Ask Joshua -Adding color to living room walls in an open concept home

Hi Joshua,

I just bought a new house, and the kitchen, dining, and living room are all one big open floorplan, in an L shape. I would love to add color to the living room walls, but will this look strange given it's open floorplan?

Thanks!

Kelley - Seattle, Washington

Contemporary style living room with a bold wall color. Image created using AI via Canva

Hi Kelley,

First of all, congratulations on your new house! It’s an exciting time to start to thinking about how to make your new house a home just for you. Since I don’t know what your house interior looks like, I can make some general recommendations. It’s no problem having different colors on walls in an open floor plan. If you do have multiple colors, make sure they are divided by neutral walls; i.e. don’t have a dark blue wall adjacent to a red one. Also, try to utilize architectural features in the space, such as beams, an archway into a different portion, or built-in in the space to help decide where colors should change. It helps the eye expect a change. If you do have a wall with a line, floor to ceiling, with a color change, think about trying to obscure part of it with furniture such as a sideboard with décor on top or a tall indoor plant.

I hope this helps and good luck with your painting!

Warmly,

Joshua

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.