Can light wall colors brighten dark rooms
11/08/2008 11:40 AM by Gretchen Schauffler
Color can make a space feel smaller or bigger. But when it comes to painting a light color to lighten a dark room…that’s another story. I love light colors in well lit rooms where you can see the lightness of the color and the brightness of the walls. But in rooms with little or no direct light, a gray cast can quickly overshadow a light color making it anemic, sallow, and sickly.
CAN LIGHT COLORS BRIGHTEN UP A DARK ROOM?
The answer is no. A light color can never brighten up a dark room. Light and dark colors can make the space appear bigger or smaller, but they cannot make it lighter if it is a dim room. This is a common color mistake. Instead think of it this way: the amount of light in a room should be balanced with the strength of a wall color. That way you have great, colorful environments without fear of the dark. Here is how you do it!
HOW DIM IS YOUR ROOM WITH THE LIGHTS ON?
In the middle of the day, turn on all the lights in the room you are planning to paint—that will be about the brightest your room will ever be. Then decide on a scale of 1-100 percent, how bright is the room now? A 100 would be the brightest it could be: a sunroom that gets direct sunlight, with all the lights on. Or, is it very dark with no direct sun, like a basement bathroom with one dim bulb? That would be maybe 30 or 40 percent. Completely dark would be 0 percent. Just do your best to come up with a number.
NOW GIVE YOUR WALL COLOR A SATURATION NUMBER
0% is the most subtle and 100% is richest and most robust color you can find. So a zero would be a can of white paint with just the tiniest hint of lavender. 100 percent is the deepest plum. So choose a color you want to paint on the wall and give it a percentage rating. A light green like Devine Fescue would be 15 percent saturated, while a deep red like Devine Cabernet would be 80 percent?
NOW SLICE UP THE WALLS
Look at the walls and visually deduct windows, doorways, cabinets and ceiling surfaces. How much wall surface is really left to paint after you visually imagine this? Give that a rough percentage. Is there 60% paintable wall surface? 80%?
DO THE MATH
This means that if a room is “fully lit” but is truly _ “at 50% brightness”_ and the wall color has 10% saturation strength, you can assume before you go through the hassle of painting, that the light color won’t be strong enough to be seen in such dim light—let alone to lighten up the room! A color with 50 percent saturation strength would probably look better.
Then think about this: If the room’s paintable wall surfaces are 50% or less, they cannot cloak a room in darkness because the walls are not all solid. So at this point you can feel free to choose a rich, “dark” color, at maybe 80 percent saturation, without fear that you will darken the room. The math here may be a little complicated, but look at the photos below and you’ll see what I mean.
Here is a perfect example of a room with lots of beautiful wood, and indirect light. With all the lights on, in the middle of the day, the room looks to be about 45% bright. The home owner is struggling with the wall color because it seems like a light color would help the room be light. You can see there are two paint samples on the wall.
You can paint a light neutral color on the walls along with white ceilings to keep the room as bright as possible, but as you can see, the room stays pretty much the same—a little less washed out.
Others believe yellow is the answer to brighten up a dark room. You can see that the yellow does warm up the walls but again the room barely changes lightness.
After visually deducting all the windows, cabinets, and doorways, the walls are less than 40% of the room. So, based on my Devine math, I choose colors that are at least 65% saturated to contrast the wood color and paint over the small amounts of wall space. You only really have one solid wall opposite to all the windows. This wall gets the most light.
There is amazing color in the wood. Devine Color is all about WOOD! Our colors are specifically created to never overpower, but to enhance the NATURAL colors in wood. Now look and see when I add a the neutral on the ceiling to really warm up the space.
You get the picture! As you know, Devine Color has a legendary process with that lets you choose colors confidently with paint palettes that reveal perfect colors in minutes. We have lots of beautiful colors that are strong and saturated. Our Delicate and Breathable Wall Finishes add luminosity to dark colors.
