Tracie’s Color Conundrum

When Tracie asked us to help her pick the perfect paint colors for her den, we whipped out our paint swatches and got down to business. Here’s her letter:

I just discovered your site and I am already addicted. The timing couldn’t be more perfect because I am in a hurry to pick paint colors that are really going to define our entire house. My husband and I moved in about a year ago and we’ve been slowly going room by room painting and decorating. We planned on leaving the den as our last project but, unfortunately Hurricane Ike (we live South of Houston) caused some water damage so we are replacing some drywall and baseboards. Our den connects to the kitchen and entryway as well, so whatever color we choose for the den will be continued into the other areas. I was envisioning a neutral with a gold tone but I don’t want it too dark or too light (that’s helpful, huh). Here are a few design elements that need to considered in the color scheme: the drapes in the den and kitchen nook (I made them from Waverly Essence in Sunset) and the kitchen’s unfortunate tan tile backsplash (I wish I could change these, but we’re not in a position to really tackle the kitchen yet). Thanks! -Tracie

Tracie’s den is definitely bursting with potential, and we love the fabulous blinds that she created to unify both the adjoined kitchen nook and the den. So we selected three different tones for the wall along with trim colors and accent suggestions for Tracie’s fresh new den makeover. Once again we have to add our usual disclaimer that the color swatches below are only as accurate as your monitor and the best way for Tracie to see the schemes in all their dynamic glory is to snag the suggested paint chips and bring ‘em into her den to make the final decision. But without further ado, our crisp and bold yet subdued and sophisticated color scheme suggestions:

Here’s the color palette breakdown.

1. This first scheme features some complementary soft green tones to bring out the rich colors in those curtains (represented by the color swatch in the back of the pile) while still maintaining a neutral and inviting palette. For the walls we’d suggest a taupey-green tone, since a sophisticated greeny-tan khaki will lend a neutral feel while adding a bit of interest thanks to the sage undertones (try Useful Gray by Sherwin Williams). Then for the trim, the doors and the baseboards we think a crisp clean white will really keep everything feeling fresh. And when it comes to adding accents like pillows, vases, and throws, a rich green hue with a bit of a yellow undertone (use Leapfrog by Sherwin Williams as a guide) will work wonderfully with this scheme and the existing textiles in the space for a luxe and posh affect with bursts of color tempered by neutral walls.

2. The second palette is made up of a soft taupe tone for the walls with golden undertones and tawny wheaty-gold accents to bring out the richness in the curtains (represented by the last swatch) and lend a dramatic and sophisticated look to the entire adjoined space. For the walls we’ll again suggest a neutral tone to keep things feeling crisp and current without overwhelming (try Restrained Gold by Sherwin Williams). And again for the trim we’d keep things crisp and clean with white paint, although we would actually suggest painting out the bookcase in a slightly lighter tone than the walls (Ivorie by Sherwin Williams) to keep it from standing out so much (since it’s not balanced by anything else on the other wall, keeping the contrast to a minimum will help it fit in instead of stick out). For a rich and elegant pop of color in the space, we think using a deep golden tan (use Chamois by Sherwin Williams as a guide) for pillows, vases and other accessories in the space will really tie everything together while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

3.The third palette features a creamy yellow gold tone for the walls and some greeny-gold accent colors to add pop and dimension to the space while complementing those stunning window treatments (represented by the bottom color swatch) throughout the space. For the walls we’ll go with a rich creamy yellow with subtle green undertones (again to complement those great curtains) for a classic yet current appeal (try Lucent Yellow by Sherwin Williams). And for the baseboards, trim, and doors we’d again suggest a clean crisp white. We also think painting the bookcase in a paler tone taken from the wall color would look great and again cut down on the contrast to make the bookcase fit in more cohesively (try Chamomile by Sherwin Williams). And when it comes to the accent color for everything from pillows and throws to vases and even wall art, a deep golden green (like Antiquity by Sherwin Williams) will add punch, interest and style to the entire space.

So there you have it. Three ideas to accent and complement those rich colored draperies while washing the walls in a color that’s not too dark and not too light, but juuuuuust right. We can’t wait to hear what you guys think- especially you Tracie! And if anyone else has a color conundrum of their own, click here for some posh paint palette possibilities.

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