A subtle off-white shade
on the ceiling adds a
touch of warmth.

The Big Picture

Start by asking yourself how you want to feel when you're in the room, and how you want to use it. These questions might seem obvious, but they're essential. Answer them, and think of your response as the mission statement for your room.

Set the background tone. The deep blue paint on these walls makes a great backdrop for the fabrics and woods of this furniture. The ceiling paint, a light hue with yellow undertones, mirrors the beech wood and gives the room a warm glow.

Place flooring so it helps divide the room into different functions. In the home shown here, a large rug defines the sitting area, while a smaller, bright-color carpet accents the dining niche under the bay window.

Use subtle elements to tie the spaces back together. The rugs overlap, like the floor of a desert tent. The coffee table and sofa fabric feature colors of the same intensity. The blue dining table and alternating blue doors on the storage cabinet exemplify how colors repeat around the room. These cues unify the space even though it's clearly defined for different functions.