What to do with a seafoam green wall?

Question

I just signed a lease for an apartment and I love it. My only major problem is this HIDEOUS seafoam green/50's diner mint green wall. It looks a lot like this color: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_green. 3 walls have wood paneling (medium/light brown). They currently have a darker green area rug in the room, which I can store if I don't like. There is also a smaller room painted in this color.
I begged to paint the walls white and they said no. Unfortunately, I have to leave the walls this color...what in the WORLD can I do to make this room look cool, fun, but not tacky? I can't go too modern, since the kitchen right off the room is decorated in a country style (wooden cabinets, wallpaper with sunflowers and crows, etc).

Any ideas for something fun, comfortable, and not too horribly kitschy? Thanks!

Something to consider: I can't paint, wallpaper, or do anything to any of the walls. The most I can do is paint my own furniture, use a slip cover, and add my own decorating accents.

Answer 1

I'm not sure they would let you do the fabric thing. I would consider going to someplace like Lowe's or any paint store and grabbing some color pallettes and try finding the closest approximation of that color. Most every paint store should have some complimentary color pallettes that should go along well with that color. They should be available online or on a computer system there at the store or on some brochures, etc.

You might try sticking with sea based colors, since that is what the color is based on.

Answer 2

The color reminds me of the beach, so I would try a beach theme. I have a couple ideas.
For one, find a round mirror at a thrift store or sale. Find some seashells and glue them to the frame around the mirror. You can paint the frame first if you want it to be a different color.
For your dining room table, I would find white wicker chairs to go with it. If they don't match the table, throw a table cloth over it in a a nice accent color (light yellow, white, etc.) And use a big bowl of seashells for a centerpiece on the table, or a clear glass vase with fake flowers in it and seashells in the bottom.
If you don't like the light fixtures in the room, you can replace them with something you do like, just put the old ones back when you move out.
You can also find wall borders and wall decals that are temporary. They stick like stickers to the wall and come off without wrecking the paint when you're done with them. They are also reusable. I have some in my daughters room. I don't know where to get them though. I found them at a garage sale.
I hope this helps you out. I, too feel your pain about not being able to decorate how I want in my apartment. But good luck. You just have to be resourceful when it comes to these things!

Answer 3

I understand that you cant change the walls, but what about doing a fabric treatment. I saw on DIY that you can use liquid starch diluted in water to attach fabric to the walls. It will stay up there and not harm the paint, leave a mark or anything. When you want to take it down, you just spray a light mist of water with a spray bottel to moisten the fabric and it will pull off. Here is the site so you can take a look at the process. It is from HGTV room to room program.

Answer 4

How about using wall paper over it to match the paint in the kitchen and acts as a transition with the wood panel ?

Same in the other room.... wall papers generally go very well with country styled spaces.

Good luck

Answer 5

try some color effects... if you like the color of the wood paneling, then a recliner in that color. if you are going to put a tv in the room, assuming the frame is black, you could get a black couch. and try to hang as many pictures as you can on the walls, to personalize the room, cover up the wall, and add color.

Answer 6

maybe you could pin up fabric on the walls? this would not require paint or glue, but could dramatically change the look of the room. I've seen colorful scarves used before too.

Answer 7

since the kitchen is country i would say the seafoom green room has to have a casual comfort theme (i.e., a welcoming friendly theme but not modern)