A green bedroom with pink accents
crosslinks with adjoining rooms
done in the same greens and pinks.

Crosslink with Color

New houses often feature kitchens and great-rooms that connect physically and visually, separated only by a partial wall or counter. To paint each area a different color, use the partial wall or peninsula as the dividing line.

Unify the two areas by using the same trim color throughout, and reinforce that connection by bringing touches of each area's color into the other. For a smooth transition, choose two colors that are closely related and similar in value.

 

If you paint adjoining rooms in strongly contrasting colors, connect them by using flooring or area rugs that include both colors.

The wall and rug hues don't have to match exactly; one can be slightly darker or lighter than the other, and the eye will still perceive them as closely related.