To know more read: How to Use Our Paint Palettes
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Gretchen –
Thank you so much for explaining why and demonstrating how a light color will not lighten a dark room! Your article really helped me understand how to pick the right colors and feel confident in my choices. My living/dining room is quite dark. The family room has quite a bit more light. The day before your article appeared on the blog, I was feeling really confused and anxious about the color choices I was about to make. I had painted several samples on the walls in both rooms. To my surprise, I liked Devine Shimmer in the family room, but not in the living room. I had expected just the opposite. What I discovered was that Shimmer looked “sallow” in the living room while it made the family room feel warm and cozy. When I saw the test patch on the living room wall, I actually described it as “sallow”—the same word you used in your article! Then I read your article and realized what was causing the color to look great in one room and terrible in another! We painted the family room in Devine Shimmer today and it looks great! I also painted Devine Shade on a wall in the living room. A few days ago I would have believed that Devine Shade would be much too dark in my dark living room. Wrong! Devine Shade is exactly the right color and will give the room the power and drama it is lacking—it looks great with the low light and my antique furniture! I can hardly wait to get the entire room painted. Thank you again—your advice makes so much sense! Beverly Wilson
— Beverly Wilson 11/14/2008 08:12 PM #
Thanks Beverly. With expertise comes responsibility and I hope that my advice leads to fearless color choices you can trust.
— gretchen Schauffler 11/15/2008 11:27 AM #
Dear Gretchen,
I took your suggestion of painting my living/dining room Devine Cocoa and made it happen! It’s just the right combination of richness and contemporary look I wanted. Devine Cocoa looks great as it moves into the Devine Paprika kitchen, and the deep rich cocoa next to the Devine Glass hallway looks delicious.
I also took a bold move and painted my dark basement music room Devine Cayenne with Devine Filbert on the ceiling and it is a cozy surround sound!
Now I’m tackling other darker rooms with limited natural light off the Devine Glass hallway. My next project is my office, where I should be inspired and creative and I’ve been thinking an orange range, but I’m concerned about over powering the Devine Glass with darker brighter colors. My question is: since Devine Glass is a lighter color and my hallway connects all the rooms, should I be targeting a certain range in your color palates so there is a harmonious flow from room to room, dark to light?
I’ve read your blog and know that each palate has color ranges light to dark. I love the colors I have so far, I’m just wondering where I should target the colors on the palettes?
I love the quality and richness of your paint line, and i’m continually satisfied with each room I paint. Thank you so much for your Devine inspiration!
Cheri
— Cheri 11/23/2008 01:25 AM #
Cheri:
I like your intuition about Devine Glass so try to continue the flow from Glass with richer greens first like Devine Georgette, Hosta or Moss. You can also continue the great neutrals you have like Devine Filbert or Sumatra on walls. Please send me pictures gretchen@devinecolor.com! We would love to post them in our gallery to inspire others. I hope to clearly impart color confidence through this blog and our paint products. I’m so glad I was able to help you achieve your color ZEN!
— gretchen Schauffler 11/23/2008 03:06 PM #
I constantly am trying to explain these concepts to customers who are afraid of color. I printed this out and put it on the table in my Design Center immediately. Thanks!
— Mike McNabb 11/26/2008 08:13 AM #
MIke:
So happy to know we are a color resource for you and your design customers. Knowing how our wall paint finishes work with light is also very helpful. I plan to blog next week about “metamerism” and talk about how light affects colors changing in a room!
— gretchen Schauffler 11/26/2008 10:11 AM #
Insightfull -I have always stuck to white ceilings!! What colour ceiling should I paint with burnt orange?
— Priscilla Labuschagne 12/17/2008 06:50 AM #
Pricilla:
If you haven’t worked with our Trend-Proof Palette, you must. It’s truly a treat. We have lots of beautiful neutrals and colors that go with burnt orange. The sky is the limit as far as creating harmony, contrast, a cool or warm environments. Our color line and paint finishes were created to give you personal color direction. What’s your burnt orange in relationship to? Can you be more specific…? We believe that in every palette page you will find perfect compliments…the questions is which ones are personal to you! We have gorgeous blues like Devine Denim, Storm, Cool, devinegreen: Shark, and Jay. We have neutrals such as Devine Cafe, Cashew, Pecan, Roast or devinegreen: Bison, Persian, or Impala.
Read How to use our Devine Palettes and use our Trend-proof Color Collection the way I suggest. The rest of the colors will speak to you out loud and show you exactly which ones are the “perfect” ones for all the walls in your home.
— gretchen Schauffler 12/17/2008 11:33 AM #
Hi, i am having a lot of difficulty choosing a color for my kitchen. The cabinets are white, the counter tops a white tile with gray grout. The floors are hardwood and the appliance are stainless steel. The rooms are all open so you see thru the dining room and living room which are painted a cream color. Can you help on a color choice for the kitchen???????
