For the hundredth time...

Christine,

 

I came across your web site and hoped you can help me.  I recently installed new distressed reddish brown birch hardwood in my downstairs (about 1300 sq. ft).  I am using Dunn Edwards paint and would like some suggestions for colors.  I am looking at Golden Gate, Graham Cracker for family room/kitchen (although may be too dark) and colors with yellow tones, ..am I on the right track?  I do have very high ceilings and lots of natural light and reside in Southern California (if that makes a difference).  

 

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me!! 

 

Debra

Dear Debra,

No.  I cannot help you select paint.  Selecting paint too early is such a common mistake.  As I explain in this post, and this post,  and this post, and many others, paint selection is nearly last, in the order of things.  When the room is decorated, the paint practically selects itself.  However- keep the paint selection in mind, like I instructed this reader.  Ideally, all of your decisions will be made prior to anything happening.  Finances might prohibit doing everything at once- but that doesn't mean the selections cannot be made.

To bring out the intensity of the red tones, you might consider a paint shade with a green undertone.  Read this post- and this post, on opposites attract-.  Look at some nice green tones in this post.

I also want you to keep in mind that the trends are in general- going light, even white in paint colors.  These decisions, of course, like I have mentioned, will all be so clear after your other decorating decsions have been made.

The Order of Things

Christine

I have the exact rug you pictured (2nd of the two) and am trying to find a paint color for my family room to coordinate with the rug, camel-colored sofa and brown leather chair. I'm thinking of trying a sample of SW oyster bay. Any thoughts?

- Susan

Hi Susan,

In your question you only mentioned one pattern- the rug, and then two solid colors.  If this is what you are working with, it is premature to be selecting paint.  As I have said many times in the past- paint should be the last selection.  When done in the correct order, after all other selections are made, the paint practically selects itself. 

First of all- you need more pattern in the room. 

Add some patterned window treatments.

Add some pattern in throw pillows.

If you were to select the paint first, it will make your fabric shopping more difficult.  It takes time to find a good fabric that goes with your rug.  It is really a piece of cake to find paint.  Selecting the paint first will make your fabric and pillow quests infinitely more difficult.  Now, when you put paint samples on your walls, you will really be able to tell if it goes well.  Oyster Bay is a great neutral shade or bluish green.  This post  lists some other similar tones. 

Fabric from Robert Allen and pillows from Pottery Barn.