living Rooms
See how bold paint colors and furniture schemes come together to create stylishly coordinated spaces
Mitchell Parker
October 9, 2020
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
A color scheme that mixes several bright, bold colors in a coordinated way isn’t always easy to get right. In a living room, it’s especially complicated because there are often so many pieces that need to work together: sofas, chairs, rugs, curtains, light fixtures, accessories, artwork and, of course, wall color. Start playing with color in any of these pieces and there’s a downstream consequence in the colors of the other pieces. But the payoff to a colorful living room design scheme can be worth it. Here, seven design pros on Houzz discuss how they created lively living rooms with a coordinated color palette.
1. Gray, Gold, Pink and Teal
Designer: Sandra Mijan
Location: Las Vegas
Size: 290 square feet (27 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners purchased a new home that had no personality,” says designer Sandra Mijan, whose clients found her through Houzz. “They wanted to make it their own but not spend a fortune on finishes that will get old soon. It was about making a warm, inviting room that had personality and functionality.”
Color scheme. Warm gray walls (Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams). White ceiling, baseboards and shelves (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams). Flower-print wallpaper in golden, mustardy tones. Teal twill swivel crescent chairs. Area rug with golds, pinks, teals, whites and grays. Teal and pink throw pillows. “I chose the gold, mustardy yellow to offset and warm up that gray paint as well as to add some pizzazz to the space,” Mijan says.
Other special features. Gray chenille custom sofa with two chaise lounges. Black-and-white geometric pattern round coffee table with brass base.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid of color,” Mijan says. “Color in your space will affect your mood, from serenity to excitement. You can apply it in any shape or form. It can be a wall color, colorful pillows, an area rug, accessories or just plants.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “I designed this project via e-design at the end of December of 2019,” Mijan says. “My clients slowly started following my design in January 2020, ordering items and lining up trade I suggested for installs, and then the COVID-19 shutdown hit. Everything was delayed, including their sectional that was stuck in California for months. Things slowly started getting back to seminormal and we were able to complete the room.”
Custom shelves: designed by Sandra Mijan, made by Selhorst Woodworks
Find an interior designer near you
Designer: Sandra Mijan
Location: Las Vegas
Size: 290 square feet (27 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners purchased a new home that had no personality,” says designer Sandra Mijan, whose clients found her through Houzz. “They wanted to make it their own but not spend a fortune on finishes that will get old soon. It was about making a warm, inviting room that had personality and functionality.”
Color scheme. Warm gray walls (Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams). White ceiling, baseboards and shelves (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams). Flower-print wallpaper in golden, mustardy tones. Teal twill swivel crescent chairs. Area rug with golds, pinks, teals, whites and grays. Teal and pink throw pillows. “I chose the gold, mustardy yellow to offset and warm up that gray paint as well as to add some pizzazz to the space,” Mijan says.
Other special features. Gray chenille custom sofa with two chaise lounges. Black-and-white geometric pattern round coffee table with brass base.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid of color,” Mijan says. “Color in your space will affect your mood, from serenity to excitement. You can apply it in any shape or form. It can be a wall color, colorful pillows, an area rug, accessories or just plants.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “I designed this project via e-design at the end of December of 2019,” Mijan says. “My clients slowly started following my design in January 2020, ordering items and lining up trade I suggested for installs, and then the COVID-19 shutdown hit. Everything was delayed, including their sectional that was stuck in California for months. Things slowly started getting back to seminormal and we were able to complete the room.”
Custom shelves: designed by Sandra Mijan, made by Selhorst Woodworks
Find an interior designer near you
2. Blue, White and Brown
Designer: Katy Krider of Katy Krider Interior Design
General contractor: Olson & Jones Construction
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 364 square feet (34 square meters); 14 by 26 feet
Homeowner’s request. This living room is part of the W.R. Mackenzie House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a classic example of Federal-style architecture. “As a historic renovation, the homeowner requested that the interior design reflect the period,” says designer Katy Krider, who collaborated with her client using Houzz ideabooks.