Desperately need help.
— Jean 01/20/2009 12:17 PM #
Jean:
The World is your Oyster,the sky is the limit! Yu have an open palette, a blank canvas and sometimes that is more difficult because there is no clear direction or boundary. Here is the deal: all of our color collections offer you a variety of color combinations you can put together to paint walls and ceilings. The color direction of the combinations you love is what makes your home personal. If you really want to do this right from the get-go (and not waste any time getting the wrong color) Read How to use our Devine Palettes and use our Trend-proof Color Collection the way I suggest—go through the process, compare, then let me know if you are deciding between a couple of choices.
— gretchen Schauffler 01/20/2009 10:03 PM #
Wow, these are about the worst before and afters I’ve ever seen. I’m not afraid of color – I love color – I just don’t like cave-like rooms
— liz 01/23/2009 01:24 PM #
Liz:
Thanks for your honest comment. Color is very personal. The pictures below are to explore color and lighting and how they relate in rooms where light is dim, and light colors are not making it lighter. We all want the feeling of “WOW” in our homes for us. My mother loves light, bright colors—she would have said the same thing. But for those who love richer environments with lots of dark and rich surfaces, there is nothing better than the richness of color to make it all work together. That is why color is such a big part of who we are and how we feel.
— gretchen Schauffler 01/23/2009 02:52 PM #
First of all, I would like to thank you for coming out with these fantastic color. They are all fool proof and olfactory friendly ( My daughter thought it smells like peanut butter). We painted our Kitchen, family and Living rooms with Toille, latte and soire as suggested by the color consultant. She suggested a cocoa for our tiny powder room but I’m quite resitant to go ahead with it. What color would you suggest for our bedroom (13×10ft and ceiling 8ft low), it sits on the north side of our house, single window facing the west as we get morning sunlight, the rest of the day looks like in a dungeon. We live in seattle area and gray sky is the norm. We like earth tones.Please help.
— Ric Labao 01/25/2009 07:01 PM #
Rick:
Thanks so much for your personal endorsement of our colors and paint products! It means the world to us! Devine Latte, Soiree, and Toile are beautiful together. If you are resistant to Devine Cocoa in the powder, hold back. Since this room is part of the “trio” mentioned above, why not then repeat the Latte or Soiree…leave the red as the “sizzle”! If you were to expand on the colors you have and add another, think of either doing a deeper version of Devine Latte (not as rich as Cocoa) the likes of Sumatra, Mocha, or take a stunning red approach and go with a rich, sexy, sultry red like Devine Bordeaux, devinegreen: Clover or Sarsaparilla! Nope, it won’t be too dark if you do light creamy neutral bedding and art.
— gretchen Schauffler 01/26/2009 12:52 PM #
Dear Gretchen…
My husband and myself will be reselling our home in the next year or year and a half and needed a plan of action as to what colors to use in our home. What a quandary I have been in these past months and I can not tell you how much you have inspired me to add color to our home rather than going with the flow and paint it all in neutral colors.
I have chosen to go with your Ashley inspired look. I think it is subtle but casual/comfortable enough to speak to prospective buyers. I do feel it will not make any prospective buyers want to turn around an walk back out the door during “Open House” but instead, want to continue with the “Open House” tour and be pleasantly surprised at how modern and comfortable a 100 year old home with 10 foot plus ceilings can be.
Thank You’ for your advice. It has help us out immensely.
We are looking forward to spreading your wonderful paint on our treasured homes walls.
Val
— VAL 02/05/2009 10:24 AM #
am moving to a basement apartment every room is dark the windows are high close to the ceiling. the carpet is beige. i have a good size kitchen could you tell what colors could i use to make it look cozy and comfortable. i look forward to hearing from you. lisa
— lisa 04/18/2009 03:05 PM #
Lisa:
Our color palettes make it so you can have personal color combinations that make you love everything in your home. The question is which direction to go. You just read about how light colors do not produce light so in your space lighting will be essential to create a great vibe. Get our Trend-Proof Palette, follow our process, and then lets narrow down choices. I can suggest tons of great color combinations but its a little like taking a stab in the dark. I rather you try our approach and see what you love appear before your eyes and I can make suggestions based on what you love!
