Living room wall designs paint

30 top living room paint colors |

(Image credit: Future)

Adding color with paint is a quick and easy way to add style and personality to a living room. Whether your living room is an oasis of calm or home to a house full of children, nothing can transform a space like paint. Take a look at these brilliant living room paint ideas to inspire your own decorating scheme.

Color (even if you’re using neutrals) should be the first thing to consider when you are looking for living room ideas. Ensure your chosen hues work well in your room by applying testers of paint onto sheets of white paper, then tacking them onto each wall you’re thinking of using that color on.

Leave them up for a few days before making any final decisions, noticing how the light affects the color at different times of day, as well as checking they work well next to other elements, such as curtains or couches.

If you’re not confident in choosing a scheme, go with a pre-selected paint ideas palette already picked out by the paint brand you’re using, or follow our advice later on working with tonal, harmonizing and contrasting colors.

Living room paint ideas – 30 colors to inspire

If you are looking for living room color schemes, all inspired by paint colors, these are perfect, having been chosen for their suitability for living rooms, but also because they are on trend for the year ahead – yet ultimately timeless.

Choose living room paint ideas in tones that are right for the orientation of your room. East- and North-facing living rooms will need warmer shades than South- or West-facing living rooms.

Similarly, poorly lit rooms will benefit from lighter shades – unless, of course, you purposely choose to make your living room dark and cozy.

1. Create an ombré effect

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

One of the main entertaining spaces in the home, the living room is the perfect place to create a stunning feature paint effect to capture attention.

There is an array of living room feature wall ideas to choose from, but using paint can be a simple yet highly impactful way to create a unique design that reflects your style and personality.

In this living room, the collection of paint colors by Benjamin Moore , Pink Harmony, Salmon Peach and Dusk Pink work in harmony to create a unique, striped feature wall. This playful, adventurous design shows the versatility of working with paint in the living room, and how you don’t necessarily have to use decorative accessories or wallpaper to create a unique feature wall in a space.

2. Use a bright accent color

(Image credit: James Merrell)

In this living room, the use of the bright yellow accent color not only creates a unique focal point and design feature, but creates a stylish zone separation between two rooms.

The bright yellow accent creates a beautiful contrast with the cream paint on the walls and the soft, powder-blue painted shelving unit, adding a bold, contemporary twist to the space.

Whether you use paint to highlight architectural features in a living room, or paint a door or piece of furniture, accent colors can create impact and beautifully elevate a room.

3. Match with furniture

(Image credit: James Merrell)

If you want to paint your living room but are struggling to pick the right shade, matching the paint on your walls to the color of your furniture is a great option for a bold, monochrome look.

In this living room, the gorgeous azure blue paint and matching twin sofas create an impactful design that celebrates paint and color. With the metallic and wooden accents adding warmth and contrast, the overall look makes for a statement living room design.

4. Create contrast

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

Contrasting colors on the color wheel are always a match made in heaven in interior design, creating a vibrant scheme full of energy.

Creating contrast through your paint choice in the living room can add impact as well as forming a harmonious design full of character and style.

In this living room, renowned complementary colors pink and green work to great effect, with the added teal blue paint elevating the contrasting design scheme one step further.

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Not all design statements need to be big, bold and bright. By using select living room paint ideas you can create an elegant, subtle statement.

In this living room, the walls have been painted a deep shade of Knoxville Grey by Benjamin Moore, the room is then lifted by a delicate, linear outline of paint in the Peanut Shell shade.

A simple paint technique that works to beautiful effect, the finished result creates a decadent, almost art-deco feel. The look is then further enhanced by the metallic accessories and furniture in the room, coordinating with the Peanut Shell shade to create a balanced, unified design.

6. Work with white

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Nothing surprising about this, but brilliant white paint has a transformative effect on interiors – use it on walls and ceilings and it will make a star of every non-white piece of furniture, fabric and accessory in your living room.

White is also an ideal choice when planning small living room ideas. It is a wholly selfless paint shade, providing all the light and energy while reflecting the attention elsewhere – and white living rooms are incredibly easy to switch up.

Decorating with primary colors over white will bring the scheme to life, pastels will be pretty, or you can go for a monotone scheme by sticking to white and black – although the addition of gold or coppery metallics will add warmth.

7. Add a touch of warmth with cream

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

For a while, back in the 1980s, white was replaced by magnolia. And though now we tend to shy away from that pinky-cream, it is a forgiving shade that fits perfectly well into contemporary or mid-century modern living rooms (above) or more traditional schemes (below).

In fact, if you love the idea of a white room but have a North- or East-facing living space with little warm natural daylight, this should be one of the colors you test out. It will reflect light, but add an inviting warmth to the room that white can't.

8. Add the warmth of cream – but make it edgier with ochre or coral

(Image credit: Salvesen Graham)

Beige living room ideas that leans towards ochre (above) can be truly lovely spaces. North-facing rooms can feel chilly, so use shade like a burnt ochre to warm the space up.

Neutral rooms that use any color that mimics something we can find in nature – stone and mushroom for example – will always have a calming effect.

Follow it through into blinds and drapes too and add accents of grass green to add a fresh feel – you can’t go wrong if you follow nature’s palette.

Coral (below) has emerged to be one of the most popular shades over the last six months, so we asked Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore why she thinks it’s such a hit.

‘Corals and pink peach tones are perfect for making a design statement. They create a rich, warm welcoming feeling with undertones of red, orange and pink. It works beautifully as an accent to a gray scheme, or in its own right as a statement wall color.

'More neutral, natural plaster tones or light terracotta shades can create a wonderful earthy feel in a room. They look particularly eye-catching in well lit spaces and when paired with natural materials or painted wood.’

9. Choose the right shade of gray

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Cohen)

Now the best-selling paint color after white, gray has secured its position as the modern neutral of choice. Finding the right gray living room ideas is exactly like buying a red lipstick: you choose one with the undertone that suits your skin tone.

Gray paint tones vary from the cool end of the spectrum, with blue undertones as shown here, to warm shades featuring red bases that give a brown, pink or purple tint.

Your journey starts with deciding on the ‘temperature’ of color your room needs – cool or warm.

10. Pick a warm gray-beige

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

This shade of gray has a touch of yellow in the paint, giving it a brownish tint. This color of gray is great for East- and West-facing rooms for diffused light at sunrise or sunset respectively, while adding warmth at other times of the day.

Gray, like other neutral living room ideas, acts canvas for other colors. Team it with bright artwork and accessories for a truly striking appearance.

11. Pick a deep, earthy tone

(Image credit: Morris & Co)

For cozy living room ideas, picking a deep, earthy tone will always be a great option.

This snug living room, painted in Morris & Co 's Wooded Dell green, a new paint shade for 2022, creates a relaxed, inviting ambience. The deep green complements the traditional country cottage interior, with the yellow accent shade, Sunflower Yellow, adding an uplifting, contemporary twist.

12. Pick a deep chocolate brown for enveloping warmth

(Image credit: Dulux)

Dark living room ideas can feel a bit scary to use, but actually darker colors can be a wonderful choice for a living room. Warm and nurturing, they work well in a room that feels too big, and of course balance is key to making the rest of the scheme work.

