start by looking to see where there are obvious breaks in the walls and by defining areas (since it looks like an open floor plan). Is there tile as a backsplash? If not, that would be a great place to add some color, if you decide to only paint a few areas.

Bring some of your sofa pillows, and items from each room into the condo - see where the beige works and where it doesn't. you'll want a cohesive plan if you paint everything, so once you have brought everything inside, pick a color for each room and start finding tones that are complimentary.

If you are going to paint just a few walls, pick a color that doesn't compete with the beige - maybe a color to cool it down or warm it up depending on your furniture, likes and dislikes.

Good luck!

The Kitchen would be a good place to start. Limited paintable wall space will cut down on the amount of paint needed, but should make a significant impact.

I would go bedroom next, because the last thing you want is to hate the room you have to sleep in.
If needed, you can probably get away with painting 3 of the 4 walls with some color that would blend well with the beige.
I've used to keep the wall behind my headboard one color to offset the color i choose for the other 3 walls. Looks good and you have the bed and side tables there to cover most of the wall.

What's great is that you have a lot of natural sunlight. Because the kitchen is open to the living area, you might consider just painting the kitchen? For minimal work, this would add a splash of color to the space without having to paint the entire condo. Also, maybe changing out the light fixture over the bar for some added color and interest.

Your carpet, flooring, counters, and cabinets are all beige. Your table is brown and your couch is another gray/brown neutral.

To get out of the sea of beige, I think you need to paint all the walls. Doing all of them at once won't be as painful as trying to paint one at a time and discovering beige is still the overwhelming impression. Pick a strong color for the kitchen and a lighter cool color for the living room that still coordinates with the carpet, and then get a bright rug for under the table and vivid wall hangings.

I would start in your favorite room, and make it completely yours. Once you have that, you'll have a place to retreat, and get inspired for the rest of your house. If it is your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, doesn't matter! Pick one room, start there, and you'll find you'll know what to do next!!!

I've also heard not to make any major changes to your new place for 1 year. As a 1 year homeowner myself, I can attest to that! Anymore than painting, you'll feel overwhelmed. Good luck to you!

try out a few vibrant blues! add a backsplash in greys/neturals with minimal tans for an immediate change in the kitchen that will match any colors you add. a rich bold red will keep the warmth of the place, but in a small dose. If you're not sure about adding color to the entire space, start with accent walls and if it still needs more go from there.

i think a good way to start would be to paint everything with a good quality primer. it will make everything look lighter and brighter, and your walls will be ready to go when you decide on the colors you want.

Paint all the walls - not just a few, and not just "accent" walls. I'd suggest nice pale ocean blues and greys to start with...

BTW: If you have an aversion to beige - Why did you purchase a beige sofa? Is it too late to change your order or has it already been delivered?

I have the same problem, except with an entire house, so I can't offer much help, but I did want to add that based on the photo, Sara shouldn't have too much trouble getting dudes to come over and help paint and move stuff around, so she certainly has that going for her! :-)

I have a priority policy. Fix that ugliness that offends me most. That's what gets tackled first. Considering you have no budget, that rules out flooring and countertops. That leaves paint. Paint is cheap and will get you the biggest bang for your buck. Since your moldings are already white, that makes it super easy to change the color of your walls. Since you are stuck with the carpet and counters for now, pick something complementary that you love. Blues and beige go well together, some yellows will work too. I would stay away from really deep tones like red, purple, or navy blue. What colors are you drawn to? Which pictures make you go "oooooooooooooh"? That will give you a sense of direction.

Some other ideas you might want to think about: horizontal stripes (http://windhula.blogspot.com/2008/08/hall-pictures.html)

you know, the much maligned accent wall really works with this problem, and the apartment beige can be made wonderful with the kind of slightly yellow based colors you might find fun: tomato red, tiffany blue, chocolate, a nice 'dead' green... they are fun pops and the beige suddenly looks cool and edgy

get a bunch of daring paint chips and play

beige isn't a bad colour, but that particular beige is more like "tan," and i agree it's not that nice.

it sounds like you're a colour person, who likes painted walls. if that's your thing, paint the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom(s) first. i'd personally stick to decorator's white or an off-white in the living areas which can complement some punches of art and accessories, but hey, go with what you like.