— gretchen Schauffler 04/21/2009 09:17 AM #
I love my condo…it is painted in lovely Devine Paint. You have helped me before and I need help with the last room. My Living/Dining/Kitchen is painted Roast (2 walls) and Medallion (2 walls). The Laundry is Medallion. The bathroom is Toucan on the walls and Persian on the Ceiling. I love them all. Now on to the bedroom. The size is pretty decent with one window that is facing East. The carpet is a dark brown (I dream of hardwoods someday). I really want to make a statement here with both the ceiling and the walls. My condo is decorated in a contemporary Asian style. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help. DJ
— DJ Burgh 04/22/2009 12:21 PM #
Hi Gretchen:
Several years ago I purchased the home I grew up in from my mother. The room that is desparately in need of work is a large family room with three dark paneled walls and the remaining wall is one large brick fireplace as high as 2/3rds of the wall. I would love to paint the paneled walls and was curious if your paint is the kind that might help me with this job? I was thinking along the lines of light southwestern tones since the room can be on the dim side even in the daylight.
— Tina Lew 04/22/2009 05:26 PM #
Dj:
With your Asian Theme you can take your red richer into shades of Bordeaux or Clover. If there are rich gold tones woven in your fabrics, silk screens… what about colors like Devine Cafe, Spice, or Teak. You can also go with deep exotic greens with Devine Green Tea, or Jacquard. Please send pictures, it sounds fabulous!
— gretchen Schauffler 04/23/2009 05:16 PM #
Tina:As long as you prime the paneling properly, our paint will look beautiful and I specially recommend the Delicate Wall Finish for the walls. I suggest that you get our Trend-Proof Palete first and foremost…Why? Because when it comes to your home and use it, you will be able to really see not just one, but many great possibilities available for your room! Follow our process and you will see the answers right before your eyes and once you decide on a couple of great options, then I can certainly help you narrow it down…
Look at the Desert lights paint palette page if you are looking for that Southwestern start, we also have amazing reds in our Valley Vineyards that can warm up that room!
— gretchen Schauffler 04/23/2009 05:52 PM #
Gretchen…thank you so much for your suggestions regarding my bedroom. I just got back from the store and have decided on using Spice for the walls. Next question…what do you recommend for the ceiling? As always, thanks in advance for your suggestions.
DJ
— DJ Burgh 04/24/2009 01:43 PM #
Dj:
With Devine Spice colors like Devine Filbert, Medallion, Cocoa, Moss, Buffalo, Shade, or Roast can be stunning, striking, or simply perfect!
— gretchen Schauffler 04/27/2009 03:40 PM #
Gretchen, What a great concept you have here. I just purchased a home and was seeking guidance on how to unify my new house with paint, and that’s how I found you. No one else really attempts to help you with a “whole house” concept. I have followed your process, and have come up with Shimmer and Canyon as my two “Main” unifying colors. My question is – how many is too many “accent” or “secondary” colors? I have a collection of indigenous art from Native Americans, South America, Australia, Africa and Asia, and I am trying to marry those pieces together by combining strong colors with earthy ones. I am going for different “feels” in each room – but all a kind of casual, informal, universal tribal feel. I have four rooms on the first floor and three rooms on the second floor. Currently I am planning on using Jacquard, Pistastio Lime (for my office with black and white art), Paprika, and one of the orange/browns. I think I need a gold too and am quite drawn to mango tango for my dining room. Am I bordering on circus here?
— Sharon 05/10/2009 10:39 AM #
Sharon:
If you follow the process you can have all the colors you want, and like in a great painting, their relationships to each other will look amazing together in your home. The trick is to follow our process. If Devine Shimmer and Canyon are your main colors, then other colors that you add to the paint palette have to be like perfect shirts to Shimmer and Canyon. For example: Green Tea may look better “together” with Shimmer and Canyon than Pistachio (Pistachio might make the Shimmer look anemic or fleshy because it’s more vibrant) see what I mean? Find the versions of the colors you love in our Trend-Proof Palette that look good with your Devine main color first and foremost because this is the color that you originally chose because it pulls all your stuff together. If you are still attracted to more bold colors like Pistachio and Mango Tango then you may have to adjust the main color and choose a more vibrant compliment…like Devine Butter, or an earthier companion like Devine Filbert. If you still can’t imagine it, send us pictures and we will paint the picture for you!!!! Virtual Colored Rooms. Thanks so much for your personal endorsement of who we are and what we do. We are not just a paint line, follow the wisdom, trust the color and fall in love with everything in your home :)
— gretchen Schauffler 05/11/2009 03:05 PM #
Hi! I was wondering if you could possibly tell me how to paint my cabinet trim to appear like glass or mirrors. I need all the help I can get. Thanks!
