Choosing interior paint for an open floor plan can be trickier than it looks. How do you pick the perfect color that looks great from every room? Color expert Shannon Kaye works with new homeowner Renee on choosing a wall color that's perfect for her airy, open living room.

Dear Shannon Kaye,

CertaPro will be painting our interior soon, but we need help deciding what colors to use. As you can see from the photos, the floor plan is really open with some interesting angles and you can see the family room, kitchen and dining room all at once from the foyer by the stairs.

 

 

There are skylights that give lots of light, plus lots of windows.

 

 

 

I think the fireplace and the large wall in the living area are both nice focal points. Also, you can see the kitchen is not that large.

 

I have picked one color that I really love, which is SW #6415 Hearts of Palm, but I'm having difficulty trying to figure out what other color will look good with it. I wanted to use the Hearts of Palm in the kitchen. I'm open to using it elsewhere, but I thought it might be too much green. Some other colors I like are reds and yellows—just no beiges, please, but I'm open for suggestions! I want this to be fun! By the way, we will be removing the window toppers.

Thanks!
Renee

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Hi Renee,

Nice work testing the paint colors. You're doing everything right! So, let me just suggest a few things.

First, as you're forced to consider this home as a whole (because of the open plan), you also have to consider the design as a whole.

Some things to consider:

1. What kind of furniture, rugs, artwork and accessories are you considering?
2. Will you have colorful walls with neutral furnishings, neutral walls with colorful furnishings or something in between?
3. The wall colors should complement, not compete with, your belongings. And in this case, they should also frame your views to bring the outdoors into your space.

Color suggestions:

Look for colors that bring warmth to your fireplace and wood floors (beautiful "outdoor" materials), show off the lush colors in your yard and create a rich backdrop for the things you love. For a colorful though slightly neutral color combination, pair a softer version of Hearts of Palm, like Sherwin Williams 7732 Lemon Grass, with Benjamin Moore HC-77 Alexandria Beige, a deep, beautiful taupe, despite its name (you can see it in both my book and my show, Fresh Coat, in an episode called "Romantic Study"). This color combination looks great with all bright accent colors from cheerful orange to lemon yellow and, yes, Hearts of Palm!

I'd let the fireplace and architecture be the focal points, but it could be fun to throw one color on the front door wall. Perhaps you'd like Sherwin Williams SW7691 Biltmore Buff (again, more cheerful than its name when viewed in a sun-filled room) in the kitchen, Lemon Grass on the walls and Benjamin Moore 063 Pennies from Heaven on the front door wall for a burst of cheer.

Just like nature, there are a few basic colors all around with an amazing array of textures and colors jumping off the canvas. Break away from yellow and green on the walls and look for colors that will bring the yellow sunshine and green yard inside for you. You'll absolutely love it!

Sincerely,
Shannon

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Dear Shannon,

Thank you so much for your reply...this is really a wonderful service from you and CertaPro! I have samples of all the colors that you suggested except the Biltmore Buff. I wanted to start with the other colors first.

I loved the Lemon Grass, although I'm still somewhat partial to the Hearts of Palm! The Pennies from Heaven looks great, and you're right—it is a fun color! When you suggested using it on the front door wall, did you mean above the door as well and around that large window? I also do like the Alexandria Beige, and I guess my plan would be to put it on all of the other walls that you saw in those photos and the wall by the bar and by the stairs. Do you think that is too much of that color? It does really blend well with the fireplace and would definitely make the moldings stand out.

I understand what you're saying about bringing the outdoors in. You asked about furnishings—I have attached a photo of a rug that we will be using in that family room.

 

 

The other furnishings are a beige or taupe sofa (but lighter than the Alexandria Beige) and a green chair and ottoman. Everything else is pretty neutral. I really don't plan to add drapery—probably just plantation shutters. Do you see any other colors that you like better with this rug? I like the blue, just didn't know how to use it! We will also be painting the staircase—probably black and white.

Thanks!
Renee

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Dear Renee,

Fantastic, Renee! I love the rug and personality you're planning on bringing to your home. You decide if Pennies from Heaven should go all the way up or just around the lower door wall. I trust your instincts. Leave the blue alone to avoid getting too "matchy," but go with the black and white stairs—a perfectly playful idea! Shutters will work well for the windows, but also consider top-down blinds that give you privacy while still letting in the light. Another option is a simple roman shade or London shade in a natural fabric to soften the angles and hard edges just a bit. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Sincerely,
Shannon