Beige goes with almost everything, so look at any accessories you already own (throw pillows, art, vases, table cloths, lamps, etc.) to identify accent colors for each room. Then add some white or cream to lighten things up.

Since you've already invested in dark brown - a dark brown, beige, blue and cream color scheme could work, for example.

Furniture and accessories can add a lot of color to a room if you don't have enough cash to paint and buy furniture at once.

the kitchen and half-wall would be great to add color to. dont be discouraged with beige - there's a reason that they paint it that color. it matches everything! check out colorful rugs and wall decor to spice it up! i would definitely paint my bedroom though. congrats on the new place - i love the molding!

Is there a common color amongst your decorating accessories? I would start by going through the items you already have and looking for one dominant color. Then I would pick a complimentary color for my walls. If you have lots of red, then pale aqua walls would look nice. If you have lots of yellow, the right gray would look sophisticated (and so on.) Since your budget is tight (I can relate), this might be the best way to showcase what you already have and make the space fit you (not the other way around).
Good luck!
~Erin @ Cultivating Home

i actually think it would be nice to see some white walls somewhere in there. don't feel like you need to paint everything a color if you don't want to, but i definitely think white would be a nice place to start off and maybe work from that.

What ever color you decide paint the floor base trim the same color. It stands out now not in good way. I think its fine to have a white base when they are beefy and you have high ceilings.

I think all white and get some curtains in a color you like and build from there with layering of color with a rug, art and accessories.

Looks like a nice a place, just waiting for your personal touch.

I think an interesting idea would be to incorporate the soffit into your color scheme. Either paint it the same color as the ceiling to add the illusion of height. Or be bold and paint it a different color to differentiate the spaces. Or the same color connecting the rooms that you paint differently.

It is just paint and if it you don't like it. You can just paint it again. (I know its a pain once the furniture is in.)

Have fun.

Paint all the walls - ALL of them. And paint one continuous color in spaces that are open with each other, which will make your small space seem larger. That ducting (especially the underside of it, which does not turn the corner like the wall does) is going to make it darn near impossible to paint different colors anyway. Blue or green would go well with your beige and brown and brighten up the space at the same time.

Maybe take the doors off some of your upper cabinets in the kitchen and paint or paper the inside of them with something colorful, since you can't do much with that beige backsplash. Or have the wood fronts of some cut out and replaced with glass.

If you're married to the beige sofa and have a brown dining set, you're going to need to rely heavily on accessories - particularly fabric window treatments - to add some pattern and texture.

I would start in the kitchen - less wall space, and the cabinets and floor and walls currently are blending together. I think it'd be a bigger impact for less.

You are so lucky your cielings arent' beige too - my first place, even the cieling and floors were beige too! It was terrible. I'd go with accent walls because you can do trial and error, then adapt the remaining walls. Good luck!

You have lots of natural light and white trim, I don't think the beige is so bad. Now the rug is another story it looks dirty in the photo and throws off the color on the wall. As for color in the apartment let the furnishings, accessories and art be your color. And you can take them with you when you move.

Before you paint check out XV Beacon hotel in boston...they have pics on their web page. The wall color is similar to yours and the decor is super cozy. You can keep the wall color and save the money for nice drapes and furniture. Good Luck!

Paint the whole joint a light, cool color.

In addition to painting the walls, I would look into some nice window treatments that go all the way down to the floor. Ikea has so really great ones at affordable prices, so if you change your mind a year from now you won't feel guilty.

You are both wearing red in the pictures above, and I think that you could really play that up in accessories in your living room and in your kitchen. I would use the accessories to tie those spaces together other than the beige.

Color is so personal, so I hesitate to offer one up here, but just pick your favorite and go with it! Have fun!

I had the same problem. When I purchased my home everything was beige. And I do mean everything, tile, carpet, even the insides of the cabinets had been painted beige (yikes). I painted all walls excluding the bedrooms initially. The living areas are where you spend the most time (well, at least I do) so that is where I started.

Just a note: people suggested painting the kitchen first since it is the smallest area. If you are painting one area first I would advise against that. Painting the kitchen where you have to reach over, under and behind things, or just generally be a lot more careful is a lot more difficult than painting, say, the living room walls. (Although yours look a little more time consuming than mine). You could even start with the office (if you have one) if you spend a lot of time there. I painted my office before I painted the bedrooms. But is really all a matter of personal choice.

