Today’s reader dilemma:
We have a combined kitchen and family room. The couches are medium blue with a floral print and the window coverings are yellow. The kitchen has cherry and white accents. The furniture in the family room is cherry. Currently the wall color is a medium sage green. Katherine
Kate suggests:
To update without many changes to your furniture and accessories a new wall color is always a great option.
I think your existing scheme sounds lovely and your color combination made me immediately think of the sun-drenched colors of Provence. There are the colors often associated with French Country style. Even if this isn’t the style in your home the colors still bring to mind that same warm and comfortable feeling.

Shown above is a print from Pierre Deux that shows color similar to the ones you describe in your own scheme. Depending on where and how you use the colors the scheme can be sophisticated, traditional or lively.
Another picture from Pierre Deux shows a more sophisticated yet comfortable look with blue print sofa. Depending on your style I like the idea of replacing the sage green walls with a combination of beautiful neutrals. The three colors on the bottom would be a place to begin thinking about going with a neutral or combination of neutrals. Keep in mind that every home’s style and lightening is different it will be important for you to sample and study the colors in the room to make sure they are pleasing to you.

The blue is to show a color close to that in your coach, along with colors from Sherwin-Williams Pennywise SW6681, Gleeful 6709, Brentwood SW8146, Shore SW8115, Antique White SW6119
Shown above is a green that I think is probably a bit brighter and clear than the current green. Just updating the green to a fresher version of the color is another option that could work to give you a whole new feeling. As could going with yellow on the walls and not just the window treatments.
This is a Sherwin-Williams ad showing a brighter green with blue and yellow. In this case the blue and yellow they have chosen make it perfect for a nursery but with deeper blue, yellow and red a green that is a bit more vibrant and less grayed than sage green could work in your Family Room and adjoining kitchen.










i have a problem my kitchen and family room are one continuous room. my furniture in family room is light sage. the window curtains are a darker green and sheers are a softer sage. i have ideas what colors will look good with the sage furniture. any help will make me sooooo happy. we have a wedding in two weeks and i need help fast.thanks for ny help you can give
Hi Janet,
Sage green can work well with many colors but I think for an adjoining kitchen and family room a soft gold that is as muted as the green and the add cranberry or eggplant colored accents.
Another option would be to use a muted blue with warm accents (maybe gold, copper, brown or terra cotta).