Author: Chin Suarez

Categories
Design & decor

Two-colour combinations for the living room

Repainting your walls is a surefire way to refresh your home, even without redecorating. If you plan to refresh your space, explore a modern two-colour combination for your living room walls, from a neutral monochromatic palette and complementary shades to adventurous bright shades and bold hues. 

You’ll spend time with these colours for years to come, so they should feel right to you as a homeowner. In this blog post, we’ll go through 11 two-colour combination ideas to consider for your next living room redesign.

11 two-colour combinations for your living room

1. Keep it cosy with warm beige and brown

Beige and brown living room with open space / Source: iStock

Who said a neutral colour palette had to be boring? If you already have beige walls, this colour combination is a good jumping-off point. Go for a pop of brown paint on an accent wall or trimmings. Then, add some brown furniture and a pop of white decor. Your beige, brown and white living room will still feel familiar but definitely elevated. 

2. Jazz it up with a monochromatic colour combination

You don’t need to go wild with your new two-colour living room. A monochromatic palette means all you need to do is choose a shade lighter or darker than your current colour, then experiment with it on your ceiling, trim, or accent wall. Some colour combinations you could consider are light pink and fuschia, pastel yellow and cream, or sky blue and navy blue.

Thinking of starting small with just the trim or an accent wall? It’s best to assess if you can DIY the painting job or if you should leave the painting to the pros.

3. Relax your eyes with cream and green

Green is always easy on the eyes, and cream and green rooms give off an elegant and refreshing ambience. It introduces a tranquil vibe to a space–something you will love coming home to. 

Forest green, grass green, sage green and even olive green are great options to combine with a cream colour. If you like the idea of nature inside your house, you could get some indoor plants as part of your redecoration plans.

4. Go bold with black and white

Black and white living room with wood and grey tiling accents / Source: iStock

You can opt for all-black walls and a white ceiling for a classic touch or have just one black accent wall for a pop of colour. You can even emphasise the eye-catching contrast through your decor. 

5. Soften the room with pastels and white

Pastel pink and sky blue aren’t just for the nursery. Using this wall colour combination for your living room will add appeal and even a whimsical feel to your space. You could even add white furniture or decor to make the room bright and airy. 

6. Add a touch of luxe with metallics and white walls

Just the right shade of gold or silver can give your living room the extra pizazz it’s missing. And don’t worry; just because there’s metal doesn’t mean it has to be ornate and old-fashioned. This colour combination is a step up from white and neutrals and will impress your guests. 

7. Keep it crisp with navy blue and white

Living room with navy blue walls and white curtains / Source: iStock

Navy blue and white is a colour combination you can’t go wrong with. It’s classic, elegant, and perfect for a coastal vibe. You can start small and highlight blue walls, blue sofa, or blue curtains and white ceilings with off-white window treatments. 

8. Make it visually interesting with dark teal and blush pink

If pastels and muted colours aren’t your thing, consider the darker teal and pink shades. 

For instance, a dark teal wall can add a dramatic look to a living room, while a pink couch and decor items can soften the look and add a hint of brightness. Tie this colour combination with the right interior design elements, such as window treatments, an area rug, or wall art.

9. Go extra-colourful with tangerine and pink

Two bold and bright colours in one room can work! When done right, this wall colour combination or wall and furniture scheme will bring warmth and cheerfulness to your living room. Add some contemporary furniture, and your vibrant sitting area is all set.

10. Try warm grey and orange for an ultra-modern feel

Modern interior design with orange wall and grey accents / Source: iStock

Don’t knock this colour scheme until you’ve checked it out. When you find just the right shade of orange, you’ve got an out-of-the-box combination that’s stylish. 

You’d be surprised at how orange can bring warmth to your space and make it inviting without being garish and how grey becomes strikingly elegant. Not a fan of orange? Swap it out for brownish-orange hues blue.