— Corrine 06/06/2009 01:50 AM #
Corrine:
The best I can tell you is to experiment with metallic glazes such as Modern Masters or use metallic spray paint to spray light layers and finish with a high gloss. Paint Devine Glass in our Luscious sheen as an undercoat to start! Hope this helps…send us pictures, would love to see it!
— gretchen Schauffler 06/08/2009 09:03 AM #
Wall colours for dark floorings
— Ramees 06/12/2009 09:04 PM #
Ramees:
Our colors make it so you can use every color in the rainbow and then some to go with your dark floors!!!
I can suggest tons of great color combinations but its a little like taking a stab in the dark. I rather you try our approach and see what you love appear before your eyes and I can make suggestions based on what you love!
Our color palettes make it so you can have personal color combinations that make you love everything in your home. The question is which direction to go. Get our Trend-Proof Palette, follow our PROCESS, follow our PROCESS, and then narrow down choices. The context of this color collection is that all the colors have to coordinate the past, present, and future of color trends. They are truly Trend-proof so that if you have a sofa from the 90’s with 200 year-old rug and a 2 week old kitchen remodel, you will find not just one color but all the colors that can coordinate everything and make it look “meant to be”. The average Devine Color home has anywhere from 7-12 colors. All our color collections are finger-painted you so you can see the real color and how that color looks next to each other. It makes you smarter! If you don’t have our Trend-Proof Paint Palette, get one right away and start working.
— gretchen Schauffler 06/20/2009 09:47 AM #
hi gretchen my living room has cherry wood trim and little to no natural light, im interested in green with 2 accent walls. im not sure if the color will be to dark. what colors would you recommend? thank you
— joanne 07/28/2009 07:32 PM #
Joanne:
We have lots of beautiful greens. See how you feel about colors like Devine Olive, Moss, Cypress, Trillium, Peacock, or Juniper. Make sure the other accent color in the room pops against the green! This means it has to be lighter than, darker than, or different than. So think of mix or matching colors with Devine Macadamia, Spice, Ginger, Cafe, Denim, Truffle, Cabernet, or Shantung! Really there are so many ways to go! The question is which direction to go. Get our Trend-Proof Palette, follow our PROCESS, and then narrow down choices.
— Gretchen Schauffler 07/29/2009 05:26 PM #
We are building a 1700 sq ft home.It has indirect light due to the size of the porches. I am at a loss as to what to paint the inside. (all rooms)
Any suggestions??— Kathy 08/13/2009 09:16 AM #
Kathy:
If you need to coordinate not only one room, but the whole house, get the Trend-Proof Collection and follow our Process. I tell people all the time we have a philosophy that arms you with the information you need to take amazing fantastic risks with color and that’s why are so different than any other paint line.
When you go through our Process with the Trend-Proof Color Collection:
1-You will be able to see a TOTAL overview of Devine paint colors like a road map…
2-You will work with these colors at home, among your things, in your space, and see how they ALL interact with each other and other colors…in your natural surfaces, wood stains, fabrics, and accessories and others wont.
3- You will be able to IMAGINE great combinations as they appear before your eyes.
Once you see how many possibilities there are to fall in love with, I can help narrow down your choices or ideas. So many Devine Colors…so many great possibilities :) Don’t be afraid of indirect light. You can create fantastic ambiance with interior lighting, rich wall colors, and the right paint sheen….
Don’t forget our sheens make the color harmonize with your fabrics and surfaces. See SHEENS.
— Gretchen Schauffler 08/13/2009 11:26 AM #
i am getting my house painted, which color combination u suggest and there is enough of light in living room, but the bed room as less of natural light, please suggest, is oil paint / luster which better
— amanjeet 09/02/2009 10:08 PM #
Amanjeet:
Lets start with the sheen or finish. Our Delicate or Breathable (See how to choose Sheens For YOUR Project) were made to squeeze out and reflect the maximum light in a room with out making the walls look sweaty or have “glare” spots. If you want even more light reflected, go for the Luscious…it will reflect bright colorful light back from your soft beautiful wall color. Now, as far as the color goes, the sky is the limit! You can choose any one of our amazing neutrals from Pacific Trail Mix, to a stunning color from our Silver Skies. The question is which one will make your room reflect EXACTLY what you want? Well here is how.
