Expert: Rebecca Bushner - 3/31/2009

Question
I am about to have my 2-story living room painted by a professional, but am still having a hard time narrowing colors/technique.  This will also include my foyer/staircase/den which is connected to living room.  In my kitchen I currently have BenjMoore 1131 Autumn Leaf (classic colors).  I love it, but my kitchen is right next to my living room so I definitely need to find something to coordinate.  I would like to go lighter for my living room, but all colors that I look at seem to go to yellow or green which then do not look good.  We were going to try some faux techniques, but can't seem to get the right color combinations.  We need about 2-3 colors.  Any suggestions on colors and/or techniques?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
Hi Lisa
First, I’m curious about this statement: “We were going to try some faux techniques, but can't seem to get the right color combinations.” I strongly suggest you do not paint the 2-story living room in a “faux” style yourself. You must leave it to a professional that does this type of painting for a living! “Faux” or Special Effect Painting (A better, more descriptive term) is very difficult, very labor-intensive, and you need to be a color master in order to have any technique look decent. Plus, you will have to have this “faux” look everywhere: living room, den, foyer, and staircase, definitely not the best choice. “Faux” is best for a smaller rooms, cabinet fronts, accent walls, etc. Doesn’t work for open plan architecture.

I have worked with special effect painters, and this is generally how they work with other consultants and painters: I do my work as a color consultant and pick out the best colors for the space. Then I speak to the homeowner (Hopefully the special effect painter is also involved in the color consultation) about effects: glazing, pin stripes, metallic, Venetian Plaster, lime wash, etc. and the special effect painter does several sample boards and gives a per square foot price on each style technique. Prices vary depending on the technique.  
So, seriously, if you are considering a “faux” look in your living room, foyer, staircase, den, find a professional and work with them. Or seriously consider wallpaper if you must have a “faux” look everywhere. Or, simplify and go for a beautiful shade of Benjamin Moore Paint that coordinates with 1131 Autumn Leaf that can work in all of these rooms and transition areas.

If you want a specific BM paint colors, here is what else I need to know:
1.   Lighting in all rooms and transition areas, including natural light from windows. Sun exposure is great too.
2.   Architectural style of your house
3.   Dimensions of the liv room and den
4.   Décor style of your home
5.   Function of your living room and the den: formal sitting room for guests?  More like a family room with a media center? Multifunction with a hidden TV, maybe a computer, and/or play area for children? Pool table? Video games? Quite room for reading?  
6.   Mood you would like to establish in the living room and den: rustic, gracious, cozy, spare, opulent, etc.
Get back to me with some more information and I can provide some ideas for colors.
Thanks!
rebecca