11. Push the limit with purple and brown

Dark purple and brown is a colour combination that comes together surprisingly well. This is because brown is derived from yellow, which sits opposite purple on the colour wheel. Purple livens up neutral brown, while brown “grounds” the rather eclectic purple. If your living room has wood accents, this combo might be the one to try. 

Bring your vision to life with the right colour combination

Whether you go for a classic or modern two-colour combination for your living room, this paint job will have a big impact on your home’s ambience. As you choose a style and execute your painting plans, there are a lot of things to consider. Hiring a local painter can make the entire process easier for you.

FAQs on living room paint colour combinations

How do you pair colours in a living room?

Some ways to pair two colours are as follows:

  • Pairing complementary hues (e.g. blue and orange, purple and yellow)
  • Choosing shades and tints of one colour (e.g. a monochromatic palette)
  • Combining two warm tones or two cool tones (e.g. orange and brown, blue and green)
  • Pairing bold hues with a neutral colour (e.g. lime green and white, yellow and grey)
  • Pairing warmer tones with cooler tones (e.g. brown and blue)

To make your living room look its best, you’ll need an expert interior designer to guide you as you choose the right vibrant hues or neutrals that will work well together. It’s crucial that you understand the balance between shades and the effect each colour will have on your room before you have at it with a roller brush.

Do green and terracotta go together?

Yes, green and terracotta is a colour scheme that will work for a room. Together, they create an earthy, organic feel reminiscent of natural elements. You could even treat terracotta as neutral (like beige or brown) and combine it with pink, yellow, black, or brown hues.

What colours brighten a beige room?

Just about any colour combination can make a beige room bright! Add a touch of warmth with burnt orange or red; modernise the living room’s look with black or navy; or add a cheerful personality with sky blue. Beige is a neutral base that can anchor the look while letting you play around with small doses of bright colours.

Can you mix beige and white decor?

You can definitely mix beige and white decor. Clean white is great for balance and light, while beige adds the warmth necessary for a cosy living room. Colourful living room walls will definitely pop against this more neutral decorating colour scheme.

What colour of furniture goes well with cream living room walls?

Many colours pair well with cream, so it would depend on the other elements you’re working with. Hues of green, blue, red, grey, white, and even black will add some necessary colour to the neutral space of cream walls. You can also go for other neutrals and use brown wooden furniture. 

Categories
Doors & windows

Transform your doors with these door painting hacks

Whether you’re gearing up for a full-blown home renovation or simply looking to spruce up your living space, painting a door can work wonders for your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, it can be quite time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time giving your doors a new look.  

But don’t worry, there are several ways to simplify your door painting task! Read on to learn some smart painting tips and hacks that can help minimise errors in your DIY project. 

8 door painting hacks and tips for your DIY project 

1.  Leave the door on the hinges

Metal chrome hinged hinges on a white interior door / Source: iStock

When painting your door, there’s the risk of getting paint on your door’s trim, on the walls, ceilings, or floors. You don’t want this mishap, especially if you’re painting your front door.

TikTok DIY expert DIY With Emma offers a smart hack that suggests using a plastic folder to keep paint from going where it shouldn’t. Hold the folder along your door’s top and bottom edges while painting across them. With this painting doors and trims hack, you can leave the door on its hinges and paint the door without messing up the edges that fit into the frame. 

2. Get your prep work ahead of time

Before you start your project, do some prep work in advance. Cover the hinges and remove door knobs to protect them from paint.

Once you’re done with the hinges, smooth out any lumps on the door’s surface by sanding them. Additionally, have some shims ready to ensure the door stays securely in place. Shims are handy little pieces that help fill gaps or spaces. Doing these preparations ensures a hassle-free process and favourable results when painting doors.

3. Sand and prime for a smoother paint finish

Start off with clean doors before painting to avoid dust and hair messing up your paint job and guarantee a smoother paint finish. Lightly sand the door with 220-grit sandpaper between paint layers to remove dust or drips. 

