Expert: Rebecca Bushner - 6/1/2007

Question
Hello.  I have a split level where we've chosen SW6130(Mannered Gold) for the entryway and SW6128 Blonde for the living room/hallway with an accent wall also in the Mannered Gold.  The carpets, which I can't afford to change right now are an ivory color.  However, my couches are a solid burgundy with Chairs that have the red & Mannered gold (almost exactly) in them.  Any suggestions on dining room colors that has a big opening from the living room to it with a set of a high sheen cheery that would accent but not overshadow?  Is this palette going to work all together?  The foyer and all the doors are a dark wood stain.

Answer
Hi Lisa
I will assume that “dining room colors that has a big opening from the living room to it with a set of a high sheen cheery” translates to: you either have an open-plan living-dining room or a large opening leading from the dining room to the living room; and that you have a dining room set in cherry wood.
First, your palette so far sounds fine. If you’d like to change the carpet, I suggest area rugs in colors you like; it is also the easiest way to add in a few colors to the scheme besides gold and deep reds. Other colors in an area rug may spark an idea for the dining room. Consider these colors….but look for them in the rug (Or other accessory if you want)  before you paint the dining room, these are Sherwin Williams shades: Coral Island, Burlap, Chrysanthemum, Fame Orange, Chinese Red, Lucent Yellow, ……the list goes on. There are hundreds of colors you could choose…. it all depends on if you want to introduce new colors into your scheme, which I recommend, or keep it in the range you have. Dining rooms ought to be warm, inviting, convivial, and appropriate for enjoying a nice meal. Keep that in mind when choosing colors.
Have fun!
reb