Painting a semi-open concept living space

12 years ago

My husband and I just moved into a new home and would like to paint the main living spaces to give it some character. We are unsure how to chose a color scheme though because the kitchen, living room and dining room are all semi connected (please see pictures). We would like to stay in the family of blue, green, grey but are unsure of which walls to paint, etc.

Our original plan was to paint the wall with the fireplace (which is also a part of the dining room) a deep blue but think we would like more color then just that wall. We also hate the green in the kitchen and are planning on changing that.

We want to avoid painting all the same color but are unsure of how to do that without disrupting the flow. Any ideas?

Featured Answer

Sarah Campbell
Original Author

12 years ago

Angelo, we have whitewashed the fireplace so that the brick isn't so harsh. It'll be easier to select a paint color I think without the orange tones.

I suppose we will start with pillows, a rug and some accents and maybe pick a color after those pieces come together.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

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Comments (6)

User
12 years ago
It looks like a nice big space. Congrats!

Do you have furniture you will be using? Rugs already picked out? Something you really want to incorporate?

Some people start with a rug and work out from there. Otherwise you are asking us to just randomly pick from about a billion different shades!

Typically I like to paint everything the same color in floorplans like this rather than trying to figure out which walls to paint what color. You have wainscoting so you can do below that a darker shade of whatever you select. I am sure you will get lots of great suggestions!

Good luck!
PRO
Classic Design
12 years ago
Painting walls different colors works when there is a logical break in a wall. If there isn't one, like your living room to dining room wall, then add interest in rugs, furniture, draperies etc. It won't look boring if done correctly.
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Sarah Campbell
Original Author
12 years ago
Here are some with furniture..we were thinking of ordering a blue rug with some sort of white pattern in it but haven't gotten that far yet.
hayleydaniels
12 years ago
Since you're unsure how to proceed, start with one wall, and go from there. I think your idea of painting the wall with the fireplace is a good starting point as it doesn't have that much area with the door, windows and fireplace. You could get away with a darker color there so find one you really like, buy some paint, and go for it. The worst that can happen is that you realize it's not the look you were after. I think you have to try something to see how you like it just like trying on an outfit. Good luck.
PRO
Angelo Design
12 years ago
I agree with Classic Design. Open floor plans such as yours calls for one color. The kitchen could be painted a different color but I would suggest staying in the same color family as the main rooms. Color can be added in your furniture, draperies, lamps, throw pillows, and artwork. Pay attention to your fireplace. You will have to select a color that compliments the brickwork if you are not changing the brick. Select some fabrics you like for draperies, pillows, etc, and then select a neutral wall color that works with those fabrics. See if that color works well with the brick, and you should be ready to paint. Good luck!