Should I paint my living room walls burnt orange?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I've got a large rectangular living room. Opens to nearly-white kitchen. Wife and I are thinking of doing something crazy on the walls, like burnt orange, but we're not confident; will there be too much color variety? Will the accent wall and orange walls compete?

Lighting: One well-shaded window, 5' wide x 3' tall. Lamps in 2 corners. Ceiling fan/lighting fixture combo.

Furniture: Brown couch. Small teal tv stand/entertainment center (metal).

Floors: Dark laminate.

Misc: Vaulted ceiling (white). Accent wall with pine-look laminate flooring surrounds fireplace. Fireplace surround is cream-colored tile (see picture below). Trim right now is taupe, which we're not fond of and plan to change.

Featured Answer

mzapper

10 years ago

can't believe people are so critical of orange! - not everyone likes the same colours, just cause it's not colour of the year or whatever...is that why? I have a wall in our house that is a dark orange - it was like that when we moved in. I keep thinking I will change it but have yet to after 1-1/2 years and actually get so many positive comments on it. I tell people I want to change it and several say " no, keep it!"

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Comments (21)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
Why ??? I have no idea wh y this would be a choice since we see nothing to give us a clue.
PRO
Kelli Kaufer Designs
10 years ago
Can we see more photos and of the adjoining spaces? I am thinking I could see accents of orange, that Could be stunning!
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PRO
GMW / Architect
10 years ago
Do not paint them burnt orange.
Jay Holden
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm not sure how to answer "why" we're considering painting the walls orange. The same reason we'd paint them any other color.

Thanks Kelli, I'll add more photos.

GMW, feel free to elaborate.
disfromage
10 years ago
I don't think burnt orange is a color many here on Houzz are going to advise you to use as a main wall color. Most people here are into neutrals—greys and beiges. However, if you and your wife really like the orange and think it'll make you happy, I say go for it! If it turns out you don't like it it, it is just paint and can be redone (although figure 4 coats—2 primer, and 2 topcoat).
PRO
JudyG Designs
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I don't mind the color of the walls, now (at least on my monitor). Have you considered painting the trim black? Black trim will compliment the floor. Then paint the ceiling the wall color.
Danielle Black
10 years ago
I wouldn't but my whole house is beige
PRO
Kelli Kaufer Designs
10 years ago
On the right wall, it could look quite cool!!!!
Carroll Gardens Abode · More Info
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Kelli Kaufer Designs
10 years ago
The Visionaire · More Info
Darzy
10 years ago
If you love it, go ahead with the "orange" but not all of the walls. Pick one or two that would be best "focal" wall in each room.

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Kelli Kaufer Designs
10 years ago
Love the way it looks with the wood!
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calidesign
10 years ago
I actually love orange, but I think it wouldn't look good with your dark floors, and wood wall. All the surfaces would then be dark. Instead, I would paint the walls a lighter white/cream, and you could use an orange rug, pillows, or artwork. That would look amazing and keep the focus on your wall.
wacokid
10 years ago
Even Bevo says no.........
eddie6764
10 years ago
Maybe paint the small beam on the right side which spans the adjacent opening orange and see how you feel (that is of course if the wall ends shortly after where the photo cuts it off. If you love it then paint the other larger wall orange and go from there.
torreykm
10 years ago
Personally, I couldn't handle an orange room. Living in the deep south, I lean toward cooler colors.
PRO
Angelica Angeli ❤ Interior Design Journalist
10 years ago
It would look great with the wood.
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H G
10 years ago
As a Texas longhorn I think it is a fabulous idea.
Casandra383 Dean
10 years ago
Orange is a bear to paint!! I did a small wall in my kids bathroom in bright orange and it took 6 coats of paint to cover. Never again!!
Jay Holden thanked Casandra383 Dean
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
10 years ago
I would go for dark Navy walls with bold accents in orange...I think it is a great combination for your space..and will look gorgeous next to an all white Kitchen!!
PRO
Kelli Kaufer Designs
10 years ago
So, what did you end up doing?!