Moreover, select the right type of primer and paint for the task. Satin or semi-gloss paints are great at concealing uneven areas. Meanwhile, a high-gloss paint finish gives the most shine but requires tedious preparation and takes longer to dry. 

4. Use paint rollers and brushes for a specific purpose

Painter painting a door with brush / Source: iStock

When it comes to painting different types of doors, it’s essential to know when and how to use paint rollers and brushes. Use a roller that holds lots of paint for efficiency and if you want to achieve a smooth surface. Opt for an angle brush for those tricky edges to get precise coverage. 

Remember, start with minimal paint on the roller, focus on the edges first, and then smoothly paint the rest of the door. 

5. Avoid rolling in one direction only

Work in sections of about five to six square feet to avoid leaving marks on your ceiling while painting your door. Move quickly from one section to the next so the paint along the edge doesn’t dry before you can roll the adjoining area. 

Don’t forget to roll each section at a right angle to your initial roller direction. It might seem like extra effort, but it will help you get that flawless finish you want on your door.

6. Double-check your chosen paint sheen 

Label the paint cans to avoid mixing them up, especially if using different sheens of the same colour. The same goes for painting a two-toned front door or other doors that require different paint sheens. Such attention to detail will ensure your painting project turns out beautifully without the unnecessary hassle.

Consider the sheen if you’re wondering what type of paint for internal doors is best. Avoid high-sheen paints if you’re working on textured or rough surfaces, as they’ll highlight imperfections. If you opt for a semi-gloss or gloss sheen, ensure your surface is smooth and well-prepared. 

7. Prevent paint drips with a drop cloth or rosin paper 

Paint roller and white paint over plastic drop cloth / Source: iStock

Paint drips are common when painting vertically, especially when painting glass panels on doors, since it’s more difficult for the paint to adhere to the surface. 

To quickly solve this problem, lay down a drop cloth or some rosin paper. It’s like giving your painting project a landing pad for any paint drops. This trick will save you from unwanted mess and make the painting task more efficient.

8. Consider weather conditions when painting

When painting an exterior door or any other door, consider your local climate since extreme temperatures can affect the final paint finish. 

If you live in a cold area, bring latex or acrylic paint and caulk indoors before it gets too chilly, as cold weather can cause cloudy or blotchy paint results. Avoid painting when it’s freezing outside, as the paint won’t dry properly and can easily peel off. 

On one side, extreme heat and humidity can also modify the paint finish, and the paint tends to dry rapidly, leading to uneven coverage, bubbling, or peeling. As much as possible, try to plan your painting when the weather is moderate and avoid direct sunlight if you can. This way, you’ll achieve a more accurate and lasting finish.

Additional door painting tips

To help you avoid mistakes on your next paint job, here are some more helpful door painting tips:

  • Choose your paint colour carefully: If possible, request a small sample from the store to test on your wall in various lighting conditions before buying a can or gallon and trying it out on your door. This way, you can ensure it’s the right shade for your space, saving you from extra trips to the paint store.
  • Use a smaller painting tool for panelled doors: Painting a panelled door can be tricky because of its interior details and various surfaces that can highlight imperfections. As a workaround, use a small foam or synthetic brush to carefully paint the edges, switches, sockets, or other intricate areas.
  • Keep your paint cans covered: Putting the paint can lid back on immediately can prevent messy accidents and keep the paint clean. It also prevents dried residue and mix-ups with similar-coloured lids.
  • Ensure your work area is well-lit: Avoid painting interior surfaces in dim light, as it can result in imperfections that become visible when the room is well-lit. To ensure a smooth finish, ensure all your lights are on when painting, especially indoors.

Have fun painting your doors

Giving your doors a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home. With the simple hacks and tips above, you can confidently do the task and achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come. But if you do need expert help, you can always call a professional painter to help you out! 

FAQs on painting doors

What is the easiest way to paint a door?

