To paint or not to paint, that is the question.

Hello all!
I haven’t posted in quite a while, first I had a terrible cold, then the flu, then I went to San Diego for a wedding…it’s been CRAZY.

BUT, now I’m back, and I have a design question for y’all!

We live in a fairly small duplex, which we are allowed to paint, but we have to re-paint everything the original color before we leave. Since we may be here as short a time as a year (depending on how long it takes my husband to write his thesis) Evan (my husband) wasn’t too keen on painting. But he did agree to let me paint an accent wall downstairs.

What I’d like to do, is paint the wall that goes from the front door/entry area into the living room. But I can’t decide between a light blue and a light gray!

The entry area can get kind of dark, so I don’t want anything that will make it feel closed in. I also am in the process of sewing a cover for our living room couch that is a light gray. So painting the wall could compliment that.

This view is from the front door looking into the house, so you can see it look darker as you come in. And you can also see the gray couch (although the color isn’t very good in this picture).

What do you guys think? For the two choices I was thinking something like:

Keep in mind that I have no idea at this point if I can get these exact paints, but what I would do is get the closest possible color.

Tell me what you think!

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18 Comments

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    The blue looks cheery and is probably my fave of the two, but I like the idea of the gray matching the couch. I’m certainly no expert decorater though, and that’s why I’m hanging around here! 🙂

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    I’d go with the blue. I feel it’s a little brighter, then just get throw pillows for the couch that brings the two colors together. Benjamin moore has a nice light blue too. I can’t remember the name but it was one if their colors of the year last year. Good luck and whatever you pick will be a nice change for you I’m sure.

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    I like both colors Adrienne. If you want to keep things monochromatic, try the gray but maybe think in terms of more white in the color. You can also have the paint mixed at 3/4 strength. I think I am partial to adding the blue as it adds a contrast that I would like. Choosing blues is difficult I know as the undertones and lighting can change the appearance so much when you put it in the space. Definitely, try a sample of each on the wall to see it at various times through the day.
    I find I am drawn to having a color other than white in my home and I am thinking you are the same so go for it!
    Also, and I know this is unsolicited advice, but I would think about adding an area rug on the floor to “anchor” the space. It will add color and you can take it with you when you move! If you add a large canvas print (There are so many available at places like TJMaxx.) on that same wall with colors that coordinate you wouldn’t have to paint and you would also have something to take to your next home. Just something to think about… 🙂

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      Hi Nancy! I’ve really considered a rug off and on, especially since I think that both the carpet and the linoleum are hideous. But i’d have to find something that A) I really fell in love with at first sight B) was inexpensive, since we have a VERY small budget for home items, and C) wouldn’t slip, slide, or keep doors from opening and closing easily as the downstairs is all pretty high-traffic. I will keep it in mind though, and maybe i’ll stumble upon the PERFECT rug that I just can’t pass up!

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    Thanks all! I’ve considered going with the blue, and then adding some more blue into the rest of the living room–throw pillows, table runner, maybe lamp? Your input has all been great! Thanks again!

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    My advice would have been to paint a piece of furniture so you don’t have to repraint when you move & you can take it with you. 🙂

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