You are going to need to coordinate this room with the rest of the house so get the Trend-Proof Collection and follow our Process. Going through our Process with the Trend-Proof Color Collection--finger-painted and made with the real paint colors--you will be able to see an overview of every Devine color at home, among your things, and understand which paint colors coordinate the colors you already have at home and create and which ones that don’t. I can help you narrow it down from there. If you get this paint palette collection your hands it will allow you to see possibilities you never even thought of!
Let me know which ones are the best and I can always give you more insight.
— Gretchen Schauffler 09/05/2009 11:35 AM #
So, I have a small laundry room with lots of white cabinetry and 2 large white appliances and it is painted cream. I have to use lamp all day. One door lets in a little light from window in next room. Does this mean that a medium shade would look best?
— Laura 09/10/2009 06:18 PM #
Laura:
You got it! As you can see (or not see so well in the room lol) the light color is doing nothing to make it feel lighter! So pop wonderful contrast with colors like Devine Hosta, Medallion, Lion, Blush…you get the idea. If you feel really in the mood for ultra cool change what about a charcoal and white room by painting the walls Penguin or Buffalo? Can you go as dark as Clover????The contrast will feel so good and the cabinets & appliances will look sparkling white…
— Gretchen Schauffler 09/11/2009 11:46 AM #
When we moved into our house, the living/dining room was painted dark dark brown (much darker than your cocoa) and felt like a cave. As a reaction to that, we installed three skylights and painted walls and ceiling white. Now it is brighter, but doesn;t look quite right. The room is long and narrow like your example, with east facing windows along one wall. The front wall is a large brick fireplace floor to cathedral ceiling. It has pinkish tones- in fact I think it has every one of the “desert lights” tones in it, but primarily Devine Shade, Dust and Brick. My dream is to someday sandblast the paint off the cedar ceiling, and install bamboo flooring, but for now it has ugly sea foam green carpet. So I am thinking of painting the walls brown again, but lighter than before. Can you recommend 1 or 2 colors that would go with the brick? (maybe a medium color for the walls and lighter for the ceilings?)I like the Espresso Blends and Pacific Trail mix collections. I guess with all the windows and furniture the walls are less than 50% of the room, but the ceiling is on an angle so if you count that as a wall it seems like a lot more than 50%. There is also large entry way that is connected that is 90% wall including the ceiling which is on an angle. The front door is currenlty an ugly beige but I want to paint it dark green. Please help!
— Holly 09/19/2009 06:39 PM #
Holly:
You have a great dilemma for Devine Color! This is why I created the colors, because people live with a life time of collections that needs paint color collections to pull it all together as if it is meant to be together! While a light safe neutral may make you feel better, it might make your space look uncomfortably boring :)
Lets see if I can guide you towards colors that say what you want your home to say: YOu have beautiful colors that right now need connection!
With the Desert Lights fireplace and Sea Foam green carpet, take a look at colors like Devine Rain, Storm, Almond, Blush, Mocha, or Ginger. OK… think of these colors, and others like them in our paint palettes, as colors that will mediate in between your surfaces by bringing in great contrasting compliments…Do the door in rich colors that pick up on the fireplace tones such as Dust, Ginger, Orangutan….
You now have plenty of light and you need a “beautiful wall color” to take away the focus from what feels disconnected and bring it all to feel coordinated. Have you done our process with out Trend-Proof Palette yet?.
It might also be worth it to have a colorization with us…See Room Colorizations
Let me know what you think about the suggestions…ready to take some risks :)
— Gretchen Schauffler 09/22/2009 12:46 PM #
Thanks for the ideas. I do have your trend proof palette, but I’m having trouble deciding because I like so many colors! I will consider the room colorization. Hopefully we won’t have the green carpet for long.
