You Can Use More Than One Color In An Open Floorplan

07 May You Can Use More Than One Color In An Open Floorplan

Open floorplans are ideal for entertaining, keeping an eye on the kids while you cook, or enjoying that casual, airy vibe. But painting your walls? Suddenly, that wide-open space feels a lot more complicated. How do you break up a room that doesn’t technically have any breaks?

Don’t worry—there are ways to use more than one color without it looking like a paint store exploded in your house. Here are a few tricks we swear by:

1. Follow the Architecture

Just because it’s open doesn’t mean it’s a blank slate. Look for architectural cues, such as ceiling beams, trim, fireplaces, or even big windows. These can all act as natural dividers between colors.

2. Keep the Trim Team Consistent

No matter what you do with wall colors, keep your trim, ceilings, and doors the same throughout the open space. It keeps the whole space looking and feeling pulled together.

3. Coordinate, Don’t Clash

Pick shades that play nicely together if you’re going for more than one wall color. Otherwise, it can look like a color explosion that doesn’t coordinate. We recommend sticking to a palette of two or three related colors. One trick: use the same color in different strengths. For example, the living room could be a soft gray, the dining area a medium version, and the kitchen a few shades deeper. Boom—three colors, one family, zero chaos.

4. Use the Angles

We love a good corner or funky angle—they’re perfect for introducing a new color. Think of them as natural stopping points between colors.

5. Accent Walls Aren’t Just Walls

Yes, you can do a classic accent wall—but don’t stop there. Try painting the back of any built-ins or the ceiling. Clever use of color goes a long way!

6. Go Bold… Carefully

Bright colors can be fun, but they’re also a commitment. If you go bold, make sure it’s a color you love and won’t overwhelm the room —because you’ll see a lot of it.

7. Mix Up the Finish

If you want to keep things subtle, consider strategically using the same color in different finishes. Matte, eggshell, satin—each catches the light a little differently and adds depth without changing hue.

Need help figuring it all out? Give us a call! We’ve got loads of experience with open floorplans across Northern Virginia and would love to help you make your space feel just right.

FAQ

Is it possible to use more than one paint color in an open floorplan without making the space look chaotic?

Yes, you can absolutely use multiple colors in an open floorplan. The key is to choose a cohesive palette and use color strategically to define different zones while maintaining visual flow. Accent walls, subtle color shifts, and coordinating shades help create distinct areas without sacrificing unity.

How can I define different areas in my open floorplan using color?

Use color to visually separate functional zones, such as painting the kitchen, dining, and living areas in complementary or varying shades. Accent walls, two-tone walls, or even different finishes (like stripes or sponging) can further distinguish spaces while keeping the overall look harmonious.

What are some popular color schemes for open floorplans?

Neutrals like warm whites, soft beiges, and greige are popular for creating a unified base. To add personality, muted blues, greens, or soft earth tones work well. For added depth, consider bold accent colors such as charcoal or navy on a feature wall.

How do I ensure the different colors don’t clash where they meet?

To prevent clashing, use a color wheel to select harmonious hues and repeat accent colors in different areas for continuity. Keeping transitional elements like trim, beams, and ceilings in a consistent shade (often white) also helps unify the space.

Are there any special painting techniques that work well in open floorplans?

Yes, techniques like two-tone walls (darker on the bottom, lighter on top), accent walls, and subtle patterns or stripes can add interest and definition. Monochromatic palettes, where you use various shades of the same color, also help maintain cohesion while providing visual variety.

Mike Katounas