Help need decorating help with paint and window treatments for living room?
Answers:
I've noticed that dark, rich colors have come into vogue when decorating. Deep cherry stain on woodwork, colors like maroon, dark blue and dark green for wall coloring. I know it sounds like an odd combination but, it really does work. Unless you want to refinish the floor though, you probably couldn't really go in this direction. Without seeing what you're working with, I'd probably match the chair rail with the floor and make the wall color a darker earth tone, something that will coincide with the wainscoting (paneling), maybe like a deep tan. As far as window treatments, I'd stick with the earth tones (color doesn't go with light colored wood as well as it does darker wood), however, whether to go light or dark is up to you. Get some swatches and see what works best for you. With a light colored floor, you might want to go darker with the wall treatment, but if the room doesn't get too much sun and is naturally dark, you may decide to go with a lighter color window treatment.
Other answers:
Okay, I'm having a little difficulty understanding your summary of your situation... your sentences are a bit on the brief side.
If I understand you correctly, though... I want to ask what color the paneling is now. Is it white? wood? painted a different color? And is there ANYthing else in that room besides a sofa and bookcases? Like a rug or some throw pillows that might already have a color in them? If you have a decorative carpet/pillow with colors other than brown in it, I'd recommend using one of those colors (light to mmedium-light, so it doesn't get too dark in there) as a basis for the paint color in your living room. This will help break away from being too neutral.
Off white semi-sheers on a wrought iron type curtain rod might match the look you're going for, as far as window covering go. This would still allow light in. If you were looking for something a little more formal, you could do off-white sheers under thicker curtains that are in a color that is a dark version of the paint color you ultimately choose.
I personally like it when the chair rail matches the panelling below it... but that is TOTALLY personal preference, so take it with a grain of salt.
Anyway, whatever you do, I hope it turns out great.
Good Luck!
Okay, I'm having a little difficulty understanding your summary of your situation... your sentences are a bit on the brief side.
If I understand you correctly, though... I want to ask what color the paneling is now. Is it white? wood? painted a different color? And is there ANYthing else in that room besides a sofa and bookcases? Like a rug or some throw pillows that might already have a color in them? If you have a decorative carpet/pillow with colors other than brown in it, I'd recommend using one of those colors (light to mmedium-light, so it doesn't get too dark in there) as a basis for the paint color in your living room. This will help break away from being too neutral.
Off white semi-sheers on a wrought iron type curtain rod might match the look you're going for, as far as window covering go. This would still allow light in. If you were looking for something a little more formal, you could do off-white sheers under thicker curtains that are in a color that is a dark version of the paint color you ultimately choose.
I personally like it when the chair rail matches the panelling below it... but that is TOTALLY personal preference, so take it with a grain of salt.
Anyway, whatever you do, I hope it turns out great.
Good Luck!
Paint - Netural - TAN
Curtains - Darker tint than wall color get some paint clips from paint store when you buy your paint macth up color to a clip before you leave. ( darker tint ).
High gloss white something that will stand out use latex so it will not not yellow if raw wood prime with oil pigmented paint sand before the finish paint and dust off plus you have to caulk wipe fast are it will dry and wipe out rough. If its been painted still prime.. ( kitz ) than use latex but sand good before you prime to help it bond better. This will go good with sofa and book case and floor. If its stained you do not have to caulk to stain apply with oil brush and wipe with rag. If you use stain try and macth close to floor.