Paint: Color-Block question:

by Jackie
(MN)

I would like to paint my dining room with two colors: beige on the main walls and a darker color on the nook with the loveseat, and the set-in area with the buffet. Color-Block style. (not so much a whole accent wall.)Any suggestion on what the darker color should be, and how many shades darker?

Hi Jackie, Kimberly here from interior decorating ideas for you. Thank you for asking the question on what color to compliment your main beige walls.

You have a couple of options to do in a block style. If you stay in the neutral family you will want to go darker on your paint swatch down two from the color you have picked. This would provide enough contrast with your block style and be very stunning.

It is a good idea to find out what colors are mixed to make the beige you are using. Brown, gray, green or blue color pigmentation. Once you find this out you also have the option of getting out of the neutral family for your secondary color.

In other words, you could compliment your furniture and accents by adding a darker solid color such as green if it blends in well with your accessories.

You will need to decide if you want to stay in the neutral family, what color pigmentation you have in the paint, and go down two notches on the color swatch.

If you stay in the neutral color, you will create a warm look to the room. If you go with a different complimentary color, your room makes a bolder statement. This is entirely up to you and what look you are trying to achieve.

Summery -
1. Find out if you have brown or gray pigmentation in your beige paint.

2. Decide if you want to stay in the beige family and go a third darker or down two notches on color swatch.

3. Go with a different color blending in your colors in your furniture, floor, ceiling, and accessories.

A good idea also if you are looking at paint swatches, is to make sure you take the sample outside in natural lighting. You will be able to see the true color you will be using.

I hope this helps and your goal is to create a soft look or make a bolder statement. Thanks again Jackie for asking the question, and let us know what you decide. Best of luck to you and feel free to ask a question anytime here at interior decorating ideas for you. Have a wonderful day!
Kimberly