Decorating and Design - Different colored walls in a room

I am very much in the planning stages for painting our downstairs. Right now it's one big white room. Are there some guidelines on painting one wall one color and the other walls another color? I've seen this done before and like the idea of it but am at a loss. Do you want to keep the majority of your walls the same color? Would the ceiling be a third color?

Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks

A solid wall is frequently seen painted a dramatic color to give a room some punch. In rooms with low ceilings, ceilings are frequently painted the same color as walls or a shade lighter to give the illusion of increased height.

Painting a bold color on one wall can transform a room. A darker color on one wall at the end of a long room can make the room look shorter. A bold wall can appear to be a backdrop for a furniture grouping. The bold wall will be the focus of the room, and that is where the eyes will go. Which wall to paint the bold color should be given some thought.

Painting a wall in the dining area can help define the area in an open floor plan. The wall behind the couch could define the sitting area. The kitchen wall could define the kitchen.

The bold color should harmonize and complement the room. If you do not have a steady hand, blue painter's tape can be used to keep paint off adjoining walls. Color can be selected from an upholstery fabric or rug or other decorative accessory. Or, you can purchase pillows and a few accessories to go with the wall.

If you could post pictures, it would be helpful. Many post pictures at photobucket.com and transfer them to this website. Perhaps a more detailed description of colors of furnishings would be helpful as well as the color of paint you are considering.

ditto to everything she said ^^^^. in a nutshell, have a reason for doing it.

Pittsburgh Paints has come out with a software product that allows you to upload digital pictures of your rooms and then change the colors at will for a preview of what to expect. I have to look up the link and I'll post back when I find it. Otherwise, any paint store selling the Pittsburgh line is supposed to have it. I think it costs $12.

It's VoiceofColor.com and the cost is $10.99.

Thank you for the good information.

I am so early in the planning stages right now I don't even have a color in mind. I will be posting pics using Photobucket to get some ideas in the coming months. Rights now I'm just looking at my options.

I have a downstairs area I want to paint. I also want to paint my upstairs which is an open-floor plan - living room, dining room, kitchen.

I read the excellent sticky on choosing paint colors and am thinking about colors to go with my area rug.

Thanks and I know I'll be back on here soon with some pics.