Red living room

NewlywedKristin · 07-13-2009, 12:06 PM

so, I've *always* wanted to have a red living room. I love the classic modern feel of it, and I need some advice.

We bought our house a few years back, and at that time I was too chicken to do a red living room. Our house is not very big, only 1000 sq ft, and so space is an issue everywhere.

I read so many articles online that were both pro and anti Red paint. We ended up doing a beigey taupey color with a glaze that I quickly grew tired of.

Now, I think I want to bite the bullet and try red walls. I've already picked out my color by Glidden, "Red Delicious" and primed with gray primer.

I have yet to actually paint the walls because I'm scared it'll close up the room. We have a very large window that takes up nearly the entire front facing wall, and another side window, so I feel like that could add enough natural light to not make it feel so closed in. We're doing white trim.

I'm at the crossroads ... should I just paint all 4 walls red, or just do an accent wall in red and paint the rest a complimentary beige? Our furniture has taupey/beige slipcovers that I plan to put colored throw pillows on to coordinate with the paint, and our carpet is also a light tan.

any thoughts are extremely helpful. :-D

gma2rjc · 07-13-2009, 01:09 PM

Go for it! Paint them all red. If you don't, you'll always wonder about it.

This way, you'll get it out of your system and you'll know for sure if you like it or not.

The worst that can happen is that you won't like it. At that point, you can repaint.

Note: This advice is from someone who has lived with the same crappy off-white walls in the LR, DR and foyer for over 12 years because I can't decide exactly what colors I want to do.

NewlywedKristin · 07-14-2009, 12:51 AM

thanks!! We bit the bullet and did it. We got the first coat on tonight, and it's pretty dramatic! It's definitely going to take a few coats, but I think I'm really going to like it.

The key is how its decorated -- that will make or break this room. Trust me.. you'll see me on here posting pictures that say "NOW WHAT?" for decorating!

gma2rjc · 07-14-2009, 07:49 AM

Great! I hope it looks awesome when you're done. Post some pics of it if you get a chance.

You've inspired me to get on the ball and decide which color(s) to paint my rooms.

NewlywedKristin · 07-14-2009, 10:21 AM

absolutely, go for it! You know I found a hidden gem in www.younghouselove.com

It used to be called "This Young House" but apparently they ran into some legal trouble from the people at "This Old House" on TV and had to change it.

Anyway, this is the site that lit a fire under me to get my house where I want it to be. They have the best advice, and it's free. You can also pay them to help you with your decorating issues.. but I'm hoping I don't need to do that.

Alright, well I'm off to paint another coat on my red room and finish cutting in my hallway. Please let us (and me!) know if you decide to start re-painting and decorating! Lots of luck!

I will be posting pictures of my new red room soon. :-D