Tuscan design is inspired by the colors and textures of the Italian countryside. Warm, rich colors, such as rustic terracotta, sunny gold, brick red, earthy brown and grassy green, make up the Tuscan color palette. Interior walls are commonly painted in a yellow-ochre color or a soft gray or white, creating a stunning contrast for a dark leather sofa. Applying a faux-painting technique imparts an authentic, old-world, textured appearance to the walls and ceiling.
Southwestern decor reflects natural colors found in the desert, such as turquoise blues, mesa reds, cactus greens, sunset oranges and yellows. Tans, browns and blacks are often used to offset the brighter colors. Painting the interior walls a sandy color provides an ideal backdrop for a dark leather sofa. Adding a texturized finish to the walls simulates the traditional stucco walls that exemplify Southwestern-style design.
Contemporary style is about using minimal furniture pieces with sleek, straight lines and shiny, chrome accents. Walls that are painted in a pure white appear bright and clean, making rooms appear spacious, modern and efficient. Light, neutral colors, such as creams, beiges and soft whites, provide alternative paint options for contemporary-style walls. Jet-black, leather sofas make a bold statement when positioned against light-colored walls.
Rustic design incorporates elements found in nature, like wood, leather, stone. Common wall colors are inspired by nature. Weathered blues and a variety of brown tones are ideal paint choices for interior walls. A dark leather sofa complements the earthy wall colors, enhancing the rustic decor. Avoid pastel-colored paints with glossy finishes; light paint colors with shiny finishes don't impart the richness and warmth that typify rustic design.