Color scheme. “For the formal living room, a peacock blue palette was introduced to anchor the room and contrast with the off-white traditional moldings and fireplace surround and the warm leather and wood antique furnishings,” Krider says. “We transitioned the darker peacock blue wall color below the existing picture-hanging molding and painted the trim and upper portion the same off-white color as the ceiling to enhance light reflectivity and contrast. Because the ceiling height in the room was relatively low, we mounted the drapery, which matched the wall color, higher to create vertical elements in the room, giving the impression of a higher ceiling.”
The walls are Bella Blue, in a satin finish, by Benjamin Moore. The trim is Ballet White, in a satin finish, and the ceiling is Ballet White in a flat finish, both also by Benjamin Moore. The chesterfield sofa and draperies are the same blue velvet. Brown leather armchairs coordinate with brown wood tones and rich reds in the traditional wool rug.
Other special features. “The original fireplace was updated with a gas insert and refaced with a soapstone surround and hearth,” Krider says. “The lighting approach was to highlight the room with the original crystal chandeliers, restored and reinstalled to center the seating group. In addition, reproduction crystal wall sconces were installed flanking the fireplace, as well as unlacquered brass wall sconces and art lighting around the perimeter of the room and at the game table. The antique furnishings were curated through estate sales and antique houses.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to use saturated colors,” Krider says. “It can create a dramatic space. And always remember it is ‘just paint,’ which can be more easily and cost-effectively changed than other elements in a room if you decide it wasn’t the right decision for you or you want to try another palette.”
Modern Library double sconce in antique brass: Visual Comfort
Browse a collection of bold and colorful living room products
Designer: Katy Krider of Katy Krider Interior Design
General contractor: Olson & Jones Construction
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 364 square feet (34 square meters); 14 by 26 feet
Homeowner’s request. This living room is part of the W.R. Mackenzie House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a classic example of Federal-style architecture. “As a historic renovation, the homeowner requested that the interior design reflect the period,” says designer Katy Krider, who collaborated with her client using Houzz ideabooks.
Color scheme. “For the formal living room, a peacock blue palette was introduced to anchor the room and contrast with the off-white traditional moldings and fireplace surround and the warm leather and wood antique furnishings,” Krider says. “We transitioned the darker peacock blue wall color below the existing picture-hanging molding and painted the trim and upper portion the same off-white color as the ceiling to enhance light reflectivity and contrast. Because the ceiling height in the room was relatively low, we mounted the drapery, which matched the wall color, higher to create vertical elements in the room, giving the impression of a higher ceiling.”
The walls are Bella Blue, in a satin finish, by Benjamin Moore. The trim is Ballet White, in a satin finish, and the ceiling is Ballet White in a flat finish, both also by Benjamin Moore. The chesterfield sofa and draperies are the same blue velvet. Brown leather armchairs coordinate with brown wood tones and rich reds in the traditional wool rug.
Other special features. “The original fireplace was updated with a gas insert and refaced with a soapstone surround and hearth,” Krider says. “The lighting approach was to highlight the room with the original crystal chandeliers, restored and reinstalled to center the seating group. In addition, reproduction crystal wall sconces were installed flanking the fireplace, as well as unlacquered brass wall sconces and art lighting around the perimeter of the room and at the game table. The antique furnishings were curated through estate sales and antique houses.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to use saturated colors,” Krider says. “It can create a dramatic space. And always remember it is ‘just paint,’ which can be more easily and cost-effectively changed than other elements in a room if you decide it wasn’t the right decision for you or you want to try another palette.”
Modern Library double sconce in antique brass: Visual Comfort
Browse a collection of bold and colorful living room products
3. Red, Yellow and Brown
Designers: Stan Khramov and Jennifer Hall of Winn Design+Build
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 171 square feet (16 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A contemporary, open feel while keeping some traditional elements from the original space, such as the stained glass in the windows.
Color scheme. Medium dark red (Chestnut by Benjamin Moore) with white trim and ceiling. Yellow leather sofa. Brown leather ottoman.
Other special features. Absolute Black honed granite fireplace mantel with waterfall edge design. “It gives the room a modern touch next to the red walls,” designer Jennifer Hall says. “The fireplace was intended to have the original red brick exposed for a more traditional surround, but we ultimately decided to paint the brick gray, giving it a slate-like appearance and complementary contrast to the mantel.”
