I'm moving into a new apartment and just bought brand new furniture from Rooms To Go, a 7 pc set. The color of the sofas is "Neutral Putty" and the coffee table and entertainment center is a dark wood. What color should I paint the walls. I was thinking of a muted rust color, but I don't know. I really don't want to make the room dark, I want to lighten it up because the wood is so dark. Please help, I would really appreciate it!

Also any ideas on a color for the kitchen, or should I just paint everything the same color, since it's an apartment and it connects.

 

well, if the sofas are as neutral as "neutral putty" sounds, then the sky's the limit on your color choices! you said you don't want the room to be dark, so that cuts your choices in half. just pick your favorite color! consider whether you want the room to be warm or cool. cool colors make the walls receed, whereas warm colors close in the room, making it cozier. however, if the color is pale enough, you won't need to worry about it. just know that the soft rusty color you're considering will seem warmer & slightly "cozier" than the white that's probably there now. but please don't be overly concerned with what makes your place look bigger - your goal isn't to have people walk in your apartment and say "wow! it's so big!" you want them to say "whoa! what a great place!"

you need to consider the woodwork in the apartment - is it painted or stained? if it's stained, make sure that the wall color doesn't clash with it. reds, oranges, browns & yellows can be tricky around wood tones.

maybe the flooring that's there will limit you? or is it neutral too? if so, then think ahead to accessories. say to yourself, "ok - i want sagey green walls. what color would i use for throw pillows?" so then go shopping and see what's out there. if you find some pillows you love, then match up a green paint & go for it. if you hate every fabric you see that has sage green in it, then go to Plan B. "what if i painted a chamoise yellow/gold color?" then look for, say, an area rug. or draperies. or wall art. something!

in other words, don't commit to a paint until you've thought ahead a step or two. or at least have another item or two for inspiration.

in a small space where rooms flow into each other, it really is best if you can treat the walls all the same. it will make the space seem bigger. you can always paint one wall somewhere in an accent color. but generally, you don't want to visually chop it up too much.

if you still can't decide, look thru magazines or catalogs for ideas. nothing says you can't copy something you see that you love. or go online & look at any website for furniture retailers or drapery retailers. you'll see lots of finished rooms, completely accessorized. personally, i love potterybarn.com. most of their rooms have dark furniture with light walls.

and lastly, take inventory of what you have. unless you're starting from scratch, you probably have things in a certain color or pattern that you'll want to use and will need to coordinate in with your new decor. maybe it's placemats or your dishes or a piece of artwork.......that would give you a starting point.

hope that helps!