Called Cherry Truffle and described as a ‘bitter chocolate with a hint of red’ – hence the berry theme – the brown above looks great with lighter hues like ruby and claret as they’ll lift the overall look.

If you add in a warm metallic accents – perhaps in accessories – the room will glow and not feel too dark. Keep the floor pale and the ceiling white for contrast.

The sophisticated space below uses Charbone from Paint & Paper Library. Keeping your ceiling light will lighten a room and bring balance and contrast to the scheme.

Team brown living room ideas with warming shades like taupe, sandstone, blush and coral to create a cocooning feel that’s cozy and uber stylish – just make sure you have a few paler pieces, textures and patterns to add a decorative element.

13. Go back to black with your living room paint ideas

(Image credit: Dulux)

A deceptive but delicious black paint, the blue undertones of this black living room shade give a pleasurable richness and depth. When used with white, it will dramatically change the interplay of light and space in your room.

Striking enough to take center stage yet subtle and confident enough to allow other hues to shine, black is a dream to work with. Use it wall to wall in a room that gets lots of daylight, or highlight architectural features, such as window frames and shutters, in rooms that are more light-starved.

14. Go for deep blue to make a living room intimate

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Nothing pops like a blue living room; blue is a shade that has the power to transform.

Deep and bright, indigo is surely the most joyful blue hue. Sitting between pure blue and violet on the color spectrum, this intense color is the shade of choice for designers and artists.

15. Create a sky blue living room scheme

(Image credit: Future)

A shade that’s always been popular in the world of interiors, soft blue is a growing living room trend that is set to be next year’s color du jour.

Powder blue paint has the quality of being both soothing and invigorating, and offers plenty of design versatility. Used with crisp white and pebble grey, it creates a calming coastal feel, while as one block of color it can be an enveloping breath of fresh air.

16. Keep it cool with Tiffany blue

Artist's atelier designed by Timothy Corrigan

(Image credit: Timothy Corrigan/Amy Barnard)

If you love blue but are worried that the room you are decorating might feel a little cool afterwards, choose a color with a touch of yellow in it. This produces a much warmer blue that can cope with the coolest of atmospheres.

This cool color is inspired by the iconic packaging of the jewellery store. Tiffany blue is not a shade for the faint hearted, so if you’re nervous of adding bold color all over, use it in alcoves or as part of your accent wall ideas instead.

The trick is to balance out this dynamic hue by teaming it with black or white furniture and a distinctive color, such as red.

17. Give your living room green credentials

(Image credit: Future )

Bringing the outdoors in by having green walls in your home is always a good idea; the nod to nature will create a calm atmosphere however busy the space, so opting for a green living room works just as well as using this shade in a spa-style bathroom.

Green is also said to inspire creativity and spontaneity, making it the ideal choice for your living room walls.

18. Turn up the heat with yellow

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Sophisticated and inviting, yellow living rooms bring in warmth and a cocooning feel. Its rich, textured caramel tones elevate it from just another brown, making it surprisingly tranquil, particularly in small living rooms.

Using earthy shades sets off the vibrancy in colors such peony pink, apple green and amethyst purple, but also highlights classic stone and white.

19. Warm a cool room with an autumnal color palette

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Even if you're not on a lazy, far-flung holiday, you can still evoke the feeling of sun-drenched escapism with a burnt orange paint colour.

Walls painted in terracotta create a bold backdrop for building up layers of interest with a colorful sofa, patterned rug and two-tone accessories.

20. Pick pale pink for warmth and light

(Image credit: Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)

A strong trend and so versatile, pink is an easy color to pair with others and works particularly well when used with ochre, green, mulberry, coral or orange. At the stronger end of the palette, fuchsia or ruby are impactful, while the softer tones are ideal for a calming living room.

A room painted pink will look warm and inviting all day long, regardless of how much natural light is present, and at night the same space will be wonderfully cozy.

Try using a pink paint in a North-facing space to warm up that cool light. This beautiful scheme uses a calming color palette of pink and white with bright pops through the choice of accessories.

21. Be enchanted by warm pink

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

It’s inviting, uplifting and effortless to decorate with, so it’s no surprise that pink is now seen as an interiors neutral, working in everything from bohemian living room ideas to vintage inspired schemes, like the one above. But with choices from pastel to bubblegum, the right shade can prove a tricky quest.

There is an unexpected earthiness to a warm pink, recalling the natural landscape, that makes the color a dream companion to other shades. This versatile hue adds freshness when used alongside classic furniture, and impact in a more contemporary setting. Quite simply, it’s a pink for grown-ups.

22. Paint a living room with a heritage red

(Image credit: Simon Griffiths, Hardie Grant)

When designing a living room, warm up the space with a heritage red. No other shade evokes a celebratory mood quite like a rich cranberry red.

Add a mix of eye-catching and natural elements, such as wooden furniture, bold pattern and accents of black, for a modern take on a traditional palette.

23. Paint a living room recess

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Paint is the perfect way to express your artistic and experimental side. ‘I see people being far more creative with paint these days, doing lovely things, such as painting the inside of a recess a darker shade to give it extra definition,’ says Joa Studholme, colour consultant, Farrow & Ball. ‘Ideas such as these can take as little as 20 minutes and will transform the room.’

The darker shade in the recess allows cherished objects to stand out, while the television successfully blends into the backdrop to create a subtly colorful yet minimalist living room.

24. Contrast living room paint ideas with wallpaper

(Image credit: Studio Peake/Alexander James)

Living room paint ideas are really useful for zoning an open- or broken-plan living room, particularly when used in tandem with wallpaper ideas.

The room above is a case in point – the cozier, darker area used for movie nights is in a color-blocked blue; this color is then picked up in the pretty – but much lighter – wallpaper in the part of the room used for socialising.

25. Use paint to highlight living room furniture

(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)

Living room paint ideas needn't be limited to the walls – you can use color to quickly transform furniture.

Even just painting the inside of a display cabinet can introduce a beautiful accent color into your living room scheme, highlighting the beautiful objets you have inside.

26. Make rooms feel larger by color drenching

(Image credit: Crown)

Some believe that decorating with dark living room colors can make spaces feel smaller, however, when used across walls, woodwork and the ceiling they can in fact make a living space feel bigger – this technique is known as color drenching.

‘Painting skirting boards and window frames to match the wall color is a simple but stylish touch for the living room. Not only does this create a contemporary, monochromatic look, but it is also an easy way of creating the illusion of bigger walls, making the whole room appear more spacious,’ explains Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown .

Elegant and sophisticated, color drenching a room in one dark shade can also help the space feel cosy and cocooning. A warm, velvety blue, this Indulgence paint from Crown pairs beautifully with the warmth and texture of a buttoned sofa in rich umber, establishing an elegant look for ceiling paint ideas.

27. Paint the ceiling in a contrasting color

(Image credit: Paper & Paint Library)

If you have a room with high ceilings, why not take the opportunity to make a dramatic statement by painting the ceiling in a contrasting color to the walls? A great look for living room ceiling ideas.

Painting a ceiling in a lighter color to the walls can help lead your eye upwards to give the illusion of height, but is also a brilliant way to highlight architectural features such a beautiful plasterwork as demonstrated in this Georgian room.

In this space Paper & Paint Library's Grenache on walls and Lady Char's Lilac on the ceiling makes for a striking and playful pairing and is a fun way to channel the lilac trend.