Designer tip. “Dark paint colors don’t always make a space feel small,” Hall says. “Done strategically, they can even brighten a room, giving it character.”
Designers: Stan Khramov and Jennifer Hall of Winn Design+Build
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 171 square feet (16 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A contemporary, open feel while keeping some traditional elements from the original space, such as the stained glass in the windows.
Color scheme. Medium dark red (Chestnut by Benjamin Moore) with white trim and ceiling. Yellow leather sofa. Brown leather ottoman.
Other special features. Absolute Black honed granite fireplace mantel with waterfall edge design. “It gives the room a modern touch next to the red walls,” designer Jennifer Hall says. “The fireplace was intended to have the original red brick exposed for a more traditional surround, but we ultimately decided to paint the brick gray, giving it a slate-like appearance and complementary contrast to the mantel.”
Designer tip. “Dark paint colors don’t always make a space feel small,” Hall says. “Done strategically, they can even brighten a room, giving it character.”
4. Greige, Blue and White
Designer: Erika Rundiks of Recherche Interior Design
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The wife is from Cote d’Ivoire and wanted the room to exude elements of that with an underlying formal French aspect,” designer Erika Rundiks says. “She wanted it comfortable for listening to her children play the piano but cultural and inviting. Interesting pieces that had an artisanal quality was a driving factor.”
Color scheme. Greige walls (Versatile Gray in a matte finish by Sherwin-Williams. Blue ceiling and fireplace (Manitou Blue in a matte finish by Sherwin-Williams). White trim (High Reflective White in a semigloss finish by Sherwin-Williams). “The ceiling and fireplace add depth and interest, looking integral rather than an accent,” Rundiks says. “Painting the ceiling was interesting to the clients without them feeling they were committing to an entire room of strong color.”
Other special features. Wood-frame sofa with custom fabric pillows to complement the paint colors. Rattan swivel chair. “A mix of earthy fabrics with gilded embroidered drapery was a nice textural mix,” Rundiks says. “The rug is an understated support, picking up the black piano. Cultural accessories add personality.”
Designer: Erika Rundiks of Recherche Interior Design
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The wife is from Cote d’Ivoire and wanted the room to exude elements of that with an underlying formal French aspect,” designer Erika Rundiks says. “She wanted it comfortable for listening to her children play the piano but cultural and inviting. Interesting pieces that had an artisanal quality was a driving factor.”
Color scheme. Greige walls (Versatile Gray in a matte finish by Sherwin-Williams. Blue ceiling and fireplace (Manitou Blue in a matte finish by Sherwin-Williams). White trim (High Reflective White in a semigloss finish by Sherwin-Williams). “The ceiling and fireplace add depth and interest, looking integral rather than an accent,” Rundiks says. “Painting the ceiling was interesting to the clients without them feeling they were committing to an entire room of strong color.”
Other special features. Wood-frame sofa with custom fabric pillows to complement the paint colors. Rattan swivel chair. “A mix of earthy fabrics with gilded embroidered drapery was a nice textural mix,” Rundiks says. “The rug is an understated support, picking up the black piano. Cultural accessories add personality.”
5. Yellow, White, Blue and Gray
Designer: Lieve Saether of Turnstyle Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 480 square feet (45 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Something vibrant, well thought-out and family-friendly. “My approach to this space was to think about how to broaden the minds of the younger children,” designer Lieve Saether says. “Since the finished space would now be used for homeschooling given [COVID-19], I wanted to introduce the children to visual and tactile experiences they might not have had or thought of yet. Examples of this include placing various types of art pieces in a multitude of spots through the areas — two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces.”
Color scheme. The custom color is closely related to a mix between Hawthorne Yellow and Buttermilk, with White Chocolate undertones, all by Benjamin Moore. The trim, ceiling and millwork are Pure White in a semigloss finish by Sherwin-Williams. The wall treatment is a faux finish “reminiscent of a plastering technique, done to highlight the height and trim detailing in the room,” Saether says. “When done well, texture in a paint finish adds depth and touchability, leaving people feeling part of the space, not just surrounded by it. The combination here is great for a room like this one — exposed to natural light — because it brings out a balance of softness and brightness without overwhelming a space.”