Whether you’re painting a new door or concealing strong paint colour, you can follow these steps as a guide:

  • Start by applying a primer. Don’t forget to prime any specific spots that need filling. 
  • Grab a good-quality paintbrush or roller to apply even coats. 
  • Get a plastic folder to insert along the edges to avoid painting the door frame so you don’t have to detach the door. 
  • Let the paint dry before applying another coat for a durable finish. 

How do you paint a door smoothly and perfectly?

For a flawless door painting job, you should first clean, prep, and prime the surface. Then, choose the appropriate paint for your door and use paint rollers and brushes to avoid visible lines. 

If you’re keeping the door on its hinges, paint the trim first to prevent accidental smudges on the fresh coat. Lastly, apply at least two coats of paint for an even and smooth coverage, and let the door dry overnight before installing it or adding hardware. 

What is the easiest way to paint interior doors?

The simplest way to paint your interior door is by keeping it right in its frame and hanging on its hinges. Another benefit of not detaching the door before painting is that you can paint both sides simultaneously, making the job even easier. 

Is it easier to paint a door with a brush or roller?

Whether to use a brush or a roller to paint your door depends on your painting experience. If you’re a pro, using a brush can make it easier. On one hand, foam rollers can help you easily get that smoother, drip-free finish.

Can I paint the door hinges?

Yes, as long as you use a specialised paint and prepare the hinges before painting them. Otherwise, you might damage the hinges, or the paint might just peel off over time. 

Categories
Design & decor

Create a dramatic living room with a dark colour palette

While it’s common for homeowners to gravitate towards light and airy shades when decorating their living spaces, dark and cosy living rooms can infuse your space with a dramatic ambience. If you’re stumped on potential colour palettes for your living room space, keep scrolling!

In this guide, we’ll share some dark and cosy colour ideas for your living room and how dark-themed spaces can redefine your home’s atmosphere.

12 Dark and cosy colour ideas for the living room 

1. Elegant charcoal

Modern house interior with charcoal walls / Source: iStock

Black or charcoal are versatile colours that fit traditional and modern styles. Deep charcoal walls evoke a sense of sophistication and add drama and warmth to any living space. 

Charcoal walls create an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding and chatting. Just be sure to balance the darkness with plenty of light and cosy furnishings like plush sofas and warm textiles.

2. Get moody with navy

Navy blue is a rich shade that gives off a calm and serene ambience. This colour goes well with many colour themes and interior styles. Pair it with bright and muted shades, such as yellow and pink, and see the colours pop. 

Navy hues are easy to pair with other colours and can transcend trends. It can be a neutral shade that’s a lasting choice for your living room.

3. Enchanting dark greens

Luxurious interior with dark green walls / Source: iStock

Dark greens should be on your dark, cosy living room ideas inspiration board. These earthy shades bring calm and balance to your home, regardless of size.

These hues also give off the illusion that you’re connected to the outdoors. Combine it with neutral shades like cream and earthy tones, and you can create a warm and soothing space with it. It creates a warm climate when relaxing or hosting get-togethers with friends. 

4. Cosy shades of grey

Chic slate grey as the primary colour is a good option for modern living room ideas. Its timeless elegance, versatility in decorating style, and balanced contrast make it a perfect choice for those seeking elevated style and comfort. 

Greys provide a great backdrop that works seamlessly with different accent colours and furniture pieces. Use this to your advantage, and you can achieve a space that’s contemporary and inviting at the same time.

5. Get in the magic with midnight blue

Living room with sofa on an empty midnight blue wall background / Source: iStock

Painting your dark-themed living room midnight blue evokes luxury and moody allure. The colour works well for both dark and light wallpapers or furniture pieces, so it’s a versatile choice for a colour scheme. 

It’s easy to pair this shade in a living room with complementary dark or neutral shades and tones. Deep charcoal greys, matte blacks, and rich browns can serve as grounding elements, preventing the space from feeling overly heavy.

6. Feel like royalty with burgundy

This deep reddish-brown colour is an interesting choice when you decide to go for a dark-themed living room. It creates a moody space, and its deep and rich character adds a touch of luxury to a room.