'If you want to incorporate lilac into a darker more dramatic interior, consider painting the skirting, wall and cornicing in the same color, with a lighter lilac color on the ceiling to create a feeling of height,' explains Andy Greenall head of design, Paint & Paper Library .

28. Add grandeur with metallic finishes

(Image credit: Project Phillip Thomas / photograph Michael Mundy)

When it comes to choosing living room paint ideas, it’s not just color that should be considered – the finish can make an impact, too.

‘I always love a high gloss lacquer finish in a living room, as it adds lightness and luxury to the space,’ explains New York-based interior designer Phillip Thomas . ‘I also enjoy experimenting with metallics, especially on ceiling ideas. A metallic finish on the ceiling can have a truly transformative effect, making your space feel much taller and grander.’

Phillip Thomas explains how color and finishes played am important role in the designs for his sister’s apartment (pictured). ‘There is nothing less than a satin finish on any surface. From having the walls skim-coated throughout, to using metallic finishes on the ceiling in the living room and library, it was about creating a kind of glow in the space,' he says.

The designer also took care to consider the colors used in adjacent rooms to ensure balance throughout, choosing Benjamin Moore's striking dahlia for this living room alongside its equally vibrant Aniline Red in the adjoining library.

28. Lift spirits with orange

(Image credit: Chelsea Townhouse with bespoke paint finish on walls by Kelling Designs)

Being one of the most used rooms in the home it's important that living rooms are happy spaces, and decorating with orange is guaranteed to bring a joyful, uplifting feel.

'A firm Kelling favourite, orange is the new black and looks color with every colour you pair it with, says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs . 'It brings in warmth, brightness and an uplifting energy whether you use it on a whole wall or bring in splashes of orange through your accessories.'

If you're considering an all-orange scheme be sure to introduce plenty of texture and variations in tone to prevent the space feeling overpowering. For walls, use paint ideas that combine two tones of oranges and choose a rug with a gentle pattern as done in this scheme by Kelling Designs.

For upholstery, opt for sculptural shapes in deeper shades of orange to anchor the scheme and choose sumptuous fabrics such as soft velvet or chenille for added texture.

30. Don't be afraid to be bold

(Image credit: Project Phillip Thomas / Photograph Michael Mundy)

When it comes to choosing living room color ideas don't be timid say the experts. 'Stop playing it safe, and choose colors you love and bring you joy,' advises the New York based interior designer Phillip Thomas. 'In one of my favorite living rooms, we used Benjamin Moore's Ladybug Red to create a super vibrant space with a strong personality.'

Warm and bold, the vibrant red shade helps balance the strong architectural lines of this space, but also makes a wonderful backdrop for patterned fabrics and bold artwork.

'I also love layer artwork, whether that means creating a gallery wall of prints and photographs, putting a framed painting next to shelves of small sculptures, or creating a dialogue with architectural elements, such as hanging art over a bookshelf or propping it up against a column,' adds Phillip Thomas.

Which color paint is best for a living room?

The best paint color needn't rely on the latest trends. Nor do we have to believe that white walls are the only way to go. A plain and neutral base can indeed be a good starting point from which to build a decorating scheme, but if you ignore the spectrum of colors and patterns available in paint, you could be missing out.

Be brave and find colors and looks that work for you. Do your research and start collecting together living room pictures you are drawn to in order to find your perfect shades.

There's no denying that gray living rooms are still the most popular mainstream color choice. It has become the neutral of choice, replacing cream and beige for the modern home.

What paint can you use in the living room?

Today’s paints are, in fact, all about practicality. Chalky finishes are less fragile than before, and mattes more wipeable. Pretty much all paints are less smelly than they used to be, and the eco-friendly alternatives now offer a robust covering as well as being socially responsible.

Quite simply, there is something for every surface, every room and every shopper. Some colors do come and go, and sometimes brands appear or disappear from the offering in the big DIY stores, but it’s fair to say that the color choice is still immense.

And, if you can’t see it on the shelves, have your ideal living room paint ideas mixed for you in whatever finish takes your fancy.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

The Best Living Room Paint Colors of 2023, According to Designers

The living room has long been one of the most important spaces in the home for relaxing, entertaining—and well, living—with family and friends. From the Victorian era’s high-spirited parlor rooms to the modern, boldly patterned living room ideas of today, the design of the living room is meant to be a welcoming space for gathering with friends and family or for relaxing alone. In most cases, the style of a home's living room sets the tone for the rest of the house via furniture choices, personal collections, and accessories. One of the easiest ways to define the space is by switching up your living room paint colors. This is also one of the quickest ways to update the living room.

Not only are your color choices the most powerful for establishing a sense of personal style in the living room, but they are also typically the initial decorating decisions that drive the rest of the process, from selecting fabrics and living room rug ideas to thinking through living room lighting ideas. Whether you gravitate towards lighter, airier spaces with calming colors or crave cozy, warm paint colors like you might find in yellow rooms, green rooms, or even chocolate brown rooms, you'll find all the living room paint color ideas and inspiration you need right here. We've gathered 47 of the most radiant living room paint color ideas from top designers around the world to get you started. Happy decorating!

Bermuda Blue

BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

Glazed walls in Benjamin Moore's "Bermuda Blue" create a bold backdrop for a colorful space filled with a mix of classic and modern pieces as designed by decorator Lizzie Bailey. Contemporary artist Willa Nasatir’s “Bite" (2020) hangs on the wall above a custom raspberry strie velvet sofa from Pindler.

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Marigold

Thomas Loof

As an ode to Dorothy Draper, designer Garrow Kedigian painted the walls of his exuberant apartment at the Carlyle a jubilant yellow—the same shade as the yellow velvet sofas Draper picked for the hotel's lobby. The cerulean on the bookshelves carries over from the neighboring entryway.

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Island Pink

Eric Piasecki

In the conversational living room of this Block Island retreat, blushy pink walls create a tranquil glow reminiscent of the sunset at the beach. Decorator Miles Redd painted the room's textured wallcovering several times before achieving the perfect pale pink—which just so happens to match the romantic floral linen (Blithfield) on the club chairs.

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Creamy Gray

Thomas Loof

While a lover of vivacious prints and bold colors, designer Ashley Whittaker knew the only way to tame the 30-foot-long living room at this Connecticut estate was to keep the walls muted and reserve the pattern play for the furnishings. Creamy Venetian plaster walls serve as a soothing backdrop for a velvet sofa (Lee Jofa) and a serene landscape photograph by Carol Greenan Bouyoucos.

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Juicy Apricot

Werner Straube

Memories of warm summer days exploring the sunlit architecture of Venice inspired designer Summer Thornton to paint her Chicago living room a delicious apricot shade. The mohair orange sofa (fringe; Samuel & Sons) and the curvy custom daybed in the bay window fill the room with a sense of whimsy.

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Dusty Yellow

Miguel Flores-Vianna

It was the orange and yellow tones of the antique Spanish rug that propelled designer Renvy Graves Pittman to lean into a sunset palette for her Bel Air living room. Lee Jofa chintz-covered armchairs dotted throughout the room create the perfect perch to lounge during dinner parties.