The custom sofa features a patterned fabric in white, gray and blue. The blue-and-white curtains are also custom. “Mixing unique pieces and pattern and color is central to how I’ve always designed, and is meant to allow for luscious and dynamic detailing, highlighting a family’s specific personality in a space,” Saether says.
Other special features. Custom floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Marble fireplace surround. Octagonal wood coffee table with mirrored top.
Designer tip. “Play with various heights,” Saether says. In any oversized room, one can quickly feel disconnected. By bringing the eye up, over and all around to experience various custom-created items, you move through the space in a more engaged way.”
Designer: Lieve Saether of Turnstyle Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 480 square feet (45 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. Something vibrant, well thought-out and family-friendly. “My approach to this space was to think about how to broaden the minds of the younger children,” designer Lieve Saether says. “Since the finished space would now be used for homeschooling given [COVID-19], I wanted to introduce the children to visual and tactile experiences they might not have had or thought of yet. Examples of this include placing various types of art pieces in a multitude of spots through the areas — two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces.”
Color scheme. The custom color is closely related to a mix between Hawthorne Yellow and Buttermilk, with White Chocolate undertones, all by Benjamin Moore. The trim, ceiling and millwork are Pure White in a semigloss finish by Sherwin-Williams. The wall treatment is a faux finish “reminiscent of a plastering technique, done to highlight the height and trim detailing in the room,” Saether says. “When done well, texture in a paint finish adds depth and touchability, leaving people feeling part of the space, not just surrounded by it. The combination here is great for a room like this one — exposed to natural light — because it brings out a balance of softness and brightness without overwhelming a space.”
The custom sofa features a patterned fabric in white, gray and blue. The blue-and-white curtains are also custom. “Mixing unique pieces and pattern and color is central to how I’ve always designed, and is meant to allow for luscious and dynamic detailing, highlighting a family’s specific personality in a space,” Saether says.
Other special features. Custom floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Marble fireplace surround. Octagonal wood coffee table with mirrored top.
Designer tip. “Play with various heights,” Saether says. In any oversized room, one can quickly feel disconnected. By bringing the eye up, over and all around to experience various custom-created items, you move through the space in a more engaged way.”
6. Charcoal, Blue and Black
Designer: Shane Spencer of Spencer Design Associates
Location: Minneapolis
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner was moving from out of state and was bringing some amazing modernist antique light fixtures and some accessories and a few chairs,” designer Shane Spencer says. “Everything else was a canvas where the vision we decided to create was an urban loft with a deep, rich and textural background for the homeowner’s fabulous contemporary art collection.”
Color scheme. Deep blue-gray walls with red undertones (Silhouette by Benjamin Moore). Ottoman covered in a blue, white and gray fabric. “We kept all of the furniture in deep shades of charcoal and black and played with the fabrics,” Spencer says. “This created the background that was easy to live with and allowed the important art and other museum-worthy small accessories, tables and objects to really shine.”
Other special features. Ten-foot sofa upholstered in Perennials textured linen weave performance fabric. Carved oak credenza. Black leather ruched armchair. Black woven silk armchairs with brass bases.
Designer tip. “Limiting your use of color is a complex experience and when done properly ends up creating a beautifully soft and calm living environment,” Spencer says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We initially had ordered additional pieces to the modular contemporary sofa for the ottomans and chose a beautiful marble coffee table that had a freeform shape,” Spencer says. “When we put these pieces in, the layering effect of the initial concept was not quite as successful in person as it was in rendering form. So we had to scrap that idea and go simple, finding a giant round coffee table ottoman. Turns out there are not a lot of options out there that are over 3 feet, and this one being almost 4 feet in diameter was perfect. We almost went the route of custom and then stumbled upon this stunning ottoman. When I saw the unique brass blade legs, I knew it was the perfect addition to complete the living room.”
Designer: Shane Spencer of Spencer Design Associates
Location: Minneapolis
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner was moving from out of state and was bringing some amazing modernist antique light fixtures and some accessories and a few chairs,” designer Shane Spencer says. “Everything else was a canvas where the vision we decided to create was an urban loft with a deep, rich and textural background for the homeowner’s fabulous contemporary art collection.”
