After waiting weeks for three dry days in a row so we could grout, the weather finally cooperated and John is finishing the tile in the sunroom as I write this. He’ll share the full tiling recap tomorrow, but today I’m excited to tackle a decorating dilemma from one of our readers—especially since the solution involves color, storage, and a smart layout for a very open living space.
We asked for decorating questions during our Blogiversary and received lots of great submissions and suggestions. We wanted to turn a few of those stuck-homeowner situations into group brainstorming opportunities. Today’s problem comes from Shannon, who recently moved in and is overwhelmed by an open layout that needs a cohesive approach.
Hey Sherry and John! We just moved into our house in July, and I am LOST. This photo is taken from our living room, which is very open. The area on the left is our front room, the brightly colored door goes to our garage, then there’s the funky bookshelf area (ARGH), our boring but wide stairway, and our downstairs half-bath.
I LOVE color, NEED color, but need to keep it all cohesive down here (everything opens up to the same space). The thought of one color everywhere makes me want to cry! As you can see, I broke down one day and just painted the door to our garage to get some color, even if it’s temporary. I’m willing to buy paint cans tomorrow and show you afters! I just have no idea what colors to paint. Also, that horrible spot where the bookshelf and TV are currently living is too small for a couch, and nothing seems to make sense in that space. Our TV can go anywhere in the room (so it can move out of that nook). As long as I can keep Eugene, my coral-painted horse head, I’m happy!
We have three kids, so storage and function are always great things, but I also love some pretty, decorative things, too. My husband and father-in-law are my fabulous carpenters (they always seem to figure things out together that I throw at them), so again, I’m all about showing you the afters! Oh and don’t mind the blanket on the carpet–it’s rest time and my three littles are watching the Lorax. Love you guys! (In a non-creepy, even though we’ve never met kinda way!) – Shannon
Staring at Shannon’s photo, the solution that jumped out was to add a large built-in unit in the recess between the stairs and the front door. A well-designed built-in would provide six lower drawers for concealed storage—perfect for kid gear and everyday clutter—and open shelving above for decorative displays like Shannon’s coral horse head. Extending the built-in to the edge of that niche also helps visually anchor the wall so the space reads as intentional rather than a string of awkward nooks.
Because Shannon mentioned her husband and father-in-law are skilled carpenters, one option is to have them build the unit from scratch. If she prefers an easier route, she could choose modular bookcases and frame them out to look built-in. Either approach creates valuable storage and gives a natural place to layer color and texture.
For paint and finishes, here are two cohesive options that balance function and personality while avoiding the “one color everywhere” trap Shannon hates:
Option 1: Emerald, copper, and sky blue accents. Paint the main walls a soft neutral gray to keep the open area calm and consistent, then make the built-in’s back panel a subtle sky blue to add depth behind displayed items. Keep the garage door color as a bold emerald or jewel tone, and bring that hue into small accents—pillows, artwork, or hardware—in the living area. Consider warm metallics like copper or brass for light fixtures and drawer pulls to introduce a layer of richness and contrast.
Option 2: Coral, periwinkle, navy, and sea glass green. If Shannon loves vibrant color, combine coral accents with cool periwinkle and a deep navy anchor on the door or bathroom walls. A soft sea glass green in the built-in’s recess will balance the palette and play nicely with coral accessories. This mix feels energetic yet layered, and a muted light-gray main wall keeps the colors from feeling overwhelming.
Details that make the plan work: choose one consistent neutral for the main walls so sightlines in the open plan feel unified; use the built-in as a focal point for layered color and styling; swap a simple light fixture by the door to a small pendant or lantern-style sconce to lift the entry; and add a rug in the living area to ground the seating and pick up colors from both the built-in and the door.
Both palettes provide ways to introduce color without forcing a single hue across the whole space. Option 1 leans toward a jewel-toned, slightly earthy look with metallic accents, while Option 2 celebrates brighter coral and blue contrasts tempered by navy and soft greens. Either approach will give Shannon practical storage for a busy family and a cohesive, lively look that feels intentional.
Which option do you prefer—emerald and copper with sky-blue pops, or coral and periwinkle with navy and sea glass green? Or do you have another idea for making that nook function better while bringing the whole space together? We’d love to hear suggestions and see any after photos if Shannon decides to build or style the built-ins.
Psst – Got a tricky spot or a decorating dilemma in your home? Send a photo and a few sentences about what’s bothering you to [email protected] and we might feature your space next.