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Apple Green

James McDonald

English gentlewoman Esther Cayzer-Colvin relied on lessons she learned from her grandmother Nancy Lancaster, co-owner at Colefax and Fowler, to decorate her own personal Wiltshire estate. Cayzer-Colvin meticulously mixed together varying shades of green paint to produce a color that reminded her of cooking apples for the walls of her family room.

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Periwinkle Blue

Interior Design: Anthony Baratta. Photography: Mark Roskams

“I like to utilize the entire volume of a room,” says Anthony Baratta of the living room in this Manhattan apartment, pointing to an American painting by Tomory Dodge and oversize custom floor lamp, both of which take advantage of the capacious height. Equally ample upholstered furnishings are clad in arresting colors and patterns, including cherry-red velvet (Pierre Frey) and the sofa’s block-printed linen (Christopher Moore). Plaster and marble objects, including an over-the-top amphora lamp, echo the color and classical tone of the original ceiling moldings. The medallion border on the drapes was inspired by one in a Christian Lacroix showroom.

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Cherry Red

Dylan Thomas

Most of the palette and patterns for this London rowhouse decorated by Gary McBournie came from a single small antique Turkish rug. "We loved its colors and design, and Chinese, Indian, and Turkish influences," says McBournie. "It became the starting point for everything." Because it was too small to suit any of the spaces, McBournie re-created it as a large living room rug for the cherry-hued space. A convivial window seat overlooks an emerald and white back garden. Striped banquette fabric, Pierre Frey. French lantern, Carlton Davidson Antiques

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High Gloss Aubergine

Kelly Marshall

In the New York gallery/apartment of author Emily Eerdmans, aubergine lacquer conceals some awkward corners. The glazed wall finish was completed by Vincent Naletilic. A 19th-century French sunburst clock is suspended by a shantung silk bow from Mario Buatta’s living room. Ottoman velvet, George Spencer through Claremont

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Taxicab Yellow

Douglas Friedman

Designer Todd Romano's living room in San Antonio, Texas, is a virtuoso’s guide to owning the color wheel: Taxicab yellow, pure red, and cobalt are a mighty foundation for soft pastels and nuanced naturals. A pair of Chinese baluster vases fitted as lamps bookends a custom button-tufted sofa. Central artwork, C-Ring 1, Todd & Fitch

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Plaster White

Thomas Loof

In the living room of designer Cece Barfield Thompson's New York apartment, plaster white walls provide a crisp backdrop to a sea of fresh greens. An oil painting by London artist Daisy Cook hangs over a nine-foot Schneller sofa upholstered in stain-resistant fabric (Perennials). The coffee table is crafted from a 19th-century Chinese screen; the chairs are covered in handblocked linen (Clarence House).

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Chic Chartreuse

Annie Schlechter

In the library of her Long Island home, designer Meg Braff played up the natural light and original 1960s paneling by painting the walls a bright chartreuse (Vienna Green by Benjamin Moore). Cane-back armchairs, Julian Chichester. Leopard cushion fabric, Brunschwig & Fils.

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Raisin D'Etre

Brie Williams

For the paneled library walls in her Charleston, South Carolina, home, designer Ceara Donnelly went dark, choosing a raisin shade of brown-purple. A custom mohair sectional (Dmitriy & Co.) wraps a R&Y Augousti table. Paneling color, Pelt by Farrow & Ball

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Limestone

William Abranowicz

In the living room of architect Ken Pursley's home in Charlotte, North Carolina, walls painted a warm, light grey set a soothing tone for a sea of neutrals. A Calacatta marble partition separates the seating area from an open kitchen, shielding countertop clutter while inviting conversation between cook and guest. The custom sofa was a wedding gift from fellow architect Bobby McAlpine.

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Golden Sunlight

Annie Schlechter

At this Bronxville, New York, home designed by Carrier and Company, the golden walls in the newly added family room are painted Standish White. Trim, White Dove, both by Benjamin Moore

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Ship-Shape Blue

Nickolas Sargent

For Lexington, Kentucky–based Benjamin Deaton, transforming the the living room at the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach was all about blending a beachy lifestyle with his personal aesthetic and experiences.

Walls sheathed in a medium-blue grass cloth wallcovering and window treatments (The Shade Store) trimmed in jaunty red reference nautical style while natural texture found in the room's rug and signature Billy Baldwin bookcase-turned-bar from Paula Roemer Antiques lend coastal style.

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Emerald Green

Douglas Friedman

For the living room in this Connecticut home, designer Miles Redd found a pair of George II–style painted mirrors at auction “for a steal. They are totally Mario Buatta and really anchor the living room.” Emerald silk walls (Kravet), lapis-blue taffeta curtains with bullion fringe, and ruby red accents illuminate the room to radiant effect. Hand-blocked chintz upholstery fabric, Clarence House

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Daffodil Yellow

Julia Lynn

For the living room palette in this Austin, Texas, home, designer Angie Hranowsky doubled down on yellow: Daffodil walls (Golden Straw, Pratt & Lambert) are amplified by trim painted a deeper shade of yellow (Hay, Farrow & Ball). Peach velvet sofa fabric, Pierre Frey

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Granny Smith Green

Annie Schlechter

In this New York City living room designed by Chiqui Woolworth, vivid dragon-print draperies (Jim Thompson) and glossy apple green walls cloak the living room in a carousal of color. The artwork over the mantel, Contemplation, is by Anne Rose, the owner’s mother.

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Pure White

Gordon Beall

Lawyer-turned-interior designer Darryl Carter proves soft white walls create a gallery-like backdrop, as seen here in his Washington, D.C., townhouse. Treasured works of art, sculptural marble benches, and a roaring fireplace against white walls provide a serene experience for guests.

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Forest Green

Stephen Karlisch

Reminiscent of the deep tones found in a forest, the green walls (Windsor Green by Benjamin Moore) and leafy garland on the mantel of this Dallas family room by Viviano Viviano evoke the tranquility of nature. The curation of artwork around the space was in collaboration with C2 Art Advisors, and the velvet chaises are by Sutherland Perennials.

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Carmine

Nelson Hancock

Rich carmine walls provide an energizing canvas for a medley of textures and pattern in this New England den by Markham Roberts. A cartouches printed linen (Rose Cummings) and a Kashmir wool paisley (Clarence House) dress the custom sofa and slipper chair. While Roberts opted to upholster the walls in cashmere, you can achieve a similar look by painting the walls with Farrow & Ball's Picture Gallery Red in a matte finish.

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Light Oak

Camila Cossio

Warm neutrals echoing shades of wood create a calming atmosphere to sit back and watch the bustling streets outside the large bays windows of this Mexico City living room by Fernanda Loyzaga.

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So Golden

WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ / ART + COMMERCE

Ask designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, and he'll tell you gold belongs on more than just your wrists and fingers. In this Upper East Side townhouse, the New York–based decorator used a sumptuous marigold as a backdrop for the artful mirror-image seating area.

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Powder Blue

Emily Followill

When looking for ways to liven up this historic Atlanta home, designers Nina Nash Long and Don Easterling turned to unique shades that could dial up the room's design moxie while still being livable. The duo painted the mantel, trim, walls, windows, and doors in this silvery blue shade from Farrow & Ball.

"It’s peaceful and calming but still packs a punch of fun color," say the duo.