Color scheme. Deep blue-gray walls with red undertones (Silhouette by Benjamin Moore). Ottoman covered in a blue, white and gray fabric. “We kept all of the furniture in deep shades of charcoal and black and played with the fabrics,” Spencer says. “This created the background that was easy to live with and allowed the important art and other museum-worthy small accessories, tables and objects to really shine.”
Other special features. Ten-foot sofa upholstered in Perennials textured linen weave performance fabric. Carved oak credenza. Black leather ruched armchair. Black woven silk armchairs with brass bases.
Designer tip. “Limiting your use of color is a complex experience and when done properly ends up creating a beautifully soft and calm living environment,” Spencer says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We initially had ordered additional pieces to the modular contemporary sofa for the ottomans and chose a beautiful marble coffee table that had a freeform shape,” Spencer says. “When we put these pieces in, the layering effect of the initial concept was not quite as successful in person as it was in rendering form. So we had to scrap that idea and go simple, finding a giant round coffee table ottoman. Turns out there are not a lot of options out there that are over 3 feet, and this one being almost 4 feet in diameter was perfect. We almost went the route of custom and then stumbled upon this stunning ottoman. When I saw the unique brass blade legs, I knew it was the perfect addition to complete the living room.”
7. Blue, White and Brass
Designer: Shelby Adamson
Location: Druid Hills historic neighborhood of Atlanta
Size: 638 square feet (59 square meters); 22 by 29 feet
Homeowner’s request. “This client inherited antiques from her parents that she cherished and loved to surround herself with, but she also wanted to add her own personal style into the space,” designer Shelby Adamson says. “She was inspired by her daughter’s travels and photographs from India and wanted a way to incorporate the flavor and colors of travel into the space. We used Houzz to pull together color palettes, paint colors and furniture silhouettes. It was a great way to get inside the client’s mind and really find out her wish list.”
Color scheme. Blue walls (Blue Spruce in a matte finish by Benjamin Moore). White trim and ceiling. Blue sofa. Red-and-blue rug. Warm wood and brass accents. “By incorporating a rich color in the space by way of paint and sofa, and having our sofa and paint have a similar tone-on-tone effect, the room envelopes its inhabitants,” Adamson says.
Designer tip. “Layer textures and colors, incorporate clean lines to juxtapose feminine antique pieces, coordinate bold colors and don’t be afraid to take risks,” Adamson says.
More on Houzz
How to Decorate a Living Room: 11 Designer Tips
Key Measurements for Your Living Room
Search for an interior designer
Browse sectional sofas
Designer: Shelby Adamson
Location: Druid Hills historic neighborhood of Atlanta
Size: 638 square feet (59 square meters); 22 by 29 feet
Homeowner’s request. “This client inherited antiques from her parents that she cherished and loved to surround herself with, but she also wanted to add her own personal style into the space,” designer Shelby Adamson says. “She was inspired by her daughter’s travels and photographs from India and wanted a way to incorporate the flavor and colors of travel into the space. We used Houzz to pull together color palettes, paint colors and furniture silhouettes. It was a great way to get inside the client’s mind and really find out her wish list.”
Color scheme. Blue walls (Blue Spruce in a matte finish by Benjamin Moore). White trim and ceiling. Blue sofa. Red-and-blue rug. Warm wood and brass accents. “By incorporating a rich color in the space by way of paint and sofa, and having our sofa and paint have a similar tone-on-tone effect, the room envelopes its inhabitants,” Adamson says.
Designer tip. “Layer textures and colors, incorporate clean lines to juxtapose feminine antique pieces, coordinate bold colors and don’t be afraid to take risks,” Adamson says.
More on Houzz
How to Decorate a Living Room: 11 Designer Tips
Key Measurements for Your Living Room
Search for an interior designer
Browse sectional sofas
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These all have such personality, although I personally prefer some to others. A lot to learn from here. Many have a nice drama that is still welcoming and not overwhelming. Thank you for some great ideas and things to think about!
Are there “clamp on” fireplace mantles?
Color choices tell a lot about the “spirit “ of the inhabitants! 😀. Our living room is a joyful way to bring in the day!