Today’s color dilemma…

I’m in need of help of any suggestions. I have new capert being installed at the end of the month and it’s a rich burgundy color. I have tan furniture in my living room, I just don’t know what color to paint my walls. Thanks for your time and consideration. Sincerely Josie

Kate suggests…

Josie, you don’t mention what type of home or decor you have but burgundy is a color that can work well with with either traditional or contemporary styles.

The constants: Burgundy carpet, tan furniture

A soft gold or wheat color on the walls in a light to mid value with cream trim could be beautiful especially if your tan furniture is medium to dark and has golden undertones. This would add a second value in the tan/gold family rather than introducing an entirely new color on your walls.

Martha Stewart Colors Primrose E22 or Corn Husk E32

Another color that would work is Ellen Kennon’s Buttercream. It is a soft yellow with just enough pink to give it a rosy glow without turning peach.

Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint Buttercream

This color scheme would make the room versatile and easy to keep up-to-date. You could then bring in another color or two in your accents and accessories.

Adding hunter green and/or navy blue with gold and burgundy is a classic look and could work well but you could also update this combination by using use variations of these colors as shown below.

The cooler colors, such as blue-influenced greens, would add a nice contrast and balance your predominately warm color scheme.

Going with the blue-green that almost looks grey could be a bit more sophistocated while using the yellow-green could create a more masculine or even cozy feel.

I like the blue greens but you might prefer to go in an entirely different direction if that is what feels right to you. Depending on the undertones in the carpet perhaps a charcoal grey would be interesting or even try a color that doesn’t instantly come to mind such as rust, gold or plum.

You will never know until you look at the colors together so don’t rule anything out too quickly.

Once you have selected your wall color and the carpet is installed play with some good size swatches of accent colors you are considering and go with which ever combinations please you most. There really is not a single ‘right’ color.

Go with what makes you smile when you see it. You are the designer-in-charge so relax and have fun.

The wall colors I’ve suggested allows you to change the accent colors to suit your mood so trust your instincts and go with what feels right to you now. If later you change your mind or change your mood it is easy to change your accent color.

Resources:

• Find Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint
• Martha Stewart Colors are available exclusively at Lowe’s. Type in your zip code to find your local Lowe’s

**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.

Have an idea of what might work with the burgundy carpet and tan furniture? Please share it with us in the comments.   

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