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Salmon Pink

Brian Woodcock

"It's funny how much color comes across with those few accents, but I think it embraces Palm Beach's very sophisticated sensibility," remarks Suzanne Kasler, who used a vibrant pink shade to anchor a long living room at the Kips Bay Show House in Palm Beach. The salmony shade not only adds a pop of color to the mostly white space, but it brings out the touches of the pink and yellow in the Sans Soucis wallcovering by de Gournay.

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Artful Greige

Joe Schmelzer

The slight brown undertones of the gray hue covering the walls of this living room design by Kishani Perera warm up the quaint space while giving it a timeless air.

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Ice Blue

MELANIE ACEVEDO

Shades of blue and pops of yellow echo the crystal-clear skies of the setting of this Bahamas getaway design by Miles Redd. To ensure a living room's color palette never feels overwhelming, Redd recommends using art as a color equalizer.

"Not only does art help a room feel complete, it can make soft colors feel less wan and stronger colors appear more mellow," explains Redd. The painting So To Speak by Doug Argue hangs over a sofa in a Osborne and Little fabric. The yellow linen used throughout the space is from Pierre Frey.

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Clean White

Brian Woodcock

"The best thing you can have in a house is good natural light," says architect James F. Carter, who designed the living room of this Georgian-style home with four pairs of French doors and walls in a clean white shade that helps to make the room feel even brighter. The Regency game table and chairs are flanked by Chippendale mirrors and lamps from Bungalow 5. The wall paint color is Glacier White by Benjamin Moore.

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Smoky Gray

Christoph Theurer

A smoky shade of gray (River Reflection by Benjamin Moore) bring the 18th-century boiserie in this Jean-Louis Deniot–designed Paris apartment back to life while also serving as a classical background for colorful midcentury and contemporary furnishings. Pink porcelain side tables (Djim Berger) mingle with a bergère armchair attributed to Georges Jacob and a clam chair by Philip Arctander.

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Glossy White

William Abranowicz

In the living room of this glamorous Hamptons home, glossy, white-lacquered walls reflect the diffused natural light from the custom ceiling, turning the space into a glowing light box. Designer Alex Papachristidis worked with artisans from across the country to create one-of-a-kind pieces like the pair of Hervé Van der Straeten bronze light fixtures that hang like jewelry in the space. The custom cantilevered sofas are covered in a white velvet from Cowtan & Tout.

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Sunny Yellow

Amy Neunsinger

Both designer and client wanted to preserve the charm of this 1950s Alabama home, and Mark D. Sikes embraced the challenge by molding a traditional living room swathed in feminine chintz into a fresh perspective with the help of citron walls by Farrow & Ball. The floral drapery and tufted sofa upholstery is Lee Jofa, and the geometric abaca rug is by Patterson Flynn Martin.

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High-Gloss Blue

Franceso Lagnese

Many traditional libraries feature brown wood paneling, but slap on a coat of high-gloss blue paint—like in this living room designed by Richard Keith Langham—and you get a modern space that feels fresh and vibrant. Plaid Scottish curtains are Colefax and Fowler, and the ottoman is upholstered with a Jerry Pair suede.

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Soft Blush

DAN PIASSICK

The blushing shade adorning the Dallas living room of late arts patron and design enthusiast Betty Blake emboldens the abstract showpieces and eccentric furnishings by Syrie Maugham to shine bright.

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A Shade of White

Alexandre Bailhache

Once a barn in this provincial home, the new living room stands awash in sophisticated patterns and textures. Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White is just a shade warmer than pure white, making it a subtle backdrop for family antiques and lusciously patterned curtains in Braquenie fabric. Oversize sofas are upholstered in Sits and Pierre Frey.

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Lime Green

Melanie Acevedo

Lime green is likely one of the last colors on your list for a living room, but this space designed by Maureen Footer might just change your mind. Dreamed up while researching her book, Dior and His Decorators, Footer approached the design of her own apartment with the spirit of the venerable fashion icon. Neoclassical furnishings stand in contrast with the lime green walls to create a très chic living space. The sofa upholstery is a Bergamo fabric, and the wall sconces are Urban Archaeology.

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Pastel Blue

Amy Neunsinger

This sun-dappled sitting room designed by Mark D. Sikes evokes the essence of Southern gentility and lazy summer afternoons. Farrow & Ball’s aptly named Borrowed Light paint makes a wood-paneled space feel light and bright and perfectly complements the leaf print curtains by Colefax and Fowler. The sofa upholstery is Peter Dunham, and the plaster finished chandelier is by Visual Comfort & Co.

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Creamy Neutrals

Max Kim-Bee

Bleached wood paneling and Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray create a quiet seaside getaway in the Hamptons. The custom sofa is in a Manuel Canovas fabric, and the ceramic lamp is Vaughan. Interior Design by Amanda Nisbet.

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Cool Hues

Bjorn Wallander

Depending on the light, Farrow & Ball's Parma Gray fluctuates between light lilac and cool blue in this New England home. Italianate Victorian architectural features are complimented with exotic decor brought back from Kate Corsden's travels throughout the world as a photographer. Armchairs are Hickory Chair upholstered in a Ralph Lauren Home Belgian Linen.

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Grassy Green

Amy Neunsinger

While this cozy den by Mark D. Sikes is adorned with Farrow & Ball wallpaper, a similar effect can be achieved with their Folly Green paint. Sofa upholstery is Jasper.

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Coastal White

Erica Georges Dines

Emeril Lagasse and Alden Lovelace's home near Destin, Florida, reveals a love for worldly antiques and cool, coastal style. Lovelace painted all the walls throughout the house in Ballet White, a Benjamin Moore gray reminiscent of the creamy hues inside an oyster shell. Secretary is by David Sutherland with a demilune table by Formations.

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Formal Gray

Francesco Lagnese

Farrow & Ball's French Gray on the cabinetry gives this Manhattan apartment's living room instant provenance. The green-gray hue keeps a formal living room feeling relaxed and inviting. Custom armchairs are covered in a Rose Tarlow Melrose House textile, and the antique rug is from Stark. Interior Design by Cathy Kincaid.

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Olive Tones

Francesco Lagnese

The maximalist approach of this den created by Thomas O'Brien and Dan Fink creates a warm and cozy environ ready for an afternoon of reading. Benjamin Moore's Southern Vine coats the walls in a luxurious, saturated glow and gives a large space a sense of definition. A custom silk folding screen from Aero separates two seating areas, and the chandelier is designed by O'Brien for Visual Comfort & Co.

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Rosy Pink

MELANIE ACEVEDO

In her signature no-holds-barred style, Michelle Nussbaumer relied on a dusty rose shade to anchor the worldly mix of pedigreed antiques and lush fabrics in her Dallas living room. The antique stool (JF Chen) is covered in a Fabricut fabric.

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Textured White

Annie Schlechter

Warm woods and neutral tones add European elegance to this Atlanta home. Farrow & Ball's Shaded White envelopes the living room and allows architectural elements like the antique beams to shine. Leather armchair and side table are from Travis Antiques and Interiors, and the custom sofa upholstery is Cowtan and Tout. Interior design by Carolyn Malone.

