How to Divide Paint Colors in a Living Room & Breakfast Room
Open floor plans in homes and apartments can give a sense of spaciousness that is very inviting. However, there can be a few drawbacks: the openness may lack a sense of coziness; defining spaces becomes more difficult; and any clutter can be easily spotted from all directions. The clutter issue cannot be addressed with paint, but creating a cozy sense of space can be accomplished by using paint and color techniques on walls and ceilings. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Rolling Color Scheme
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Assess your space by noting where walls begin and end. Kitchen eating areas sometimes have stand-alone walls or islands that help to define a space. In other kitchens areas there may be bulkheads which are similar to crown molding, except that they are usually about a foot tall and are attached to the ceilings to define areas.
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Choose a color scheme for your living room and breakfast area. Your scheme should include two colors and a neutral hue. Generally, the more similar the colors, (such as beige, brown and yellow) the easier it will be to pull them all together. For more drama and energy, choose colors that are opposites on the color wheel, such as blue and orange; red and green; and yellow and purple. For example, you may want to use a soft yellow on your walls and then use purple accents in accessories, art and pillows.
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Define each area of your open plan by changing the dominant color for each space. If your color palate is navy, red and tan, your living room may have tan walls, a red rug and navy furniture and drapes. The nearby kitchen area may use a red focal wall with a navy rug and tan curtains and tan on the walls that are shared with the living room area.
Paint Options
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Paint walls that begin and end in a living room or kitchen a different color from walls in the rest of the space to assist in defining an area. Using one wall as a focal wall will denote a different purpose for that area. If you have a long, narrow room, painting a dark warm color on an end wall will help the room seem wider.
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Paint or stencil a design on a ceiling over the kitchen table if there are no natural breaks in the walls between your rooms. There are medallions that may be painted and installed around a light in a breakfast area that would also help define the space and carry the color scheme to the ceiling.
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Paint a decorative room divider to be used to break up an open space. Choose one that can be painted on both sides for optimal interest. Use stencils to help you create clean designs.
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Creating a mural or faux finish on one wall is another way to add a focal wall. Use the same colors you've designated for your palate so that the design will unify the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Neutral colors include black, white, beige, brown and grey.
Warm colors, such as red, yellow, orange and hot pink advance and dominate a color scheme.
Cool colors, such as blue, green and lavender, recede and provide calm.
If you use only cool colors in a space it may appear cold and sterile. If you use only warm colors, it may be too stimulating, especially for children. Generally, it's not a good idea to draw a line down a wall to force a separation.