Painting may seem daunting but I would say go ahead and paint everything now. The less furniture and accessories have in your condo the easier it will be to tackle. And you'll likely be glad you got it over with.

Oh my bad flashbacks. Our two-story 1,200 sq. feet condominium was this EXACT color when we moved in. Every single wall and cranny. We still haven't decided on a color for our office so it's the only room left "uncolored", but I went to town repainting every room.

Our bedroom is turquoise, various hallways are a light blue, upstairs bathroom is bright green, downstairs bathroom is orange, dining room is gray, kitchen is blue, and our living room is a light yellow/green.. We really like color but our friends compliment us all the time because nothing comes off as over the top, it's simply a bright and cheery home.

If you're up for the challenge, I say start by priming out all the beige. You'll thank yourself because living in a sea of beige makes life feel really drab. As I think many mentioned, differentiate spaces by switching up the color for each space. Try to pick all the colors at once, and make sure they not only coordinate well with each other, but are of similar intensities (so you don't end up with some 'dull' walls next to walls that feel like they're screaming at you because they're so 'loud' in color)

well, you don't really have to paint everything. In fact, that color is not bad for a blank canvas. You can bring hits of color with a rug and accessories in the kitchen. I like a neutral kitchen anyway. Window treatments will bring a ton of life to the place...just pick a fabric with a pattern of some sort, in a bold color. I would consider painting the walls of the breakfast nook a different color...something coordinating or you could go with a dark chocolate for that small area. Artwork, mirrors, rugs, throws and pillows, a table runner, some plants, flowers, fruit in a bowl....these are all ways to bring in plenty of color without going to the expense of painting every wall in the place.

Good Luck!

Rugs and curtains! Then worry about paint if they're not enough. Also you could display some colorful pots or vases in the kitchen (check places like etsy.com). Sometimes a neutral palette can be a great jumping-off point!

Although, I painted my bedroom a really vibrant teal and I adore it! So you could just paint first and ask questions later...

Somone already said this early, and I agree...paint all the walls white. You can do an eggshell finish on the walls and a glossy on the trim. Or save some money and time by not repainting the trim. Your rooms will look more spacious and bright. Not to mention elegant. And since I'm assuming the carpet must stay, better to not throw another color into the mix. If you can find a large area rug to cover that, it will help, or sisal is always nice. I would get a slip cover for the beige sofa. You can have these made or order many basic stock sizes. White canvas or hemp linen is a really nice look. With something along those lines, you can bring in all the color you want in throw pillows and accents and art. If you still want to paint, I'd pick a room like a bedroom or bathroom and do something dramatic. Maybe keep the white trim if it's also in that room and paint the walls and perhaps even ceiling chocolate or navy. Get a big potted palm tree for the room to add some life. If you do opt to pick a color other than white for the main rooms, don't just pick a wall. Too many people fall on the crutch and it just doesn't look fresh. This beige is never going to look great and chances are, it won't sit well with a color you do like. Might at well bite the bullet while it's empty and make something you can live happily in.

Thanks everyone for your comments. To speak to some of the points mentioned:

- we've been living in 'beige-ness' for 6 months now, and basically purged most of our accessories before our move, so to draw inspiration from things we already own, well, there isn't anything - blank slate. Since I am a recent college graduate, I have not really amassed any collection of furnishings or accessories.

- the kitchen back-splash is a white subway tile

- the grey/brown couch and loveseat were floor model purchases - bang for buck, so color wasn't really an option, and since we moved with so little furniture it was sort of a rushed purchase.

- I like the idea of accent walls, since it would mean I wouldn't have to paint everything, however, my problem is which wall to accent - is there a rule of thumb? With the soffit in the living room and kitchen, it is hard to pick a wall. the wall on the right in the first picture spans the entire length of the condo (from the entry to the fireplace).
- Our last place was painted with a great teal-blue, and then a soft cool grey to complement, so I was hoping to stay away from the blues for a change, but I have a feeling that it might be the best option with all of the beige in the flooring, countertops, and cabinetry.

