"I'm afraid my wall is going to be completely covered in samples if I don't get some help with a color direction"

That's really what you want to do in order to choose a great color if you're uncertain.
Samples on the wall are still the best way to see what they look like in different lighting and at different times of day along with the existing elements in your room so you can make the best choice.

I think you want to go with something greener than the sofa. My bathrooms have horrible bone-colored fixtures and until I can replace them I chose a paint color that made them less severe. I went with a grayish brown from Sherwin Williams called "Dry Dock" and it really toned down the yellow in the sink, toilet, and shower.

taupe or robin's egg blue would be pretty with the grey sofa.

My first thought was to go pretty bold to contrast the sofa with the wall. How about a cerulean or a sky blue? I agree with midcentmod that a robin's egg blue would be nice.

exactly right. if the walls are green the sofa will look less greenish

My first thought was a navy blue. If you didn't want the whole room to look dark you could just paint one wall (like that one behind the sofa) in a bold or dark color and leave the rest white or gray.

I agree that a green might make the sofa appear less greenish.

I am liking the idea of navy with that white lamp... I'd also add a bright white throw and maybe some light/bright blues for highlights.

I know its popular right now but this blue would work well with the sofa and wood see the last picture and paint color is noted-
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/roundup/color-at-home-best-bold-bright-turquoise-paints--117734

get some samples and put 'em up. it's only paint. you can change it.

I like the white! It's looks so bright and clean. If you paint a fresh white or tone there of, you have lots of playroom for carpeting, drapes, pillows and decorative items in color. If you paint a color you will have to take it into account as a "scheme" for your accessories.

Another thing to think about is how the sofa will pickup a bit of whatever color you paint the wall.

Benjamin Moore: PAPER WHITE.

How about a nice soft yellow? I think it would really make the sofa and floors pop.

Also, one of the best investments is either sample sizes or quart sizes of the paints you are considering. Paint a good sized square on the wall, or a large piece of plywood. It's the only way to know how the paint will dry, and how it will look in your light conditions (both day and night). Those chips are never quite true. It seems like a waste of money, but if it saves you repainting then it's worth it.

Color? The room looks good as it sits!

I would think a earthy green (with a slight brown tone to it) will pull in everything together. I see that with the accessories (the light, side table, the picture on the wall and the sofa) you are going with a black/white/gray color scheme and the floor (and the coffee table) are in brown tones. The earthy green would ground both the color schemes you have going (because i have a similar colors scheme in my living room and i love the green i have - nettle from pittsburg paints. check out the links).

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NbjSE_bn2-V8WLo87iR2pw?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/maXtvbGqEls9UMNbXIEOVw?feat=directlink

www.lushlivings.com

I agree that some color would be nice on the walls--but more important would be a nice RUG to anchor the sofa and coffee table. Buy a rug that you love and there may be a color in the rug that will inspire a wall color.

It might sound dumb, but, try looking at a color wheel. Something might jump out at you for where you want to go. that sofa seems pretty neutral to me so I think you have a lot of options. This about your favorite object and go from there for ideas or look around in a fabric store with a cover that you have taken off one of the back cushions if they zip off.

Is the rest of the room complete (rug, art, accent chairs, etc.)?

If not, don't sweat the paint color yet. Let the other stuff inspire you.

If the question is really finding a paint to downplay the greenish cast of the upholstery, I wouldn't do a blue or a cool gray.

deep wine/purple with chartreuse throw pillows! they'd look good with the cute pillow you already have and complement the dark green owls...

sky blue walls would also look nice and airy...

I think the reason you're so frozen is the sofa is about as neutral as you can get - literally it looks about the same value and tone as a grey card for photography (the photo equivalent of taking every color together and mixing it in a blender to find neutral.) So take some time and look at your other furnishings, your carpet, or things you plan on buying, and go from there. Also, what colors make you happy?! Short of another grey or a beige, I can't imagine you can really go wrong. Be brave - the grey will really pop next to strong colors.

since your couch is solid coloured, i would suggest wallpaper for the one wall only.

A nice, buttery yellow would be good and you can play around until you get one that picks up and harmonizes with the green tones in the sofa.

Personally, I've always decorated with very neutral backgrounds because I like to change stuff around a lot and I use most of my color in ITEMS rather than the wall.

You could do a great neutral grey color that has either soft green undertones or cool blue tones in it. They don't have to read like that to the eye while you look at the sample, but you'll just "know" when you put them near the sofa which ones work well.

And I know it sounds crazy, but some of the best, most neutral greys actually have a hint of lavender in them. You can't usually see it there, but it works wonders to warm up the wall. I love Farrow and Ball's Elephant's Ear grey for that reason. You can order a sample from them or you can get a swatch and get some Home Depot Behr paint mixed up to match at half the cost. Good luck!

hi! i just painted a few rooms of my house this color and i love it! it's pittsburgh paints 154-3 Surf's Up

it's a happy robin's egg blue color and i have a lot of grey tones and it works great with it!

I woud go with a bold rich chocolate paint.

Thanks so much, everyone, for the super-helpful comments!! You've given me a lot of great ideas to think about.

I do like the white that is there now, but after 20 years of rental white I'm ready to break out into some color. I need to remind myself I can do that elsewhere in the house, though.

I *do* still need to get a rug. Thanks very much for the grounding reminder about that.

Thanks again--you all are the best!

Megan

Megan, Olympic Paint has some great tools that can help you get started thinking about adding color into your home! Check out their idea cards and new color palettes inspired by the Audubon Society, there are some really great shades that I think you will love. Or maybe you can try ColorClix? ColorClix is a free desktop application that allows you to select color on your computer and then match it to one of Olympic's over 1,200 paint colors (available in Zero VOC!). If you need any help or have any questions, I'd be happy to get in touch with you. (Check out Olympic here: http://www.olympic.com)

Good luck! :)
Mandy

A nice rich dark blue....it all depends on how much light you get in the room.

I have a color palette blog, and you are more than welcome to scan threw it an use one if you choose.

If I were to make a suggestion I think you should try this color palette of mine. I think it would look great, and it should help down play the green as well.

here is the color palette.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6rdVSELtSag/TK9vN6EKPzI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WlfAjbo_2pE/s1600/herebirdie2.jpg

and here is my blog if you want to scan through it and maybe find something else you like...http://colordrain.blogspot.com/

hope this helps!