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Bird's Egg Blue

Thomas Loof

Known for dazzling color and dizzying pattern, Miles Redd brings new life into an outdated Victorian home in New Jersey. Lacquered walls in Benjamin's Moore's Bird's Egg and a fanciful curtain pelmet elongate a low-ceilinged room and add a sense of whimsy to what was considered the most formal living space in the Victorian era. Wall sconces are Visual Comfort & Co., and the custom tufted sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet.

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Steele Marcoux Editor in Chief, VERANDA Steele Marcoux is the Editor in Chief at VERANDA, covering design trends, architecture, and travel for the brand.

Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.

50 photos of interiors, what color to paint the walls in

The color of the walls in the living room can be called the basis of the composition in the interior, because they become the background for further arrangement of a comfortable, aesthetic and harmonious room. The mood of the situation, the feeling of comfort and warmth depends on the shade of the finish.

The choice of palette depends not only on personal preferences, but also on the parameters of the room - color schemes will make a room with low ceilings and one north window more comfortable, a very narrow or irregularly shaped room. nine0003
The choice of colors depending on the direction of the world

Perhaps the first thing to determine is how effective the natural light of the room is: the northern rooms do not receive sunlight, while in the southern rooms there is an excess of them. Of course, a lot also depends on the climate, because some even the southern regions are distinguished by the predominance of cloudy days.

Colors help make the living room more comfortable.

In a room facing north, there is usually a feeling of lack of sunlight and warmth . Therefore, the color of the living room in this case should be warm, soft, cozy. Usually it is a beige palette, muted shades of green combined with natural woody, chocolate scale with terracotta and yellow notes.

The color of the room with windows facing south can be cooler - blue, gray, white and turquoise . But these tones do not seem cozy to many, so they are often changed to a neutral range - barely noticeable cream, milky, gray-blue and white-sky. nine0022
Northwest and northeast rooms can be different. To determine in what shade to decorate such a room, it is worth watching. If there is no time, you can choose combined solutions - paint the wall where the rays of the sun fall in light cool colors, and the opposite one - in the shade - on the contrary, in the sunny palette. Then it will seem that there is still more sunlight in the room than there really is. To make the effect more noticeable, choose bright colors of warm colors for accents - they will look as if sunlight is also falling on them. nine0022
More comfortable rooms - southwest and southeast . Here the sun's rays look more, respectively, they warm the room and make it bright. For a hall in an apartment with such an arrangement, any shades and their combinations are suitable.

Combination of finishes and furniture

The choice of color for the living room and its furnishings is usually based on simple rules of harmony. And in this matter, it is not so important what the chosen shade for the walls will be - it is important to find an aesthetic combination. nine0003
Natural duets and trios are among the traditional combinations. This, of course, is the color of greenery and wood, sky and earth, greenery and buds. Obviously, the blue, pastel olive and pistachio walls of the living room complement the brown furniture. An example is the combination of woody and vibrant greens, mint and fuchsia.

Combinations of beige scales with all natural shades look just as harmonious: the color of sand and the sea, clouds and clear sky. But the most organic are considered tones close in gamut - for example, cream, sand and peach, as well as pistachio, azure and emerald. nine0003

The achromatic palette is always out of competition, because it goes well with any - both natural and "poisonous" tones. The white, gray or even black color of the living room does not determine the shade of the furniture set - any other shade looks great against such a background.

To find the best combinations, you can use the circle, in which harmonious tones are selected using shapes inscribed in it - triangles, squares or rectangles - depending on how many shades are needed for decoration. nine0003

How to find the perfect color for your living room

In search of the best decor, hosts look not only to personal preferences and design advice, but also to various psychological aspects. For example, psychologists are sure that deep blue is the best shade for a bedroom, while light green gives a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Another theory of the influence of the color palette is associated with the Taoist symbolic exploration of space, called "feng shui". In this teaching, it is believed that the color for the living room is as important as your spiritual state is for you. Here, the balance and distribution of color throughout the room is significant. In this theory, the palette is divided into male and female shades. And they should all be present in the design. According to Taoist theory, a cozy living room should include almost all existing shades, but it is recommended to give priority to the feminine, then the atmosphere will turn out to be soft and hospitable. These tones include white, blue and green - a rather cool palette, but they must be complemented by "male" colors - black, orange or red. nine0003

Of course, no one can tell you what the ideal color for your living room will be, so you should take into account a variety of parameters and personal preferences.

The neutral character of pastel shades

A living room in pastel shades is a versatile solution for a project in any style. This range is distinguished by a particularly light spectrum, almost imperceptible emotional coloring, the possibility of combining with any other bright accents. The best shades in this range are, of course, beige, milky, cream, powdery, gray-beige. Less commonly, pastel yellow, green, blue are used in the design. They are more emotionally colored, so choose them when the owners are sure what mood they want for the interior of their living room, albeit in pastel colors. nine0003

This palette has both warm and cool tones:

Beige tones in a wide range help to make the room warm and cozy . They are applicable to the interior in any style and are harmoniously combined with bright color spots of any spectrum.

Warm pastel yellow . It is quite close to beige, so in this color the design of the living room will become more sunny and cheerful.

Cool include ultra-light and muted gray, blue and green, lilac, pink . Of course, there are also warm tones in every spectrum. The choice depends on the overall design, the location of the room, its area and shape.

Living room in pastel colors can be different - restrained and neutral, strict and unemotional, hospitable and cheerful, solemn and elegant. The inclusion of any bright color sets the mood and shapes the character of the setting.

Living room in warm colors

It is obvious that warm colors in the interior of the hall create a very unambiguous atmosphere - cozy and pleasant. Lighter shades are quite sophisticated, but saturated ones are homely and emotional. nine0003

The lightest and most neutral creamy tones are a sophisticated option for decorating rooms in classic, modern, technological and solemn - a variety of styles . Close to white, this color looks unobtrusive and elegant. Together with gilding, it can be used in a classic majestic interior, and with the inclusion of bright colors of the "acid" palette - in the hi-tech direction.

Living room in cream tones - an elegant option for discreet classics, laconic minimalism, a cozy interpretation of high-tech style . This is a universal color from the beige range, which is easily combined with different shades - deep, bright, dark.

Living room in peach tones - a richer interior in which it is easy to create a special atmosphere . Summer aromas and a light atmosphere are literally in the air here, so you should choose the appropriate solutions for decoration. Peach color in the interior of the living room helps to decorate the room romantically, gently, unobtrusively. It easily fits into the directions with a rustic character, where natural white textiles, simple wooden furniture, wicker sets are also appropriate. nine0022
Terracotta color in the interior of the living room is a rather bold decision . Of course, this is the natural color of a traditional brick, but it is distinguished by its brightness and saturation, so the terracotta shade cannot fill the entire room. And if it was chosen for painting a large area, but even the hinged shelves will be lighter and weightless.

A living room in warm tones can be either red - extravagant, or brown - in a natural, rather saturated color of natural wood. Against such a background, elegant details in a peach shade, in a white and beige palette, as well as green, blue, and pink decor are harmoniously used. nine0003
Warm colors in the interior of the living room can be both pink and green. To do this, just add yellow notes to such shades, and you get a curious mix of halftones that will allow you to combine opposite temperature spectra for full harmony and filling the composition. For example, a peach-colored living room includes a hint of pink, which allows you to organically use the rich shade of fuchsia in accents.

