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Using Different Paint Colors

Tips for painting open areas, such as great-rooms, and transition areas.

Open & Transition Areas

Q: How can I use different paint colors in the different areas of my great-room when it's all one space?

A: Anytime you'll be able to see several colors at once, you want those colors to blend harmoniously. Make sure you are using colors that complement rather than contrast.

If you want to use two paint colors on a long wall, consider creating a natural break by adding a vertical piece of molding, such as a pilaster, or a column. Then choose two harmonious paint colors for use on either side of this natural break.

In a more modern space, smooth the transition between colors with vertical stripes of varying widths. Instead of just stopping one color and starting the other, mask out a series of stripes that lead the eye from one shade to another. Or consider painting the walls in a neutral shade and adding large blocks of accent colors. For example, choose a soft lemon shade to run through the length of the great-room. Then, in the eating area, paint one large block on the wall in a stronger butter yellow. By leaving the paler color at the base and the top of the wall, there is still a flow through the room, and the strong color block really enhances the smaller area.

You can also stick with a neutral color for the walls and introduce accent colors with carpets, throw pillows, and window treatments that define specific areas.

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Comments (8)
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zaidatipul wrote:

im about to rent a fixer upper the only great about the place is the lovely white tile floor... what color walls would really make my floor stand out beautifully throughout the house?

7/13/2010 01:23:40 PM Report Abuse
Tedefr wrote:

My bedroom is predominately a Sterling Silver with white drapes, doors and mouldings. What colors can I use to make it more interesting...without feminine color schemes?

5/4/2010 11:11:34 AM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

I HAVE BRICK ON WALL IN ENTRY THAT U CAN SEE FROM LIVING ROOM KITCHEN AND DINNING ROOM THE COLORS ARE BROWNS BEIGE AND GOLD TONE AND SOME SOFT GREEN. WHAT COLOR WOULD BE GOOD FOR THOSE ROOMS?

3/21/2010 05:08:53 PM Report Abuse
chjones1487299 wrote:

I have dark walnut stain on the trim work in my living room and a dark brick fireplace. What color paint would brighten up the room and keep it neutral?

3/18/2010 11:37:36 AM Report Abuse
mschroeder1 wrote:

I have a rust color carpet in my small living room and my daughter talked me into buying gray paint for the walls, Now I really need help in choosing an accent color and curtains that will match well.

3/17/2010 11:53:15 AM Report Abuse
pmorrisgr wrote:

I HAVE PAINTED 1 WALL LIKE A RUST/RUSTIC ORE COLOR.WE ARE THINKING OF PAINTING THE REST OF THE WALLS A GRAY BEIGE OUR SOFAS ARE BRONISH GRAY LEATHER CARPET IS BERBER WITH SPECKS OF WALL COLOR FIREPLACE IS LEDGE STONE WITH BLACK GRAY HEARTH PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT PLEASE HELP

3/11/2010 09:05:07 AM Report Abuse
tolanifemi wrote:

i have a very long and narrow living room (26'-6" x 10'), i need serious help with furniture arrangement

2/19/2010 11:47:24 AM Report Abuse
qkhattak wrote:

i have black leather sofa set, can you suggest which color should i paint my walls and carpet color..?

2/10/2010 05:13:25 AM Report Abuse
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