Here are pictures of some unexpected wall colors that actually work. Of course there are things to keep in mind when choosing such, or any kind of wall color/pattern. The context/use of the room, the amount of lighting, and definitely the furniture that will be place in the room. These should all balance each other out and can therefore lead to rooms like these below that work with what could be considered a risky color.
The olive green in this room adds a earthy tone, but it's boldness is cut through with the sunlight that is brought in from the large ceiling-to-floor windows. The tan furniture and limited color palette help keep things from getting too colorful or busy and keeps the room within the 'earthy' feel.
Dark colors aren't usually considered when planning color schemes. But this room, again with a limited color palette makes navy work, and it's all over the room. In this case, the shade of blue used works, if it was perhaps a lighter shade of blue (sky blue?!) it would be too overwhelming. Here navy looks sophisticated and cozy
Who would've thought pink would work for ALL the cabinets, or any, in the kitchen? But here we see that it actually can work!. Dishes, appliances and furniture are kept neutral with white, clear, stainless steel, and light wooden choices.
Again, here the dark brown walls/ceiling and dark floors work really well to create a cozy living space sans the depressing ambiance often creates from darker interiors. I think the rug, light brown furniture, and lighter colored artwork help soften the look of the hard floor and hard colors.
Grey walls?! But actually it CAN work and create an elegant setting. Long and soft white drapes, elegant baroque-inspired-like chairs and sunlight balance out the grey walls. While this room might not be as bright or cheery as other color options, the color does work and make for a subtle, quiet, elegant, and neutral room setting!
This photo, found on Pinterest, was captioned 'the laundry room needs love too', which is exactly what I was thinking when I found it. The laundry room, often neglected when it comes to decor, should be a cheery place that makes you feel good and happy. Especially when laundry can be considered a chore! This picture shows us that a bright turquoise color that may not work on all four walls of a huge living room, it can work in a smaller space such as this laundry room. (here the context plays an important part!) with white appliances and furniture, and neutral embellishments, this room would definitely motivate me to do the laundry!
Black walls? Yes, this too can work. Notice, the all white & light gray palette. Only the wall is black, and that too has white adornments that cut through it. The pink flowers add a beautiful touch, the metallic bedside adds life without overdoing it, and the huge windows help brighten up the room!
Even though this bold colored room is paired with a huge plum colored sofa, it works. Most of the other rooms worked because of their neutral palette for furniture. This does apply here too though, since the rest of the furniture and decor is mostly white. However the plum sofa adds a nice touch, pop of bright color, and cuts through the not so bright green wall color.
Same rules as the above pictures apply to this one. Isn't that purple gorgeous?
Ooh. A rust, burnt orangey red. This is one daring color. Not one that would work in a lot of our homes, but with the huge black and white photographs that cut through the bold color and tone it down, and the bright sunlight that bathes the room, this color works in this space.
