As we’re continually creating new floors for homes, it’s no surprise we see a lot of interiors. From traditional to industrial, from farmhouse to ultra-modern, from bold blue accent walls to understated rooms in gray, sometimes we figure we’ve seen it all.
From time to time our clients ask, “What is a good color scheme for my living room?”
With restricted socializing in place right now due to Covid precautions, now may be a good time to make some changes to your entertaining spaces. For those of you in the market for a new home, now is the time to plan ahead.
To answer the sometimes stressful question of how to choose the right color, we’ll talk a bit about color theory and then the 60-30-10 rule.
The choices in colors you make for your space have an emotional impact. What’s neat about this is these color choices go beyond the surface, literally, and they can say something about your lifestyle, attitude, and spirit. We think that’s pretty cool.
So let’s take a look at how you can make the best color choices for that central hub in your home – your living room.
The psychology of color.
We won’t get too hippy-dippy on you, but some science and research has gone into the concept of the psychology of color.
You can choose colors for the rooms of your house to create certain positive emotions by asking what is the function of the room.
In this case, what is the function of your living room? For most of us, it serves the purpose of promoting conversation and camaraderie in a relaxing setting, so warmer tones are the thing. Reds, yellows, and oranges are top choices. If that’s too warm, then earth tones can accomplish a cozy, inviting feeling that can nurture conversation and good feelings.
We’ll dig a little deeper into style choices in the next section when we talk about the 60-30-10 rule.
As you consider the best colors for your living room, consult the graphic above that describes emotions associated with various colors.
What colors and feelings do you associate with your home? What might you wish to change or plan for when you think about (or feel about) your living room?
Let’s use the 60-30-10 rule.
If you’ve not heard of the 60-30-10 rule, then here it is in its simplicity. This classic decor rule suggests: 60% of your room is a dominant color; 30% a secondary; and the remaining 10% an accent color.
For example, let’s say you like the Farmhouse design style. You can go with an off-white as your primary color, brown as your secondary with tables and floors, and pops of blue for your accent such as in this airy, inviting living room.
In another example, let’s say you enjoy the clean look and minimalism of the Scandinavian style. Your dominant color can be a light gray; your secondary, brown; and the accent color a green as seen below.
Lastly, rules are made to be broken. If your style is more eclectic, then why not bring on the funk in a cozy space. These light green walls are the dominant color, but you’d be hard pressed to name the secondary as the other colors flourish with uniqueness and warmth.
Final thoughts.
Living rooms are one of the most important rooms in the home. Memories are made. Moments are shared. How do you want this room to feel? What emotions do you wish it to evoke, and what colors feel right to you?
We hope this has been helpful and inspiring. If you know your style and wish to find appropriate flooring, please visit the unique and diverse collections on our website.