— Holly 09/22/2009 07:35 PM #
Hello again. I think I have decided on mocha for the main color, but what about trim? I got samples of both whip and vanilla, and though I like the idea of white trim, they seemed almost too white? Also can you recommend a color for an accent wall- I was thinking filbert, latte, cocoa or cafe? Thanks for your help
— Holly 10/02/2009 03:07 PM #
Gretchen-
Thanks for a great website. You have some amazing advice. I’m looking advice on the opposite problem. We have an east facing living room that we are replacing windows with pine interiors. It has a vaulted ceiling and then the kitchen is in the rear (so gets less sun since we back up to a mountain). My husband would love to do a dark blue but I’m trying to tone it down. Do you think the room could handle a dark color? If you chose one wall to do a darker accent color on would it be the one that gets the better light or that gets less light?
Thanks!
— Kim 10/05/2009 09:19 PM #
Holly:
What about a colors like Devine Ash, Macadamia, or Devine Muslin. But can you dare say Devine Truffle, Clover or Rhino? Yep, I dare you to consider going rich on the trim and not on an accent wall. I JUST wrote and article about ACCENT WALLS…read more. If an accent wall is what the space really needs, then consider Devine Cocoa as beautiful soft contrast. Paint colors are the ultimate self expression of what you want your room to feel like and these options will give you plenty of great choices to entertain.
— Gretchen Schauffler 10/06/2009 10:08 AM #
Kim:
So happy to let you know that I just wrote a New Article: ACCENT WALLS…read more.. The question really is: does the room need an accent wall. I think the room can afford a beautiful strong blue as long as it is the blue that expresses the feeling you are longing for that room…Is it sophistication, stateliness, or comfort? What is the perfect paint of “blue jeans” for all that wood color? Maybe Devine Denim, Storm, or Cool. What if there’s another rich color that looks even better? To really answer that, take a chance on our Color Process with our Trend-Proof Color Collection…It is the compass that will guide you in the right direction, let you see options you may have never considered but you can truly imagine. Then paint away confidently.
— Gretchen Schauffler 10/06/2009 10:41 AM #
Hi,I’m moving into a rather dim first level condo, but it has big windows and faces East. I’m also an oil painter with lots of colorful paintings to show/hang. I like your idea on saturated walls, to increase impact, but will that still work, with colorful paintings on the wall? I luv the idea of greens and golds, but what color for the wall would you suggest “neutral?” a 50 % Sat.beige? And maybe just paint One Accent Wall?
— Jenny Siegal 11/29/2009 09:03 AM #
Jenny:
These colors will not only work, they will connect all the wonderful colors floating between canvases, fabrics, and natural surfaces. With your background, I am sure that you will love following our skillful process! The average Devine Color home has anywhere from 7-12 colors. All our color collections are finger-painted you so you can see the real color and how that color looks next to each other. If you don’t have our Trend-Proof Paint Palette, get one right away and start working. I can suggest tons of great color combinations but its a little like taking a stab in the dark. I rather you try our approach (See HOW TO) and see what combinations appear before your eyes and then I can make suggestions based on your narrowed selections. You wont need to dilute or bland our colors, their saturation is truly divine!
— Gretchen Schauffler 11/30/2009 11:28 AM #
Gretchen – I have many of the devine colors in my home and love all of them!My home is over 20 years old and I am always looking to keep it updated. My Family Room is connected to my kitchen, only 8 foot ceilings, naturally stained oak floors and cabinets. I also have white wainscoating in the family room and tropical granite counter tops in the kitchem. My question is that I have had Parika on the walls for over 10 years and need to repaint. Is the trend to go with more neutral colors in main living spaces? If so what is a good color, I also have Mocha in my hallway leading to the kitchen and Encore in the living room off of the kitchen. If reds are still a trend is there a newer shade that would work too.
Thank you!
— kristi king 01/03/2010 09:59 AM #
Kristi:
Red will always be in. They continue to manufacture red stuff, it’s in some of the best of what nature has to offer. Love that you have had Paprika for 10 years!!! Now that you are ready for a change, it’s change you want, not have to have—-That’s a good thing. Reds like Devine Toucan, Cayenne, or Sarsaparilla might be the change you need…or…how about making a new color stroke in the family room with Devine Jay, Gator, Denim, Roast, or Hazelnut?
— Gretchen Schauffler 01/04/2010 03:47 PM #
I am remodeling my whole kitchen, it is an eat-in kitchen/dining area, two widows w/good sun all day where my dining table is. I have chosen dark cabinets, a hardwood floor (dark) and am not sure about the color of my counter tops or my walls. I have brushed stainless steel appliances, getting recessed lighting as well, any suggestions on wall color? not a huge combination room, maybe 11×13, thank you.
