What Comes First, Paint Color or Furniture? Designers Agree on the Answer, but Say It's a Common Mistake They See

A living room with woodwork painted pale blue and a pale blue modern bubble style sofa.

Picture this: you've just moved into a new place and you're eager to decorate. The space is unfurnished and the walls are white — it's literally a blank canvas. But although you're exciting, staring at a completely empty space has left you feeling overwhelmed. Where do you start: paint or furnishings?

It's an age-old question. And, turns out, a common mistake designers see people make. In some ways, it might make sense to start with paint. Paint color ideas can set the tone of a room, which will help you determine the direction of your furnishings. But, it could also restrict you...