Reflect on Your Personal Style
Your living room is your stage.
It should scream (or gently whisper) YOU.
Before diving into swatches, take a moment to think about what feels right.
Source:@oursmallterracewith Farrow & Ball “Treron”
Are you more modern minimalist or boho-chic?
So start by thinking about what you naturally gravitate toward.
Do you love clean whites or rich, velvety colors?
Source:@oursmallterracewith Farrow & Ball “Treron”
Extra Tip:To pinpoint your style, browse through your wardrobe, Instagram saves, or Pinterest boards.
Noticing lots of crisp whites and navy?
You might lean coastal.
Source:@the.mental.templewith Lick “Red 03” and “White 01”
Seeing mustard yellow, earthy reds, and eclectic patterns?
Hello, mid-century modern!
Use these cues as color inspiration.
Source:@dekkobirdwith Farrow & Ball “Oval Room Blue”
Flip through your camera roll.
Which colors are you always photographing?
Nature trails, beachy views, cozy cafe corners, they might reveal your true palette!
Source:Maria Killam
Consider the Rooms Purpose
Function fuels form!
Is your living room the hub for Friday-night movie marathons?
Or is it a more formal space for entertaining guests and sipping wine?
Source:@benjaminmooreukwith Benjamin Moore “Glacier White” and “Sea Salt”
The function should absolutely influence your color choices.
These help create a chill, restorative mood.
Think about energy levels.
Source:@farrowandballwith Farrow & Ball “Hague Blue”
Want a nap-friendly nook?
Go with warm, subdued tones like oatmeal or sage.
Hosting game nights and dinner parties?
Source:@liveandgatherco
Juicy tones like coral, ochre, or olive green create an upbeat, welcoming vibe.
Play with Natural Light
Light is a sneaky trickster, it changes everything.
That gorgeous blush you saw online?
Source:@yasi.fatollahywith Farrow & Ball “Calamine”
It might look like a washed-out beige in your north-facing room.
It might go a bit blue under morning light or turn moody in the evening.
Your flooring, furniture, and even door trims all play a part in the final vibe.
You want your wall color to singwiththem, not fight for attention.
Extra Tip:Start with whats staying.
If you have a teal velvet sofa or rich walnut floors, those should guide your color decisions.
Lean into earthy shades like burnt sienna, soft terracotta, or mossy green.
Dusty blues or sleek neutrals play nicely.
And dont forget texture!
Shiny metallics pop against matte walls, while linen or wool looks great with deeper, saturated backgrounds.
Got a charcoal gray couch?
A dusty lavender or soft olive green could pair beautifully.
Test, Test, Test!
No matter how dreamy a swatch looks, its a different beast on a wall.
Always (seriously,always) sample your paint before committing.
Samples are your best friends.
No ifs, ands, or maybes.
Paint large swatches and move them around your room.
Check them in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Notice how they shift with the light, and trust your reactions.
Embrace the Power of Neutrals
Neutrals have a bad rap for being safe, but honestly?
Theyre the secret sauce to flexibility.
Extra Tip:Neutrals come in warm, cool, and balanced tones.
A cool gray with blue undertones can feel modern and crisp, while a warm greige brings cozy vibes.
Want something clean but soft?
Look for off-whites like Skimming Stone or Pointing; they offer subtle depth without veering into bland territory.
And if you want extra coziness?
Add layers with textures, think chunky throws, ceramic lamps, and woven baskets.
Dont Shy Away from Bold Choices
Feeling gutsy?
Lets go for it!
A rich, velvety color can transform a ho-hum living room into a jaw-dropping statement space.
Bold colors can make your living room feel alive, like it has a point of view.
Navy, forest green, oxblood, even deep mustard… yes just!
If youre worried itll feel too dark, use mirrors and metallic accents to bounce light around.
And remember, even small living rooms can wear bold colors beautifully when done right!
And remember: bold doesnt have to mean dark!
Bright terracotta, citron yellow, or cobalt can be equally daring in a joyful way.
Think About the Finish
Finish matters more than you think.
Accent walls are your ticket to adding personality without overwhelming the space.
Accent walls are like the statement necklace of the room; bold, fun, and full of character.
You dont need a whole room of dramatic color to make an impact.
Use this spot to go darker, brighter, or justdifferent.
you could even use texture, like limewash, plaster effects, or wallpaper, to make it pop.
Try painting just the ceiling for a stylish twist!
Paint just the lower half of your walls or go with wide horizontal stripes.
At some point, its time to kill the laptop and just follow your gut.
Its often the one.
Color is deeply personal.
It can inspire, comfort, or energize you every day.
So pick what makes you smile when you walk into the room.
Thats the magic moment.
Dont get stuck in analysis paralysis.
You know more than you think, and its totally okay to take a few creative leaps.
The paint color you choose helps shape those moments.
It can wrap you in calm, energize your mornings, or set the mood for gathering and connection.
So take your time, experiment with samples, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Now go grab that brush and make magic happen.
