CHOOSING COLOR TO GO WITH EXISTING DECOR

When we finally get around to updating our homes, 

we usually start with a fresh coat of paint.  

Normally this requires finding a current paint color that will still go with our existing upholstery or drapes, while still giving us the updated fresh look we want.
 

Not everyone is able to buy new furniture or even reupholster.  

So how do we choose a new refreshing color to go with our existing decor?

Not everything in our decor needs to 'match' perfectly.

It just needs to play together nicely...

I have been playing with the colors in the Sherwin Williams Essentials booklet.

They are the most delicious grayed down soft colors...

soothing, calm...perfect for wall color

the best part of this collection is that they all look wonderful together

and while they are delicious colors, they are also neutrals

and will go with nearly anything...

give them a try...

QUESTION FROM A READER:
I love your blog! Your design ideas are so good, and I love your choice of colors.  We are repainting our bonus room, and I need help to pick out a new color.  

It is a large room with sage green low pile carpet.  Trim is off-white.  Furniture is dark brown, black sectional sofa, brown and burgundy leather easy chairs.  The color we have now was supposed to be a tan/beige, but it looks yellow in the room.  I don't like it.  I'm thinking about Grant Beige from Benjamin Moore.  It has green undertones.  Other considerations are Carrington Beige and Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore.  I would appreciate your help.  Pictures of the room are attached.  The last picture is of the fabric on the sectional sofa.  Thanks, Tami

We definitely want to go cooler on the walls - a little more grayed down to compliment the warm wood of the pine and to allow the fun print on the sectional to show off a little.   (To get a true sense of these colors, you will need to try samples - as digital images are not accurate)

Benjamin Moore GRANT BEIGE

Benjamin Moore SHAKER BEIGE

Benjamin Moore SHAKER BEIGE

Sherwin Williams PAVILLION BEIGE

Benjamin Moore TAPESTRY BEIGE

Grant Beige is an excellent choice.  Shaker Beige is more warm and can look more gold in certain light not work as well.  But, that's why we try samples, right?   Another one to try is Manchester Tan, and Sherwin Williams Pavillion Beige.

Good Luck!