Living room in a cold palette

Cool shades are usually chosen for rooms that are flooded with sun. Most often, these are apartments and houses in the southern regions, because even the southern rooms of the northern climatic regions actually rarely see the sun. But a living room in cool colors can also be chosen to implement a discreet - modern or solemn pompous style. It will be a detached environment, perhaps strict and even businesslike, technological or with futuristic features. Of course, even such a palette can be made cozy if you choose light shades for the background, and the main composition will be wooden pieces of furniture, accents in a warm palette - red, orange, yellow, beige, chocolate. nine0003
The lilac color in the decoration of the hall will look extraordinary. Shades of lilac range are quite peculiar and ambiguous. They include a wide range of other pure colors, which creates a variety of variations and nuances of this color scheme. For example, the predominance of notes in the purple range will make the interior mysterious and meaningful. In the living room in lilac tones, there will hardly be an additional zone in the form of a children's or play area. Such a room is more often used for receiving guests and spending time with a married couple without children. nine0003

Black is designed to emphasize the style of the hall in cool shades - it outlines the contours, sets off the depth of the background color or demonstrates the lightness of the light palette.

Cool tones of blue, green, gray-beige remain pleasant for perception. These are light and unobtrusive colors that can be pastel or more intense, but their nature allows you to create organic and comfortable compositions.

Living room decoration in dark colors

Before choosing the main color for the living room, it is worth evaluating its parameters: if it is spacious and light enough, the walls can be painted in an intense shade from any palette. Of course, black surfaces will press psychologically, so when choosing a specific tone, one should take into account its effect on human sensations.

Despite the seeming extravagance of a rich background, you can find a lot of interesting solutions:

0016 . This is a standard solution for the loft style, as well as for many industrial, urban, ultra-modern areas in which there is a lot of metal, concrete, glass.

The interior of the living room in dark colors is often made in chocolate tones . Such design can be implemented both in modern style and in classicism.

The photo shows the design of the living room in chocolate tones.
Decorating a room in this palette is quite easy - it goes well with light and saturated shades of other ranges. Chocolate can be the color of natural wood panels or painted concrete, then there are discreet gray notes in it. nine0003
When choosing a dark color for the hall, another interesting question arises - regarding the choice of color for the kitchen-living room when combining these zones. Obviously, a saturated room in a deep palette cannot be monophonic. When we design a combined space, it should not be cluttered with intense tones. The combination of contrasting shades will be the perfect tool for zoning a room. With any dark range, white, light gray, beige will organically look.

Choice of finishing colors for individual surfaces

It is unlikely that anyone thinks that it is enough to paint the walls in the living room and the interior will be ready: the composition, mood, atmosphere are formed by many details, and you should not take away an important role from floor and ceiling coverings in this process. One thing is obvious - they almost never merge with vertical surfaces. Even in the same range, clear boundaries are drawn between the planes with the help of a plinth. In a monochrome room, the flooring, the color of the walls of the living room, the ceilings will be implemented in the same range, but in different shades. Although among the harmonious combinations there are many stylish and elegant solutions. nine0003
White living room

The ideal solution for a bright, spacious room is, of course, white. It is chosen for walls and ceilings in classic, Scandinavian, Greek style, as well as contemporary and shabby chic. Depending on the direction, you can find the best answer to the question of how to choose the color of the floor.

Popular and harmonious floorings include:

Parquet or other wood alternative . Most often, the coating retains its natural shade, so the color of the laminate is usually brown, although this range is quite large - from whitish to chocolate with golden threads. If you choose a monochrome design, gray-white types of laminate are suitable for a white room; they will look stylish and restrained in the living room interior. The warm brown shade of wood will make the atmosphere cozy and homely. nine0022
Natural stone will make any room solemn - natural mineral looks so luxurious. Marble, which is dominated by a white palette, will look exceptional in a classic interior. But other minerals, differing in a variety of colors, will organically fit into an aristocratic interior.

Ceramic tiles, due to their variety, can be used in any style . When choosing such a coating, a well-chosen ornament is important - a tile can imitate wood material, natural stone, or represent a completely different category - the ability to create patterns on the surface in the widest palette of shades. nine0022

From ceiling coverings for a white interior, similar materials are usually chosen - preference is given to stretch fabrics. The choice of gloss or matte surface depends on the style and parameters of the room. As a rule, glossy ceilings are equipped in rooms that are too low and in modern design directions. In tension multi-level structures, colored canvases can be used - in the central and zoning inserts of various shapes. It can be a regular geometric figure or a contour of arbitrary geometry. nine0003
Beige interior

Everything is clear here: the use of beige neutral colors creates an elegant environment with a discreet character. As a rule, cream or sand wallpapers complement the wood floor. The ceiling can be painted both in traditional white and in milky - a softer tone.

Universal beige is a good solution for both luxury and budget interiors. Such a palette allows you to save a lot - there are no flashy and demonstrative details, the price of materials fades into the background, like the whole environment - comfort plays the main role. nine0003
Gray room

Gray palette - a wide variety of shades for decorating rooms in different styles. Silver is a frequent guest in restrained classicism, matte ash is the color of pure concrete in a loft style, aluminum and steel is a high-tech direction priority, graphite can become the basis of any modern or retrospective design. Of course, a living room in dark colors is possible only with a sufficient area of the room. However, there is always room for an accent surface. nine0003
To decide what color to paint the walls, it is worth comparing the parameters of the room and the nature of the chosen style. Universal and achromatic gray can be appropriate in any of the directions in a very different format.

Picking up the same color for the floor and ceiling is not difficult.

Wood brown flooring is the perfect choice for any interior . It is a warm color that will balance the cool and austere ash, especially when used metallically in modern settings. nine0022
Gray granite or grey-beige slate - a luxurious solution for a room with monumental features . This wear-resistant coating is expensive and has a variety of decorative textures, but the weight of the material prevents its widespread distribution.

Ceramic tiles can be bright enough - any accent looks stylish against a smoky background. And it is the floor that can become an accent in a laconic self-sufficient interior.

Wall materials

Still, the main issue when choosing a particular palette is the choice of wall material. The traditional answers are paint and different types of wallpaper. A painted interior is the simplest solution, the implementation of which is available to everyone. For a textured finish, you can choose wallpaper for painting, which differ in unobtrusive relief, or plaster, but it’s better not to work with it without skills.

Other options include decorative wood panels, glass and stone panels for accent and partial wall decoration. Such coatings can imitate doors to other rooms, look like paintings, mask built-in wardrobes, etc. nine0003
The most common option is, of course, wallpaper.

The choice of these depends on many factors:

If you need coatings for an accent wall, you should pay attention to bright colors, catchy patterns, stylish ornaments. For example, if you choose materials for the Provence style, floral wallpaper will do. The same is worth picking up curtains, sofa cushions.

To create a harmonious combination, it is worth considering what color other surfaces are painted. nine0022
When choosing base coats with a pattern, it is worth finding a plain or textured strip to place photos on the walls. In the same tone, curtains are selected.

Wallcoverings can be combined – solid colors with stripes or floral motifs, stripes with floral motifs on adjacent walls, alternating stripes, contour ornaments and plain textural areas.

In this case, the color of wallpaper with a pattern loses its original character - here the shade of the ornament takes on the main role. This should be taken into account when decorating a living room in a certain range. nine0003
Features of choosing a color for a living room combined with a kitchen

The rules for choosing a palette for a living room combined with a kitchen, in fact, are not much different from choosing the color scheme of any room.

