Updated with B&A pics Color help

[Pilsy]

We've been stuck in permitting purgatory for a bit, but our finished basement work will continue this week. This is great, but also scary for someone who feels overwhelmed by selecting finishes. Please help me.  

The couch only comes in a few colors without a significant upcharge, so we've ordered it in "zinc," which is the color of the swatch draped over the lighter floor model in the pics below. It looks dark compared to the floor model, but then you see it against navy, and it's really pretty light. 



So, now, my questions: 

• Which floor color will work best? Is brown ok? There are two LVP options we liked a lot in person, and one skews a tad grey in person, but both look really brown in the pics I took. 
• Which options do I have for my walls and built-in shelves? I assume I need something pretty light. We're installing a lot of overhead lighting, but it's still a basement. 

I have analysis paralysis. It's just a basement, but we're spending a lot of money, and I'd like it to look nice. 

Attachments:

[Pilsy]

These are the two Lifeproof LVP selections we liked best when we went to see them in person. There are tons of options, many of them much lighter than these, but my H isn't a fan of the kind that looks virtually unfinished. We ruled out others due to how they feel or the look of the "grain." 

Any big issues with these? 

[Pilsy]

We'll use Benjamin Moore paint, probably in one of the colors below for the walls.

• How do I pick the color for the built-in shelves and cabinets surrounding the TV? I'm assuming it should be different from the wall color. 
• I'd love to bring in navy as an accent color (e.g., pillows, throw blankets) because I love it and think it'll go ok with the couch. Do I need a second accent color? If so, suggestions? 

[momin2013]

For the floor, I like the top pic that’s greyer best - I like that it has some lighter colour variation in it. I think the zinc couch will look nice with that floor.

You mention navy - are you pulling navy in somewhere?

For wall colour, you could either do a light neutral (I’d do a light greige like BM Revere Pewter for some warmth), or another warm tone in a relatively light shade. I say warm tone because it’ll help the space to feel warm and cozy, and light shade because I wouldn’t want to go too dark for a basement.

I’d paint the built-ins a warm white like BM Chantilly Lace.

I’d add a nice cozy rug as well to pull in some accent colours.

ETA just saw your last post - I think navy will look very nice in the space. I love that muslin colour for the walls and definitely do warm white for the built-ins

[dr.girlfriend]

I agree with a lighter wall color. IDK how common this is, but I did White Dove in my bathroom and it looks SO yellow I thought it was a mistint at first.

I have Pale Oak in my bedroom with Chantilly White trim and I like it a lot with brown-toned wood floors.  It's enough of a "color" to be clear that it's not just a dirty white, and it contrasts nicely with white trim.

I would think about maybe doing a dark navy on the BACKS of the built-ins or incorporating it through furnishings like blankets, pillows, rug, etc. that you can change out when it suits you.

[pierogigirl]

I think a warm taupe-y color on the walls and white trim. Navy accents will look great. I think Navy and a seaglass color look great together. Navy and orange are great, too. Go with colors you love.

Whatever color you paint, make sure you do a big swatch and look at in in different lights/times of day. The muslin shade looks really orange on my computer.

[aspentosh]

Ignore the fact that we have nothing on the walls and the bed is unmade because it was right after I finished painting, but this is BM Sea Glass with a darker gray headboard and navy accents. It definitely all vibes and works well. So throwing out that color combo I do love the idea of navy backs to the bookcases.

 

I personally like the colors of the top floor better, but some of the planks look jarring with the color contrast. That's my only concern.

[dr.girlfriend]

Oh, I'll also mention that one of the things that can bug me about LPV is that if there's a prominent pattern or distinguishing mark (e.g. a knothole, etc.) you can see where it repeats if there's like six different designs or whatever. Even though I like the color variation on the first floor, for that reason I think I'd probably choose the second one.  We have wood-look tile in our bathroom and there's one that's meant to look like water damage -- not only does it look like actual water damage but it's so clearly the same splotch in different places.  I really wish I had looked it over before installation and pulled those specific tiles.

[nicolewi]

I like the floor on the right with LESS variation better...I feel like the other one looks like it will be too contrasty/trendy over time. I would go for something natural-looking as long as it looks neutral/okay with the gray.

YOu will definitely have to try the paint sample IN YOUR SPACE, or else you just do not know how they will look.

I think navy is awesome as an accent color and another one may just arise over time, but tons of things would look great. You could add deep red at Christmas. Orange-y colors would look nice.

[orval]

I saw this blog from Sherwin Williams and the second photo of paint colors reminded me of your color scheme. Thought it might help.

blog.sherwin-williams.com/color/color-guidance/paint-colors-to-complement-wood-floors/?utm_source=PC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top_Content_2023&utm_content=See_Colors&mi_u=609671601&mi_ecmp=TopContent_20231220

[heygrey]

Dec 18, 2023 13:56:09 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

Oh, I'll also mention that one of the things that can bug me about LPV is that if there's a prominent pattern or distinguishing mark (e.g. a knothole, etc.) you can see where it repeats if there's like six different designs or whatever. Even though I like the color variation on the first floor, for that reason I think I'd probably choose the second one.  We have wood-look tile in our bathroom and there's one that's meant to look like water damage -- not only does it look like actual water damage but it's so clearly the same splotch in different places.  I really wish I had looked it over before installation and pulled those specific tiles.

Similarly, if the ends of the planks have a lot of colour variation every transition is obvious. We went with Lifeproof LVP in our bathroom. The sample swatch on the wall was all a light tone that worked well with our other design choices, but there was actually a darker portion on about half the planks. Thankfully we needed 1.25 boxes so our contractor was able to pick the best planks, but there are still a couple spots where a dark section just abruptly ends and looks weird. I was hoping to use the same product throughout our house, but we will definitely make a different choice. 