- I would like to start with the main living areas first, before moving onto the bedroom / baths, as we spend the majority of our time in these spaces.

- I was hoping for more specific color suggestions. I know it is hard to tell exactly what color it is in the photos. Right now I have a ton of swatches taped above the fireplace: from rustic reds, to avocado greens, teal blues to electric blues, cool grays and warm grays, but none of them are really jumping out at me. I'm drawn to reds and greys, but I feel like everyone paints a red wall the first chance they get! I also think the colors need to be warm versus cool so as to blend with the flooring - am I right?

Thanks for the suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

I got my condo at a great price because it was painted 18 different colors. Bedrooms were orange and sea foam, bathroom was lavender and the kitchen was electric blue. I painted to get everything that color- or Hopsack. I trimmed with December Starlight. Then I added color with my belongings. I still have a lot of black and brown, but I did splash color with artwork and belongings. It is soothing and if I need to sell, will be more neutral.

That being said, some people just like more color. Go nuts. Because of the vents above, you may have some a similar color. Choose your favorite blouse and use that.

I would urge you to paint the whole place white. You need to get rid of that massive beigeness! You may find you don't mind your beige sofa and chair if you do that, and I think it will also minimize the impact of those soffits. Then add colors you love with smaller things; pillows, curtains, sofa slipcover, pictures, etc. And if you still want accent walls, you can add them later.

I agree that beige goes with everything. I actually like the wall color, but I can see how the all over beige is overwhelming.

I think it's cheaper to repaint than buy a lot of colorful accessories. But I think the area rugs, some window coverings, pillows for the couch, decor/artwork on the walls can add color and break up the beige.

Melinda and David House Tour on AT has some beige and also some really vibrant pops of color on the walls if you want to go that direction. Bright blue, eggplant purple...black.

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/sf-melinda-and-david-house-tour/item/87597

There are lots of very colorful homes that have beige walls. Check AT's home tours.

I'd spend money on things I could take with me. Then paint your front door something fun like bright purple, magenta or yellow.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/paints-stains-finishes/what-does-your-front-door-say-about-you-070552

two tones walls! paint the top a light color and leave the bottom half beige.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/inspiration/twotone-walls-112108

if you hate it, just paint the bottom half to match the top. and post pictures!

Live with it with all of your furniture for a little while, figure out what areas then need to little sprucing up with color and then when you do start painting, don't do it all at once, paint then live with it for a while and then maybe paint somewhere else. You won't get instant gratification, but you will get what you want eventually without costly or time consuming mistakes.

i agree with the paint the walls white idea. it's a great place to start, then you can build from there.

when we moved to a similarly all beige home, i went too crazy painting color everywhere as a reaction to all the beige, and ended up not loving that either.

start with white, and once you have a feel for the place and the light, you can make really informed decisions about colors that will please you for the long term.

antique/faded persian rugs

I think beige is a great canvas color. Why not hang some great artwork to spice it up! Especially if the paint is in good condition. Here's a good opportunity to be green.

Here's what I would do if I liked red:
1. Find some deep, bold red curtains and hang them in the living room. Maybe with a little pattern, even.
2. Paint the kitchen either a similar red or complementing shade.
3. If the kitchen is red, use lots of black and white accents in the living room. If the kitchen is complementing, use the complementing color as accents (along with black--I think black classes up that particular shade of beige fairly well).

The reasons for my choices are as follows:
1. A deep bold color would complement the beige you already have and a little goes a long way.
2. The kitchen is a self-contained space so it's easier to know where to stop and start with the painting.
3. Curtains are easy to switch out and can be found relatively inexpensively.
4. The color scheme would be very flexible. Would work well with modern art and furniture or classic art and furniture.
5. Want a change? Simply repaint the kitchen or change out the accents.

Eventually, I would probably go with all white walls and hardwood floors (except maybe in the kitchen). I feel like the carpet is the biggest problem in the space right now, and unless something is done there, I don't think white walls will help at all with the "Condo beige" problem. But then, that's just me.

Fun space! It's not THAT bad!