Nancy
— Nancy Short 01/24/2010 12:36 AM #
i have a bedroom with one window, and there isnt much or any light that gets in because it’s in the middle of the two houses (mine and the neighboring house). i have wooden floors that arent really so dark, but my lighting/ light bulb, is… yellow (?). my walls are white right now but i really want some color, i was wondering if you had any help for me, any suggestions. i would also like some creative ideas.
thanks for your time,
sarah
— Sarah Yu 01/28/2010 05:43 PM #
Nancy:
The sky is the limit with this, from light to dark, reds, to blues….I can certainly give you a ton of suggestions that may, or may not, strike your fancy. As you can see, we have lots of pictures and blog articles about what to do. We also have a PICTURE GALLERY that shows you even more possibilities. I want you to make this kitchen, YOUR kitchen. Get our Trend-Proof Color Collection. When you go through our PROCESS, with our Trend-Proof Color Collection at home, you work with all the colors “at home”, and can follow them like a roadmap. Seeing the entire Trend-proof Color Collection among your own things, in your space, and interacting with each other will allow you to see colors that are perfect with your natural surfaces, such as your dark wood stains, stainless steel, fabrics, and art. The Process guides you there. You will understand how many color combinations are possible and pick the direction you love the most. I can then help you narrow down the many great choices you have at your finger tips. If you need further assistance, (SO WORTH IT!) we have Virtual Colorization’s.
— Gretchen Schauffler 02/01/2010 10:30 AM #
Sarah:
I get you. In the great Pacific Northwest we have lots of those days due to rain 9 months a year. So the first thing is to change your light to a new, cleaner hybrid…try a soft pink, a warm white…see the new choices out there: NY TIMES: THE NEW INCANDESCENTS.
Now, all of our colors can transform your room into a beautiful “boudoir”...what’s your preference? Try Devine Cashew, Latte, Almond, Mesa, Olive, Cabernet, Jasmine…the sky is the limit! Again, I can certainly give you a ton of suggestions that may, or may not, strike your fancy. As you can see, we have lots of pictures and blog articles about what to do. We also have a PICTURE GALLERY that shows you even more possibilities. Get our Trend-Proof Color Collection. When you go through our PROCESS, with our Trend-Proof Color Collection at home, you work with all the colors “at home”, and can follow them like a roadmap. The Process guides you there. If you need further assistance, (SO WORTH IT) we have Virtual Colorization’s.
— Gretchen Schauffler 02/01/2010 10:43 AM #
My living and dining room carpet is in the burnt orange color family. I am looking for a color for the wall s that will compliment the carpet and cream-colored furniture. I have 5 bay windows that consume one wall, a fire place is on one wall and there are permanent candellabras around the room.
— Clarice L.Bishoop 02/07/2010 02:46 AM #
Clarice:
The fact that you have 5 bay windows and a big fireplace tells me you don’t have a lot of wall area to paint… I will shoot you some suggestions—you have very cool possibilities! See what you think of colors like Devine Buffalo, Elephant, Mocha, Cabernet, or Gosling.
Without knowing the color of the brick, these wall colors will either let you arrive at your destination or point you towards a direction (if the room wants to have richer or lighter versions.) I tell everyone, the sure way to know is to start with our Trend Proof Color Collection & Process ...it’s the compass of color and leads you to where you want to go!!
— Gretchen Schauffler 02/08/2010 09:40 AM #
I have a large living room 23×17 and it is now eggshell or light. What is some suggestions. There is plenty of light.
— norma Patton 03/04/2010 08:08 AM #
Norma: I can suggest a ton of colors….but that’s a little like taking a stab in the dark, no pun intended!
Get our Trend-Proof Color Collection. When you go through our PROCESS, with our Trend-Proof Color Collection at home, you work with all the colors “at home”, and can follow them like a roadmap. Seeing the entire Trend-proof Color Collection among your own things, in your space, and interacting with each other will allow you to see colors that are perfect with your natural surfaces, such as wood stains, granite, fabrics, and art. The Process guides you there. You will understand how many color combinations are possible and pick the direction you love the most. I can then help you narrow down the many great choices you have at your finger tips. If you need further assistance, (SO WORTH IT!) we have Virtual Colorization’s. We take over and give you visual color advice (See examples). Either way, we are here to HELP!
— Gretchen Schauffler 03/05/2010 02:01 PM #