The wind beneath my decorating wings is in Seattle for a week and I’m itching to paint my living room. Actually, it’s good that he’s in Seattle because he’s of the opinion that I should hang some artwork and mirrors and call it good, but then again he’s the one who was pushing white with lavender undertones in the hallway. I’m not so sure he’s to be trusted in matters of color ;-)
I adore the bohemian interiors at Moon to Moon and bohemianhomes.tumblr. Though I could never live with that amount of clutter, I love the textures, colors, and general laid back lived-in vibe of those spaces.
So, my dear readers, what color should I paint my living room?
My heart tells me it should be red. I had a red formal living room in Connecticut. I loved it, yet never spent enough time in it. But that’s the way it goes with “special” rooms.
Here in Scandinavia, it’s mostly overcast and dark 18 or so hours a day during the winter, so I know that red could easily close the space and make it too dark and depressing.
I’ve also considered a light sage green, but I think it’s too modern for me. Rose is a strong contender, but I was planning to paint my bedroom pink, so I’m hesitant to use it in the living room. It’s a short leap into Barbieland.
If this were your room and you didn’t have to junk up your house with man colors, and you were drawn to the bohemian side of life, what color would you paint?
P.S. I’m still at a dead end with my license. I won’t bore you with the details, but things are bad enough that the bus scenario is actually looking less painful than converting my license. If you ever find yourself wanting to move to Europe, may I suggest any country other than Denmark? This is not the place for expats who are here for any reason other than love. At a point, a hot viking is the only thing that would make this worth the hassle.
mtnchild says
I just love your living room! Maybe a soft Butter Yellow would keep the dark winter from infiltrating into your house. If it is soft enough it will blend nicely with the pink/soft rose of your bedroom, and it would also mix with the bright spots of colors in the room .
Yvette
Lisa says
I’m looking at the beautiful rug with the sunflowers, and I’m thinking of a deep sunflower golden yellow, or even a touch orangey.
Emma says
I would do one wall a teal colour as a feature and leave the rest white. But then I would probably repaint it the moment I had done it, so not the best person to ask! Good luck with the driving thing. I totally agree with you about the UK driving thing by the way! :)
Kim says
My very first instinct was yellow and after reading that it stays darker alot I am more sure than ever. Sunny yellow!
adventuresandjapes says
Yeah, go with the rug colours? Maybe a yellow-orange on the walls with some red stencils?
seanymph says
I live where it rains alot and theres many dark days too. Out here so many go for bright colors thinking it would brighten a house or a room but it only looks like clown paint. I read that if you want color but live in a dark area to paint it pastels. The hint of color works in the room and its light enough to keep the room bright. I have yet to try that tho.
Libby says
I myself prefer a nice over easy egg yolk yellow. Its bright enough in day with natural sunlight – even overcast – yet at night with lamps…it glows and is warm and inviting.
If yellows not your thing – what about a medium deep shade of granny smith apple green?
Aimee Hutchison says
If you like red, go for red. Lighten things up with accents and lamps. It will feel cozy. I would stay away from pastels. They tend to make the wall look dirty in a dim light. I have a dark room and after many pastel paint jobs I finally went for a deeper blue color. Love it.