Our friends just did Lifeproof LVP in their basement and went with something similar to the second option posted and it looks great. The colour flow is much better and there is no obvious pattern repetition. 

[Pilsy]

Flooring is going in today, and I'm so excited! I'll try to post pics later. 

I picked up paint samples and just need to do a second coat before I finalize my choices based on the patches.

• Walls: Probably Baby Fawn (aka Edgecomb Gray), but possibly Cedar Key or Muslin
  
• Bookshelves/Cabinets: Probably Dove Wing, but possibly Soft Chamois or Ballet White
• Bookshelf back walls: Hale Navy
• Trim: Chantilly Lace

Also, I found a rug I absolutely love and made a little inspiration board in PowerPoint. Pics below. My husband really isn't into the details and is kind of over my fascination with the whole thing, so I truly appreciate all of you for giving me a place to share and ask questions. 

[momin2013]

Wow - I LOVE that rug!

I think either Baby Fawn or Cedar Key will be your best bets for paint, as they will pick up the warmth in the rug really nicely. I’d lean towards Cedar Key, though.

[dr.girlfriend]

I do really like that rug. Is it a Rifle Paper Company one? I have one of their rugs with a very detailed pattern and love it. That said, if possible I would wait for the rug to arrive before doing the actual painting. To me the rug color looks blue-green instead of navy, but monitor stuff is always potentially misleading. I have a Rifle rug that was called "charcoal" when I ordered it and half the complaints were saying that it was more navy. My husband put it in the dryer (!) and shrank it so I ordered another one. Now it's called "navy" and half the complaints are that it is really charcoal, so you never know I guess. We had a similar experience with a sofa that read as charcoal in the store but reads as navy in our space, so I guess that just happens.

[Pilsy]

Jan 4, 2024 14:57:57 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

That said, if possible I would wait for the rug to arrive before doing the actual painting. To me the rug color looks blue-green instead of navy, but monitor stuff is always potentially misleading. I have a Rifle rug that was called "charcoal" when I ordered it and half the complaints were saying that it was more navy. My husband put it in the dryer (!) and shrank it so I ordered another one. Now it's called "navy" and half the complaints are that it is really charcoal, so you never know I guess. We had a similar experience with a sofa that read as charcoal in the store but reads as navy in our space, so I guess that just happens.

Ack!   

Yes, it's a Rifle. I'm glad you told me this, but I'm also really disappointed to hear it. On my screen, it definitely doesn't appear blue-green, but the fact that you know of other color issues with their stuff makes me nervous. My contractors are probably painting in the next week or so, and I don't know if I can get the rug that fast. I'll have to see if I can find it somewhere local to take a look. 

Thanks for mentioning! 

[dr.girlfriend]

Jan 4, 2024 22:15:56 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Jan 4, 2024 14:57:57 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

That said, if possible I would wait for the rug to arrive before doing the actual painting. To me the rug color looks blue-green instead of navy, but monitor stuff is always potentially misleading. I have a Rifle rug that was called "charcoal" when I ordered it and half the complaints were saying that it was more navy. My husband put it in the dryer (!) and shrank it so I ordered another one. Now it's called "navy" and half the complaints are that it is really charcoal, so you never know I guess. We had a similar experience with a sofa that read as charcoal in the store but reads as navy in our space, so I guess that just happens.

Ack!   

Yes, it's a Rifle. I'm glad you told me this, but I'm also really disappointed to hear it. On my screen, it definitely doesn't appear blue-green, but the fact that you know of other color issues with their stuff makes me nervous. My contractors are probably painting in the next week or so, and I don't know if I can get the rug that fast. I'll have to see if I can find it somewhere local to take a look. 

Thanks for mentioning! 

Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!  If it's not an exact match it will still be complementary. 

[Pilsy]

dr.girlfriend, I appreciate all your help.

[Pilsy]

I have some updates! Pics are forthcoming.

The couch delivery is scheduled for Thursday, and I'm still trying to choose a rug. I got to see the one upthread in person, and I still really like it, but it's pricey by my standards, so I'm waffling. Any strong opinions? There will be navy and orange accents throughout the room: bookshelf backs, throw, pillows, art, etc.

I've been using Dress My Crib to see the options in the space, and it's helpful, but since I'm so indecisive, I'm sure I'll get to see the couch down there before I make a choice and place the order. 

[Pilsy]

[Pilsy]

[Pilsy]

[orval]

Looks great! Built-ins are wonderful!
On the rugs, I like #3 or you had a #8 on there before. I like more color!

[Pilsy]

Thanks so much, orval!

Bad pics, but you get the idea. The treadmill and the girls' gymnastics contraption will be in the back, behind the couch, so I can watch the TV while I walk.

It's a tight space with no room for a bathroom, but we're delighted for a little more storage and another spot for the kids to entertain friends, H to watch the Celtics, etc. As you can see, it was a bit of a dungeon before; we only used it for the treadmill and to store random junk.

[orval]

Pilsy, definitely much brighter and more useful!

[mrsukyankee]

Looks good. I'd want to add some colour so would go for the more colourful rugs.

[darby]

Your room looks great! My favorites are 2 & 3, because I love a punch of color, but 1 is beautiful in the virtual pics & looks super calm. I’m not a fan of 4 for some reason, but not sure why. Looking forward to seeing your finished pics!

[noodleoo]

WOW it looks amazing!!! What an awesome space. I'm so happy for you!

For rugs, I like #3 the best and #1 second best. I really dislike #2, I think the orange clashes with the cooler tones of the flooring.