Find the right colors for you.
As with everything style-related, it's most important to stay true to your own aesthetic and personality. Your house is your haven, and it should make you feel safe and happy. Beyond this, consider the type of home you have before making interior design decisions. A beach house in Charleston's living room calls for a different color palette than an ivy-hung, English Tudor in New Hampshire. The exterior (gardens, entryway, etc.) matter, as well as the size of the rooms.
Neutrals
A neutral wall brings serenity to a living room, which is why it's favored in spas and resorts.
Neutrals are, hands down, the safest option, which does not at all imply that they don't make for fabulous living rooms. Light taupe, mushroom gray, varieties of white (eggshell, ivory, dune) all create a muted palette that lets the furniture, artwork and accents take center stage. Shades in this category create a tranquil and uncomplicated vibe. They are also versatile, translating from city loft to lake house. Those who like to redecorate will find that these colors are a lovely backdrop for nearly every design philosophy. Depending on the furniture and decor, this family of colors transforms from sophisticated and modern to warm and intimate. Real estate agents and designers also prefer neutrals for houses on the market. Since the living room is usually a central and open space, it can be risky to be overly dramatic (i.e. painting the whole space a bright shade of pink) as it overwhelms visitors. The one caution that should be noted with neutrals is that there needs to be pops of color or a variety of neutral shades to prevent a washed-out effect.
Warm Colors
Feeling bold? Go for warmer colors.
If you love extravagance and swoon in the presence of deep reds, then the warm color palette is where you belong. This category of color is best for those who have passionate and strong personalities and want to see that reflected in their homes. Reds work best for living rooms in houses in cold places, metropolitan areas and historic neighborhoods. The color is traditional and can be jarring in houses that are oceanfront, for instance. Keep in mind that while the effect can be grand or cozy, red paint is the most difficult paint color with which to work. It often takes a special (darker) primer and several coats before the desired look is achieved; as a result, it can be more expensive. Warm yellows and oranges are also good choices, bringing a satisfying richness to walls.
Cool Colors
Channel water and mist with cool walls.
For the meditative and the calm, cool colors mirror that sense of cleanliness and serenity. Think of pale blues and light greens. In beach houses, avoid the temptation to paint the living room turquoise, as it can be overwhelming. Cool tones should soothe and harmonize, never dominating the design scheme. The blues and greens in this color wheel should evoke shallow waters; dark, bold blues and greens create a different feel altogether and often shrink a room. Look for blue color names with words like these: fresh water, sky, ice, mist, frost, wind, pool. In the greens, pay attention to: mint, celadon, seafoam, parsnip, celery, cucumber and pearl.
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