Despite its boldness, burgundy pairs beautifully with a range of colours, from neutrals like beige, ivory, and grey to shades like blue and teal. Burgundy lets you create a colour palette that feels modern and cosy at the same time.

7. Elegant greys and eggshells

Monochromatic grey living room / Source: iStock

Eggshell tones and greys are refined yet not overpowering colours; it’s an adaptable, versatile colour that can work with most colour schemes. 

Both colour schemes serve as versatile backdrops for various decor styles. These hues help create a balanced palette that’s visually pleasing, and they work great with dark colours like deep blue, charcoal, or black, as well as neutral colours to build an airy and comforting ambience. 

8. Try out bold and charming crimson colours

If you’re thinking about a living area with deep red colours, try adding crimson into the space. Bold and attention-grabbing, this colour instantly injects chic modernity into your living space.

Crimson furniture pieces go along well with other colours and materials. They also work with neutral or darker tones like beige, grey, or white. Alternatively, you can create captivating contrasts by pairing crimson with deeper hues like navy blue or charcoal grey.

9. Dramatic brown for the perfect backdrop

Cosy living room with terracotta walls / Source: iStock

Brown, with its earthy tones, is the ultimate colour for those looking for natural warmth in their living room. Whether you choose light or dark brown shades, they bring a homey air to the room that stands the test of time.

The colour serves as a neutral foundation that allows for versatile decor and styling. Whether you prefer minimalist, rustic, or contemporary designs, brown brings a relaxing aura that adapts to your personal taste.

10. Play with ombre

Ombre walls in a dark-themed apartment can be a stunning and creative way to add depth, drama, and interest to your space. 

Opt to use the ombre technique on a feature wall. Start with a deep, dark colour at the bottom and gradually transition to a lighter shade towards the top to create a striking focal point.

You can also use furniture pieces that incorporate ombre in their design for visual interest. But if you insist on painting your walls ombre, you can paint it yourself or consult a painter.

11. Add warmth with deep gold hues

Dark-themed interior with gold accents / Source: iStock

Deep gold hues are opulent and timeless additions to a living space, perfect if you want to create a refined home with a gold touch. These can add a touch of glamour to the space without overwhelming it. You can use gold hue accents for furnishings or pieces that reflect light, such as throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs. 

12. Metallic copper comfort

Metallic copper colours create contrast, especially if it’s partnered with dark greys, blacks, greens, blues, plums, or brown backdrops. The metallic finish of copper brings sophistication to your nest. You can display this through various decor elements, such as lighting fixtures, coffee tables, or decorative accents, to infuse the space with a sense of opulence.

Embracing the dark side

The beauty and allure of dark interiors cannot be overstated. They can create atmospheres as inviting as lighter colours and hues in many ways. With their dark hue, rich warmth, and wide depth spectrum, the interior style possibilities they bring to the table are endless. 

Are you renovating your home or planning to do it in the future? Consider hiring a professional painter or interior designer to consult and do the work for you. With their expertise, they can bring your dark-themed living space to life! 

FAQs on dark colours for the living room

Is dark colour good for the living room?

Dark colours can be an excellent choice to add style and sophistication to a living room. Choosing the right dark shade depends on your preferences, the size and lighting of the room, and the atmosphere you want to create.

How do I make a living room cosy?

To make your living room cosy, focus on warm colours, comfortable seating, and layered textures. Use soft lighting, incorporate plants, and place throws and pillows to establish the mood for comfort. 

How to decorate a living room with dark walls?

You can achieve a balanced and inviting ambience by juxtaposing dark hues with light-coloured furniture and utilising layered lighting for a warm atmosphere. Use contrasting accessories and vibrant decor to create visual interest, and strategically place mirrors to reflect light and enhance spaciousness. 

If you’re unsure how to style a dark-themed space, consult an interior designer for expert advice.