Problem Matching Paint Color to Accent Wall

by Jennifer
(Howell, MI)

Dilemma:

I have decided to paint one accent wall in my living room a separate color (green) than I would like the rest.

I am trying to figure out now what color would look good against the green I painted, and flow through the rest of the room.

The carpet is a very light brown; I also have red sofas and a green chair that matches the one wall.

Do I have too many colors going on or can I pull it off with this punch of color to the one wall and do the remaining walls in a similar hue?

Please help - in desperate need!

Critique:

Jennifer, red and green are a complementary pairing, so they do look great together. But the higher the saturation (or intensity) of the colors, the more this combination can look like Christmas year round.

To avoid this "very merry" effect and make your color scheme more livable, we need to "dilute" it with a neutral paint color on the remaining walls.

Luckily, your fireplace stone has plenty of neutral shades that will coordinate beautifully with your decor.

Just stay away from anything orange-y, because it will clash with your red furniture and the pillows.

Also, since your accent wall is a pretty definite green, the surrounding walls need a stronger color as well (something with substance, not too light) - to create a better balance, and connect your fireplace to the rest of the room.

For example, you can try 6142 Macadamia from Sherwin Williams:



...or 7528 Windsor Greige if you want a cooler neutral:



And finally, I always recommend people get a sample before they paint. Test the color on a poster board and move it around the room to see how it looks on different walls and at different times of the day in different lighting.

Now good luck with your project!