Nevertheless, there are nuances that are worth paying attention to.

A popular solution is white color for the kitchen, then the facades of the kitchen set literally merge with the wall finish, visually freeing up space . But this range remains the brand itself, so you should choose it only if you are ready to regularly care for such surfaces. True, you should not save on white furniture - modern manufacturers offer functional coating options that do not absorb dirt, so they are easy to clean. nine0022
The kitchen can be made in the same color as the living room . Then it is worth considering constructive zoning methods that will not allow the working block to merge with the recreation area.

When combined with a dining room, and not just a working area, it is worth decorating the entire room in the same style, but you can choose a different color . In the kitchen, for example, bright - pink, blue, blue, green, and in the guest part - neutral, more balanced. The dining room will become a transition between territories with different purposes. It can be arranged in a transitional shade or in a combination of basic ones. nine0022
A comfortable color solution with the same background will help make the living room together with the kitchen unit complete in composition . But it is important to choose harmonious details: decor in combination with zoning tools will make the interior self-sufficient. A trio or even a quartet of shades will look organic here. Of course, tones in one palette with one catchy look more stylish, but you can pick up notes of different character.

Since in the kitchen area, instead of wall decoration, sets are usually visible, it is precisely its facades that will be combined with the decoration in the hall. The doors can be made both neutral and similar to the background, but the apron will stand out. Therefore, its color and pattern should be chosen in harmony with the decor in the recreation area. It can be colored furniture for the living room, as well as sofa cushions, lamps, a similar panel. nine0003
One should not neglect the unity of style and color even in budget interiors. Here, at least, there should be the same tabletops, curtains, drawings in terms of decoration - in the apron of the working area and the accent wall of the guest area. Only then the most modest furnishings, as well as luxurious finishes, in any color will be comfortable and harmonious.

How to paint the walls in the living room correctly?

As an alternative to wallpaper, people often began to use paint for wall decoration. However, this approach has both advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to paint the walls in the living room, then know that in this case they should be perfectly even and smooth, unlike wallpaper, you will not be able to hide any defects, but on the contrary, painting can only emphasize their presence. nine0003
You can’t answer the question of how to paint walls in a nutshell, since it includes the choice of tools, the choice of the necessary paint, and the technological process itself, which is why we decided to devote this article to such an important issue.

Choosing paint

Choosing a wall paint for your living room is easy. Among all the variety, it is worth giving preference to water-based paint of the color that you like. We will explain why this particular paint is best suited. nine0003

Firstly, it contains no toxic substances that cause poisoning or allergies. This paint is environmentally friendly.

Secondly, this type of paint is fireproof.

Thirdly, such paint can be used to paint a wooden surface, as well as drywall, plaster, brick, but it is not recommended to apply it to metal, since this paint is based on water, which can lead to its corrosion.

Choosing a water-based paint for wall decoration, you have a great opportunity to create an individual design of the room. The fact is that you can independently choose the intensity and brightness of the color with the help of a special coloring agent added to the paint, color scheme. The more you add it, the richer the color will be. But you need to work with it carefully, here are some tips on how to paint the walls using color:

Add color gradually, thoroughly mixing all the color. Only in this way will you achieve a uniform color.

Accurately calculate the required amount of paint for the design of the entire room, taking into account its application in several layers. Let the paint remain, it will come in handy later on for touching up the fading sections of the wall. If there is not enough paint, then it is almost impossible to mix the paint with the color in the right proportion until the desired shade is obtained.
nine0019 When applying the first layer of paint, you can add a little water to it, about 10% of the volume, this will save it a little, but this will not affect the texture of the painted surface.

What is the best color?

Some will say that it is better to paint with a brush, others with a roller. But we believe that not everything is so simple, let's figure out why. To decide on the choice of coloring tool, you need to know what area you have to paint. A large wall can be painted both with a wide brush 75-100 mm and with a roller. Undoubtedly, working with a roller, you will spend much less time, but it may not turn out as neatly and evenly as with a brush. nine0003

Roller is best used when you need to apply a thick layer of paint. Correctly select its size, the larger the wall to be painted, the larger the working surface of the roller should be.

In addition, thanks to the long handle of the roller, you can paint the top of the wall without using a ladder. The basis of the roller can be made of nylon, velor, polyester fabric, the choice of material will depend on the paint that you are going to apply. It is best to buy a roller along with paint, you will be offered the most suitable option. nine0003
The brush is indispensable in hard-to-reach places, such as in the corners of a room or under a radiator. When choosing a brush, pay attention to its pile. Brushes with natural fiber are suitable for enamel, and with artificial - for latex paints. Before starting work, be sure to shake off the brush, make sure that the hairs are firmly held, otherwise they will remain on the wall.

Preparing walls for painting

One of the crucial and important stages of work on how to properly paint walls is the stage of surface preparation, since the result will depend on it. If you are doing repairs in a new room, where the walls have not yet been subjected to any finishing, then you need to do one job, and for old walls - a completely different one. From new, never painted walls, it may be sufficient to sweep away dust and dirt; if there are irregularities, a layer of putty can be applied. nine0003
Finished walls require more careful preparation. Remove old wallpaper or paint. When removing the wallpaper, the glue is also removed, it is mechanically cleaned with a spatula or washed off with special compounds. Similarly, oil stains, fungus and mold are removed. In addition, it is necessary to check the wall for pieces of old plaster falling off, in general, there should be no defects left, the wall should be clean and even.

All cracks can be covered with a mixture of alabaster and PVA glue. After that, the walls are primed for greater adhesion of the paint to the wall. The primer passes twice. After the first layer, it is necessary to sand the wall with sandpaper, then go through the primer again and let it dry. nine0003
We paint the wall correctly

Having carried out all the necessary preparatory work, we proceed directly to the technology of how to paint the walls correctly, namely, how to apply paint to the surface. This is a rather laborious process, especially for those who start such work for the first time. We offer the following recommendations to help you achieve the best result.

A large wall must be divided into several sections, which are gradually applied with paint. nine0022
The top and bottom of the wall must be masked with masking tape to prevent paint from getting on the ceiling and floor.

The technology of how to properly paint walls is that the whole process of painting starts from the top corner of the wall. For greater convenience, you can paint 5 cm around the perimeter of the living room at the junction of the wall and ceiling with a small brush, and only then move on to the main surface, taking a roller or a large brush.

For uniform application of paint, it is necessary to apply one layer in one direction, and the next layer in the opposite direction. nine0022
It is not recommended to apply several thick coats or too thin paint on the wall, as it will sag during application.

When working with a roller, use a special rectangular container to dip it into the paint, on the sides of which the roller can be squeezed, thereby removing excess paint.

Water-based paint is applied in two coats using a roller. The first layer is applied horizontally and the second layer vertically. Moreover, it is unnecessary to wait for the first layer to dry, the work is done immediately. If you decide to paint the wall in three layers, then the first and last are applied with vertical movements, and the intermediate layer with horizontal ones. This technology will give a uniform and uniform wall design. nine0022
If you decide to work with a brush, then you need to dip it halfway into the paint, wring it out a little, and then apply it to the wall with horizontal zigzag movements.
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