How do I make a "smooth" transition with two paint colors on a long wall in open floor plan?

13 years ago

Please see the picture for details ... I have fairly small house with a completely open floor plan, transitioning from living room to breakfast/dining area to kitchen. We have painted the living room a different, dark color, and the kitchen walls are white-cream color. The living room ceilings are slightly raised, which is the only "architectural" feature that separates the rooms. I REALLY need help figuring out how to transition the paint colors. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for your help!

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PRO

Barbara Griffith Designs

13 years ago

What color are you cabinets?..if they are not close in color to the living room wall color, I would paint the kitchen the same color. This will also visually expand the feel of each room.

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Comments (9)

April Smith
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you so much for your input! No, the cabinets are not the same color -- the living room color is a dark grey and I have oak cabinets ... that orange-y kind of color. Do you think that, because the dark grey is such a dark color, it would make the house appear smaller? I've heard that about dark colors, which is why I'm asking. However, I didn't think it had that effect in my living room. I love the darker color! But thought I'd ask just in case ...
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PRO
Barbara Griffith Designs
13 years ago
Paint the kitchen the gray, I think it will actually downplay the "orangyness" (is that a word) of it.
PRO
Barbara Griffith Designs
13 years ago
To make the area seem even bigger, and If you do not have popcorn ceilings, consider painting the ceiling a lighter gray.
April Smith
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks again! I'll definitely think about it and let you know how it goes. Really appreciate the advice!
PRO
Barbara Griffith Designs
13 years ago
Post a picture when it is done. My best to you.
tracefloyd
3 years ago
Try a strip of vertical wood trim aligned with the line and painted to match the kitchen wall. I would use crown molding to match what you have and with the taper facing the kitchen. Remove a small piece baseboard the same width as the new trim so it can reach the floor.
Valinta
3 years ago
This is not a transition, but an abrupt change. Paint all the walls the light gray except maybe a feature wall where ther are right angles to define it. Doing so will bring th focal point to the other shade you really like.
PRO
Norwood Architects
3 years ago
My first suggestion is to paint all your walls the same color. If it is a small, open space it just makes sense to keep all walls the same color to unify the space. Second suggestion is to make an architectural feature (a column or bumpout) in the wall that will create a natural place for the transition to occur. Good luck!