Paint colour dilema

10 years ago

We've just moved into a new house and, though I'm usually pretty confident with picking paint colours, I'm really struggling here. I'm starting with the living room, as it's the focal point as you come in the front door. As you can see in the pics, it's a mid-century house so I'm wanting to bring in a bit of a mid-century modern vibe (mostly so I can work with that lava rock fireplace rather than trying to change it). The room is north facing, and though north facing can usually mean cool/dark rooms, we get a lot of light from the north/west facing windows, and it's a fairly warm feeling room. The current carpet is going to be replaced with light oak hardwood, and all the other rooms/halls you can see in the pics are also going to be repainted.

We want to go with something neutral/off-white that will serve as a neutral backdrop where we can add interest with colour and texture (i.e. the lava rock, tan leather sofa, a dark turquoise velvet chair on order, and Eames plywood chairs). I've tried samples of several paints already: BM Grey Owl (too cold feeling), SW Repose Grey (too dark feeling), SW Moderate White (too pink), BM Revere Pewter (too different on different walls), and SW Eider White (not bad, but a bit too cool feeling). I'd welcome any thoughts!

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JudyG Designs

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

You are right in that one would expect dealing with northern exposure would demand a certain color scheme, except the influencing natural light is coming from the North and West. That is why your samples keep changing. The one constant for both exposures is lavender. It works with both.

Try BM Patriotic White...just enough blue to deal with the 3 exposures.

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Comments (12)

Jennifer Havin
10 years ago
first it's hard to see paint next to other paint ie the gold on the walls and other samples get white boards to put samples on . are you keeping carpet? congratulations it looks like a great home
acm
10 years ago
Yeah, I'd be tempted to prime all the walls and then start this again, putting your samples on poster board you can move around to catch the light and put next to various finishes, most importantly the fireplace and samples of your new flooring.
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Ashley Shaw
Original Author
10 years ago
I do have samples on poster board as well as on the walls, but am still struggling. I'd been hoping to avoid priming before selecting a colour, but I agree that might be the easiest way to really judge. Thanks!
User
10 years ago
I think SW Urban Putty is a great neutral
Jimmy Radatz
10 years ago
Judging by the amount/range of samples you have on the wall you may be starting to overthink this! Take it back to the basics and compare your anticipated floor and fireplace with 3 different ranges of colors, and then adjust to the tone you would like the most from there. Maybe try a dull earthy green? Best of luck.
leemiller
10 years ago
BM Pale Oak may work, but I'd finish the floods before making a final choice.
er612
10 years ago
I would choose a rug before choosing a paint color. Ex.
jhmarie
10 years ago
I have a soft creamy beige with just enough color to set off the white trim. It is warm and works well with my wood tones, tan couch, and blue couch (different room).
Geneviève
10 years ago

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absg99
10 years ago
I like BM Marilyn's Dress... Very soft grey.
R. C.
9 years ago
I'm impressed by how many samples you've tried! That's always the best way to decide and many people won't spend the time or the money to test thoroughly. I do agree that a white background would help eliminate the inevitable distractions from the existing paint colors. (You've got a warm color on one wall and a cool one on the other - it can't be helping). I would caution you to consider the effect that the new wood floor will have on the light and color in the room as well. There is always an orange undertone in natural wood which will bring out the blue undertones of any grey you are considering. Since these are opposites on the color wheel, they bring out the vibrancy in each other - something to watch out for if you want a true neutral. The wood, the fireplace and the sofa color are going to be a lot of the same warm tones, so keep at it - use some white backing on your samples - and you'll know the right warm grey when you see it! Best of luck!