Paint Color Ideas for an Open-Layout Home

Keep It Simple

• One approach to painting an open-layout home is to keep it simple. Take the approach of one color -- a neutral one, for example, that can be decorated distinctly in each section of the house with accessories such as furniture, area rugs, curtains and other accents. If you decide in favor of a bold color, make sure that it's one you can live with and decorate around. Examples of neutral colors are shades of white, beige and gray.

One Color, Different Shades

• Pick a color scheme. For example if you want green, visit a paint supply retailer and pick up a range of green color samples. Actual paint samples can be purchased for a few dollars each, if you want to see the actual paint on your wall. If you enjoy the impact color has on the walls, this will appeal to your senses. Select a main color for your living space, and decide on variations of that shade, either lighter or darker, in other sections of the layout.

Maintain the Flow

• Do not force yourself to try to create distinct living spaces in an open-layout home. Consider the house as a whole when choosing your colors. Maintain a sense of continuity throughout the home. Make distinct changes in color in strategically thought-out areas. Make drastic, but matching, color changes in areas such as open partitions or places that stand out from the layout of the home. Dedicate one wall as an accent wall to make a bold statement in color separate from the color scheme.

One Trim, One Color

• Tie everything together by maintaining a unified trim color. Trim can be defined as floor moldings, doorframes, windows and ceiling moldings. Keeping these colors uniformed will tie the rooms together and show signs of continuity despite having made several color choices in your layout design. Trim is most commonly painted in white or variations of it. If you are choosing lighter colors, however, it's not uncommon for interiors to have darker-colored trims to accent lighter-colored walls. Colored trim will make a space seem smaller and cozier -- something you may want to consider for an open-layout home, which can seem vast at times.