Before & After: An Artist’s Living Room Gets a Big, Bold Dose of Warm Color
Every aspect of Raquel Lily‘s life bursts with creativity, from their blossoming music career and cheerful fashion to their eclectic Atlanta home. But while this artist is never afraid to go bold, they weren’t sure which paint color would best bring their living room walls to life.
“Being a total fan of statement colors, it was hard for me to commit to a shade,” they say. “There’s also the added pressure that it’s the first thing you see as you walk into the house!”
Designer and visual artist Sara Weissler suggested updating the living room’s cool gray walls with a warm hue that better matches Raquel’s style and personality: Sienna Clay 104 by Benjamin Moore. It’s a classic terracotta that sets a rich and welcoming mood as soon as you walk in the door. The color also provides a striking-yet-subdued contrast to Raquel’s gorgeous emerald green sofa.
“Sienna Clay is an earthy, grounding, and comforting color,” Sara says. “It’s an unexpected color to pair with a jewel-tone sofa, but it works beautifully because orange and blue are complementary on the color wheel.” Pro tip: When making big color choices, try a sample or swatch near large pieces of furniture or art, especially if their colors are very intense!
Since Raquel often uses their space for band rehearsals, recording, and entertaining, they opted for Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint.
With its exceptional durability and washability, they don’t need to worry about most stray scuffs or bumps from moving furniture, instruments, and equipment. Marks wipe right off!
Raquel’s living-and-dining space also presented a quandary familiar to anyone with an open-concept layout: Where should the color end? Sara used the break in the wall between the living room and kitchen as a natural stopping point for the paint, which helped to define them as two separate rooms.
Now, Raquel’s living room feels welcoming, vibrant, and full of life. “The tone adds to the room’s coziness and definitely gives it a modern retro feel,” they say.
“I think there’s a great deal of warmth and heart that has been added to the living room. One of my favorite things in this space is my emerald couch, and the color of the walls complements this so well!”
