Q: My husband and I are getting ready to relocate to our hometown in Northern Michigan for a year for an internship opportunity. We've finally found some pet-friendly, affordable housing. I plan to re-paint the living room, but could use some advice. The carpet through the entire apartment is the sort of office-grade, grayish carpet you see in the picture (the man with the measuring tape is my dad, who was wonderful enough to find us the space!). Our main living room furnishings include...[more below] (Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
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What Color to Paint the Walls?
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...a stone-colored twill upholstered couch, a chair upholstered in fabric that is red with some yellow and green threads running through it, various shelves and tables in medium colors of wood, and a couple of large paintings and photographs in bright colors (reds, oranges, blues). Also, we have the IKEA Klinteby rug. (I would include pictures but everything is in the process of being packed/moved.) I am terrible at choosing colors, especially paint. Will some of you creative Apartment Therapy readers recommend good paint colors? I'm leaning toward neutrals since it is a rental, but will consider color since we can always paint back over it before we leave. Thank you!
Please share your color suggestions with Carrie in the comments below...thanks!
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Maybe you could find the sky blue color from the rug on a paint color sample thingie & paint them the lightest hue in that family-- if you leave the woodwork white, that might actually turn the gray carpet into an asset as part of a serene white/blue/gray combo?
view margaretlouise's profile
either that fresh spring green color or else a nice buttercream yellow, maybe try benjamin moore philadelphia cream?
view ichi's profile
actually a butter cream with a tomato red wall would be super cute
view ichi's profile
I'd like to see the muted green in this photo:
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/carpet-magic/
You can put your cursor over the words, check out the Color and Culture. They have a lot of the same colors in their rug. And they have a red chair. And they have some wood tones.
Your rug may have a similar color in it (if my monitor isn't deceiving me), the outer color of the shapes with the inner color of a light yellow.
view #9's profile
There is something close to what I might call "celery" in that rug. It's muted and somewhat pale. I'd go with that.
view AustinSarah's profile
I have similiar colours in my living room rug, and my walls are painted in a sort of latte colour. It's a warm neutral that works well with the dark reds, dark greens, dark blues and all shades of brown.
view Blandwagon's profile
LAVENDAR
view parttimedesign's profile
If you are only staying for a year and that is pure white (in good shape), I'd just add color with furniture and rugs and not waste the time and effort to paint and repaint when you move.
view dn's profile
You can keep it simple and just paint a nice beige or neutral tan. It will also be easy to re-paint back to white if needed.
Another option is to paint just one bold accent wall, taking a color from your rug.
Check this virtual makeover for some ideas:
http://mochihome.com/living-room/a-coordinated-color-palette-update/
Also, here's one with some accent walls:
http://mochihome.com/living-room/finding-inspiration-kriss-color-stripes/
I love that you are painting your rental, even for just a year. It's so much like "home!"
Good Luck!
view MochiHome's profile