Reader’s color dilemma:
I’m going to turn this into a bistro. Would love some suggestions. The theme is Mediterranean ( mostly Italian). Inside decor will be darker (mostly reds and browns) Any suggestions would be appreciated.– janemuir
Kate suggests:
I think this home will make a cute bistro. While the darker colors you mention could work on the interior I would start with something a bit lighter on the exterior. It will not only make the place look a bit bigger but will give you a canvas to add some details that can carry your theme to the exterior.
I’d start by painting the main part of the house with a color like Valspar 3004-8A Oatlands Gold Bluff or the slightly lighter 3004-6B Oatlands Yellow. Use a creamy white for the trim that has the same undertone.
I would go with a toned gray for the shutters. Something with a bit of color in the gray but not too much. 5001-4C Slate Court could work nicely but before putting it on slap on a coat of reddish brown first and let it dry. You don’t have to do this to carefully because it is an undercoat. Just avoid sloppy paint spills or drips. Once dry give the shutters a nice coat of Slate Court. When completely dry…and I mean completely…hit some of the high points with sandpaper to allow some of the undercoat color to come through and give you an aged look.
You can do the same thing with the door. You could use the same undercoat color as long as it looks different enough from the door color or you could go with a shade of blue or even use the leftover paint from the shutters. Again give the door a nice coat of a color like Valspar 1008-5A Belle Grove Flamestitch Red and then give it an aged look with a bit of sandpaper.
You can try out the look on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like the way the undercoat looks when it comes through. You should also test out the main exterior, trim, door and shutter color on test boards so that you can confirm that the colors work perfectly before you begin painting.
You don’t mention if you are going to keep the awnings but if you could match them to the main house color, the trim color or do something a bit creative.
Giving the aged finish to the door and shutters will begin connecting your guest with the theme before they even get inside. A bit of landscaping to anchor the house and a few planters that look like they came directly from the Italian countryside and I think your place will say “Italian Bistro– Come on in!”
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Today’s color dilemma…
I don’t know what color to paint my living room. The tapestry and ikea mirrors are no longer on the wall. I’m painting the room in a few days and need some ideas. I was thinking possibly painting it a “honey or amber” shade. Also I was thinking of changing the pillows to a orangey red as in the candles. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Kate suggests…
I like the idea of warm golden color. I would look for a golden honey rather than one with too much orange. (more…)
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Today’s color dilemma…
I just painted my family room with Lush Sage by Valspar with yellowish/goldish curtains and roman shades from Pottery Barn. Now my living room looks so unfinished but picking a colour to work well beside the family room seems rather tough. The only colour in the living room is the brown furniture. I don’t even have curtains up it this room. Any help would be so appreciated. Thanks.
Kate suggests…
We only get a glimpse of your lovely living room but from what little we see you can tell how well the Valspar Lush Sage and the Pottery Barn window treatments work in this room. I’d continue your scheme into the living room.
Since you’re pleased with Valspar I would recommend their Earthen Sienna. It works well with Lush Sage and picks up on the color scheme from the family room so that schemes in both rooms would flow well from one to the other.
You don’t mention what accent colors you have used in the family room but using the same or similar accent colors in the living room will also help to tie the rooms together visually.
Resources:
- Valspar paint is available at Lowe’s. Type in your zip code to find your local Lowe’s
- Do you have a color dilemma? Post it in the Makeover Gallery at RoomVues.com and you could be the next reader to have your color question answered on the Color For Your Home blog.
**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.
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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:
**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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