How to Transition Paint Colors in an Open Floor Plan?

When painting an open floor plan, choosing the right color scheme can be quite confusing. Some people may go with all whites or stick with a neutral palette.  Others may add a splash of paint to define the space, making it look either bigger or smaller, depending on how you use the colors. However, it is important to keep in mind that the space shouldn’t look choppy, flat, or uninteresting.

Painting open floor plans is daunting because choosing the right color is the biggest challenge. This is because it is crucial to ensure that the space looks stylish. So, we have created this brief guide to help you achieve color and balance in an open floor plan.

Select the Paint for an Open Floor Plan

Even if a neutral color palette looks amazing, it is advisable to introduce varied color palettes to make the room pop. Experts recommend adding vibrant colors with a neutral base. It creates a pleasant visual interest and adds life to the space.

Here are some color schemes that you might want to explore for your open floor plan concept -

Neutral

Neutral colors create a seamless and cohesive space. Shades like beige, white, taupe, and gray make the home look spacious and feel airy. These colors also give a versatile backdrop to the furniture and decor. The advantage of using neutral colors is that they can be easily updated with seasonal decor or accent pieces. Thus allowing you to refresh your space without any major upgrades. As using the same shade of color can be monotonous, it is advisable to use different shades and textures to make the space look more appealing.

Bright and Bold

Bright and bold colors give personality and vibrancy to the open floor plan. But it’s advisable to balance it with neutral tones to avoid color chaos. Use colors like navy blue and deep emerald green to create an accent wall. You can also incorporate colored artwork, throw pillows, or pieces of statement furniture to add a bold touch. Experts recommend bold shades like searching blue, quixotic plum, and reseda green for the open floor plan.

How to Paint an Open Floor Plan?

Painting an open floor plan isn’t as easy as it seems. You need to consider multiple actors and proceed. Here is a breakdown of how to paint the open floor plan:

Choose the Main Color

Choose a dominant color that you like. For this, you must pick your favorite color, as a maximum space will be painted with this color. You can pick any from a bold or neutral palette. However, Sherwin-Williams recommends using Queen Anne Lilac, as it makes the space cozier and inviting.

Add an Accent Color

In an open floor plan, color clashing can lead to chaos. Hence, it is advisable to pick a neutral color from the same color family as the dominant color. The most preferred neutral color is Ibis White. They are perfect for highlighting and defining the space. Accent colors make the space stand out.

Match It Together

After painting the walls, it is crucial to tie it up with the decor and furniture that will complement the overall color palette. Add tapestries, chairs, or decorative pieces that make your wall color pop and bring the look full circle.

Things to Remember When Painting an Open Floor Plan

Here are a few things to keep in mind when painting an open floor plan -

1. Follow Architectural Boundaries for Accent Walls

Introduce a paint transition by adding a few or all architectural elements. Common spots to add architectural details are cabinetry, built-ins, fireplaces, and windows. You can also incorporate different color moods using a neutral base and complementary accent colors along with some decorative to add a pop of colors.

2. Add Decorative Architectural Details

The addition of architectural details, such as floating bookshelves, distracts the onlookers from the high-contrast paint transition. This can be used for flat walls as well. Align the shelves with the paint edge over the paint transition and cover it up with books and mementos.

3. Add Curtains and Draperies

Curtains and draperies are the best and most affordable ways to soften the room. They can be used for decorative or functional purposes, such as covering the door or windows when drawn. Draperies can also be used to frame mirrored walls, gallery walls, etc. This helps break up larger spaces and add a focal point to the room.

4. Add Decorative Items

Adding decorative items such as full-length floor mirrors, tall houseplants, lamps, cabinets, artworks, etc., smooths out the edges of the open floor plan. These items, when placed strategically, can draw attention from the paint lines.

Tips for Painting an Open Floor Plan

Here are some tips to help you get started with open floor plan painting:

• Choose only one shade for the entire wall, keeping in mind the second and tertiary colors for the other walls. This will maintain a symmetrical flow in the space.

• Paint the trim and crown molding the same color to unify the open floor space. The consistency in color helps tie the space together, and the wall color creates a sense of division.

• Enhance the architectural features with a coat of paint.

• Add some color excitement to the design for a visual divide to build a focal point.

• In the case of a neutral wall, add some bold-colored accent pieces, such as rugs, pillows, greeneries, etc., to make it all cohesive.

• Paint the baseboard the same as your walls if you have a low ceiling. This will add height to your walls.

• It is important to create a balance throughout the space. So, try spreading out the paint.

• If the wall spans two areas with no break, paint each space with different colors. Also, add trims and molding above windows or doorways to create a break.

How to Use One Color to Paint the Open Floor Plan?

Here is a breakdown of how you can use one color to paint the open floor plan -

1. Use bold colors at the shelving back and backsplashes for visual flow and balance.

2. Use the lightest color for walls around the doorways that lead directly to the focus area.

3. Walls adjacent to the focal wall should be painted with a light or medium color. Or, it can be painted in a shade to make the focal wall stand out.

4. Focal walls should have the darkest or the most vibrant shades.

5. A long wall that breaks into another room should have a medium to light color.

6. Paint the adjacent room in view in the color you want to see the most. However, the secondary wall in the adjacent room can be painted another color to create more depth and visual interest.

7. The ceiling should be left neutral.

Conclusion

With the right color schemes and techniques, you can paint an open floor plan without hassle. You can make use of several color combinations or just one color to make the space pop. However, if you have any questions, you can get in touch with your nearby painting services. They’ll help you understand more about how you paint and what color would suit you best.