Expert: Rebecca Bushner - 10/12/2009

Question
I am trying to decide on paint for a workout room I'm hoping you could help.  The workout room is small with no windows and the walls are angled with the roof line.  The workout equipment is black with red seating.  And I have a stand up punching bag that is royal blue.  The bonus room leading into the room is currently navy blue w/seafoam/aqua.  Even though I know these rooms do not have to match I would still like them to "flow" somewhat.  I really like the terra cotta/orange color with the seafoam/aqua but I'm not sure how that would go with red and blue workout equipment.  Is this possible?  If not do you have any other suggestions?  The floor I think is going to be foam in a dark gray color.  I would also like to hang medals up which are mostly red, white and blue. Please help! Sincerely, Tracie

Answer
Hi Tracie
You idea for a color scheme is very good since it combines both warm and cool. An idea is to tweak the seafoam/aqua into a more turquoise blue so that the color is kind of in between seafoam-aqua and the equipment blue color. Workout rooms usually look busy especially if they have mirrors, so keep the colors simple and even use just one color if you feel the room will become too busy with painted trim, accent walls, etc. Keep the ceiling light and very neutral.

And don't try to incorporate the equipment colors into the scheme too much, equipment is often shades of grey & metallics; some brights like red and blue are seen (Such as yours) but trying to make a scheme based on these colors often looks childish (Too bright) or depressing (too much grey).

Here are some color combination ideas from Dunn Edwards:
Glacier Point  DE5785 on the walls, Tawny Amber DE5214 accents; Ceiling: Ambrosia Ivory DE5210
Island View DE5848 on the walls; Tan Temptation DE5206 accents; Ceiling: Doeskin  DE5203

Or reverse it:
Natural Tan DE5212on the walls; Wandering River DE5850 accent; Ceiling: Ambrosia Ivory DE5210
Fresh Baked Bread DE5254 on walls; Winter Chime DE 5828 accents; ceiling: Sugar Glaze  DE5252

Also, integrate the medals by framing them like pictures: use a terracotta or deep reddish brown wood frame and a neutral mat color (Cream, grey, light tan, etc.) to mount them one. Make sure all frames and mats are the same.

Good luck with your work-out room!
~reb