apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

IMO, There's too much going on with all those colors on all those walls within what is essentially the same space - It's chopping up your house into paint samples rather than allowing the spaces to flow together.

I'd choose one single color that you enjoy, and paint all those rooms in that one color - You'll find that your space will appear more spacious and cohesive.

I agree with bepsf. Can you really "justify" so many little areas of different color in a small space? Simplify with one color (preferably one that is less '70s-ish than what you've got going now) and add blinds or art or something else to make the room that is currently khaki more appealing.

I like color and I like it when each room has its own personality. Looking at the photos, I thought maybe you should pick a color that matches the carpet of the stairs (assuming it is staying.) It looks like it goes ok between the two colors, and then if it went up the stairway wall and into the room in question, it could really unify the whole space. If not, I also think a creamy, warm white could work as well.

match the color of your carpet then go two shades lighter...so that all the 'neutrals' flow and your orange and yellow accents pop- otherwise white wouldn't be a bad idea
as you already have white trim against the orange and yellow walls......

I'd pick one of the two colors you already have.

I think a nice pale greyish-blue would look lovely (e.g., BM Wedding Veil).

I think a lighter khaki (almost cream) would work well as a neutral that the orange and yellow could really pop against. And why are you against white again?

We have orange near a hallway that we tried to do yellow, but it looked too Crayola, so we ended up doing a light khaki with yellow stripes. It turned out great!

What's throwing me more is the various colors of woodwork and molding.

cocoa.

but i agree about the various woodworking and carpet colours. but i do like the yellow and orange, its fun!

White, gray or chocolate brown.

Each color is already present in the room, white moulding, gray carpet, brown woodwork. Any of the three colors will enhance what's already there. And all three are neutrals.

Don't be afraid to use chocolate brown with the woodwork. I have an old home with lots of woodwork and I painted my bedroom chocolate brown and it looks really great.

Great suggestions, everyone - thanks so much for the help. I wish I could repaint the entire downstairs but I'm working with accent colours my husband loves (the yellow and orange). And sadly, he won't let me paint the wood trim on the stairs.

Chocolate would work (thanks for that tip!) but I really want to brighten the khaki room, so I probably won't take that route.

Right now I'm leaning towards a warm grey like the carpet - maybe something by Farrow and Ball.

I'll keep you posted!

Adriana, glad to see you’re not afraid of color! We used PPG Pittsburgh Paints’ Southern Breeze and Gray Stone in our latest trend palettes. These colors may work for you as well. Using gray allows you to brighten up the space, while creating more warmth than you would have using white. Let us know what color you decide to use.

Dee Schlotter, PPG Pittsburgh Paints Voice of Color, Color Consultant