It sounds like your furniture is pretty neutral, so it's really asking for some energy. I like the previous poster's comment about the backsplash in the kitchen - great idea. So, here's my thoughts:

1. Windows: Panels on both windows in a great color (turquoise would go well with the paint, let's just assume you'll opt for turquoise for arguments sake). So, turquoise and gray, black, a little pink to soften the space...all in accessories and lamps, lamp shades, pottery pieces, throws and pillows, maybe even a fun accent chair. Just because it's carpet doesn't mean you can't slap a rug down, think of ways to bring in color that way - and save yourself the time and energy of painting. Materials alone will cost you $300, that's a great start on new trinkets for the space!

2. Backsplash & kitchen: Go for a creamy turquoise for the backsplash, or even splurge on tile. Opt for finishes that reflect light, thus adding sparkle to the space. Throw down a brightly colored rug. Dining room table? Fresh flowers every two weeks are a great investment, and a mirror with a colored frame keep the energy flowing.

Check out my facebook page, I have a ton of spaces on there in my personal work as well as inspiration pages that focus on neutral walls and bright colors thrown in: It's under "Z Carlson Design".

Good luck!

Oh, and another thing: I would refrain from chopping the walls up with different colors. It makes the space somewhat confusing, and it doesn't look terribly large. But concentrating color in a small area (backsplash, for example) gives you a lot of bang for buck.

Start with your wardrobe.
Start with pictures in a magazine you like.
Start with a rug you love.
Start by giving us some clues and cues about what kind of space you want to end up with.

I'm sorry this isn't helpful at all, but the window covering sales person in me is cringing at this: did they actually give you pull up blinds on a PATIO DOOR? Is that not the most ginormous pain in your butts EVER?

Here's my take: Map out where you want to arrange your furniture, and then choose accent walls. An accent wall behind the couch, maybe one in the dining area, behind the bed...once you feel secure about where everything should go, you can have fun. I would definitely paint over ALL the beige — Paint every non-accent wall a nice pale grey. Looks very elegant and calming. Since your furniture is pretty neutral, you also have free reign to choose pretty much any colors you want! For the kitchen, I'd paint all the wall areas an interesting color. Note: Warm colors stimulate the appetite!

If you're having trouble figuring out WHAT colors to use, refer to your favorite rugs and curtains and coordinate. I use Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters for a lot of my inspiration. Just make sure not to go too matchy!

When we moved into our apartment we had the same problem! Except we weren't allowed to paint :( Honestly the color might be a bore but it generally goes well its almost everything. It isn't something that I look at every day and feel disappointment. I Decorate around them like they're white and its just fine :)

You are in quite the decorating dilemma - Check out www.futurespaceinteriors.com for some design rehab help for your beige condo. We can create a plan for each room or just help you with color selection.

I don't see anything wrong with that colour I think it depends on your style and the way you want to decorate it.

Hi, I pa

Traditional? Transitional? MCM? Eclectic? Shabby chic? Contemporary? Ultra modern? Minimalist?

What's your style/goal?

If you were in need of a special occasion dress, would you ask a group of virtual strangers what color it should be? I kinda don't get the "was hoping for more specific color suggestions" part of your response, without having anything more to go on than "not the color they are."

As far as accent walls, I am guessing the best would be the one wall we actually don't see... the long wall opposite the kitchen, which is, I am guessing, the anchor wall for your sofa?

But since that wall abuts the walls with large windows, just bite the bullet and extend the color.

You can do anything with paint. Find the other stuff first (accent chair fabric, piece of art, rug, drapes, even a pillow) and take your cues from those.

ok, it's generic, and the other 57 comments mostly are good. if that is a fireplace on the long wall, then that is--a beigy attempt at--a focal wall. go brighter or lighter or stripe it or make diamonds (can do last 2 in same colour, glossy v. matte). the other walls are so chopped up by soffits & doors & windows, they do not need to be any other colour, not even in the kitchen. here, the floor trim can be the same as the walls.
people look at contrast first.
place your furniture to keep the room feeling open (sofa at back window or facing f/p, two seats w/ table between facing f/p or at back window). remember zones of use. yard sale or craiglist your way to accessories & fun paintings/posters; soon enough, you will have too much.

I don't have advice but I need the same! luckily the bathroom and kitchen of my apt are fine, but bedroom & living room need some help.

Anxious to hear what people say! good luck and congrats on moving alone. Its awesome, but hard too.