The Best Paint Colors to Transform Your Open Concept Living Room and Kitchen
Choosing paint colors for an open concept living room and kitchen can seem daunting. With no walls to break up the space, it's crucial to select hues that will unify the areas while still allowing them to feel distinct. The right colors can help enhance the airy, expansive feel of an open floorplan while also creating a cohesive aesthetic.
From versatile neutrals to bold accent walls, read on for tips to help you transform these connected spaces with color.
Benefits of Coordinated Open Concept Paint Colors
Strategically selecting complementary paint colors for an open concept home offers many advantages. Here are some of the top reasons to put careful thought into your color scheme.
Create a Unified, Spacious Feel
Flowing, cohesive paint colors are one of the best ways to help open concept rooms feel more expansive and connected. When walls transition smoothly from one hue to another, it enhances the visual flow.
Keeping colors in the same tone or family prevents your eye from being stopped abruptly as you move throughout the space. This makes the open layout appear seamless. Sticking with a neutral scheme or shades of analogous colors works well.
Enhance Natural Lighting
The right paint colors can maximize the impact of natural light in an open concept home. For example, soft cool undertones like blues and greens reflect more light, creating an airier, brighter effect.
Warm earth tones and bold colors tend to absorb light, so they are better suited to rooms with ample sunlight. Consider the way your lighting interacts with color.
Set the Right Mood and Energy
The tones you choose for an open space greatly impact the overall ambiance. Neutral beiges and whites promote relaxation in living rooms while vivid blue or green infuse kitchens with energy.
Earthy reds and oranges make dining areas feel cozy and welcoming. The mood you want to cultivate should guide your color selection.
Easily Transition Between Rooms
Complimentary or matching paint colors transition smoothly when moving from the living room to the kitchen and dining areas. However, radically different colors in adjoining spaces can be jarring.
Aim for hues that complement each other. Accent walls in one room should not conflict with the main color scheme next door. Keeping an open floor plan unified is key.
Choosing the Right Open Concept Paint Colors
With limitless paint options out there, choosing colors for an open concept space may feel overwhelming initially. Here are some useful tips to guide your selection process.
Consider the Undertones
One of the most important considerations is paint undertone. Warm, cool, and neutral undertones create very different moods.
Warm earth tones like tans, browns, and terracotta have a cozy, welcoming effect. Blues, greens, and grays have cool undertones that feel more tranquil and reserved.
Neutral white and beige are versatile base colors that let you add pops of color through decor and accessories. Evaluate the tone you want to achieve.
Popular Color Schemes and Palettes
Certain paint colors and combinations work especially well for open concept homes. Here are some of the most popular schemes:
- Neutrals like white, beige, gray, and tan
- Cool tones like sage green, soft blue, and light purple
- Warm terra cotta, brown, maroon, and mustard
- Accent walls in bold tones like navy or eggplant
- Complementary color combinations like blue and orange or green and red
Factors to Keep in Mind
When finalizing your paint colors, consider existing elements like floor materials, countertops, and cabinetry. Colors should complement these features.
The lighting in your home is also important, as some tones look drastically different in low light versus sunlight. Know how much natural light your space gets.
Personal color preference and decorating style should play a role as well. Make sure colors align with your taste.
Narrow Down the Options
Start the selection process by gathering a range of paint swatches in colors you like. View them at different times of day to see how lighting changes the tones.
Paint samples directly on your wall and examine how they transition from room to room. This allows you to see how colors actually look in your unique space.
Painting Tips for an Open Concept Home
Once you've selected the perfect open concept paint colors, proper application is key to achieving the look you want. Follow these tips when prepping and painting:
Prep Work is Crucial
Proper prep work like filling holes, sanding surfaces, and cleaning walls well will ensure paint adheres smoothly. Use primer or sealer on any problem areas.
Paint won't hide flaws like damaged drywall or stains without the right base. Prep your walls correctly for a flawless painted finish.
Application Methods
Use painter's tape when "cutting in" along edges for the crispest lines. Apply two coats with a roller for full, even coverage. Use angled trim brushes for corners.
Roll slowly to minimize splatter. Brush application works best for detail areas and roller for large expanses of wall space.Blend between coats.
Finishing Touches
Allow ample drying time between coats. Then inspect walls closely and do any required touch-ups, concentrating on cut-in edges.
Clean up paint drips or spills right away before they dry. Wait at least 2 weeks before moving furniture back and enjoy your colorful new open concept space.
Choosing the perfect open concept living room and kitchen paint colors creates a cohesive look while allowing you to define each area's unique style and purpose. Consider how colors transition from room to room and complement your existing decor.
With the right prep work and application techniques, you can easily implement this guidance to add beauty, harmony, and style with color.