Hi Nicole,

I have some color ideas for your home, but I need a few more pictures:

1. you entry rug

2. you living room rug

3. your backsplash tiles in the kitchen

4. You living room furniture

When choosing colors, you really have to consider the permanent elements of your house (such as the kitchen counter and tiles) and the decorations you're keeping in that space (such as the rugs and furniture). If you can get me those photos right away, I'll do my best to respond quickly.

Thanks!

Here is a picture of the backsplash and counter. They are the only things other than the cabinet under the TV and the painting over the mantle that I plan on keeping. Our current couch is a football brown leather sectional that may find a new home in the basement. In other words, I am open to suggestions!

Thanks again!  -- Nicole

 Okay then, send me a picture of that painting. Tell me what you'd like to create in terms of look and feel? Why did you choose silver mist for the kitchen? I'm trying to get past the blank slate to find colors that relate to something in your home.There needs to be an inspiration point or connection to something in your house for the colors to work any better than the current colors. Make sense?

I selected Silvermist because I was leaning toward a green kitchen but my husband wanted to try something different (I've painted the kitchens in our past two homes shades of green -- one khaki, the other a yellow-green.) It also is one of the colors in the valance that is a rusty red (see picture of kitchen above.) Silvermist looks like a gray blue with a green undertone to me. It seemed like a good compromise. I love color, but usually favor colors that are tones. I favor furniture that is transitional. I am not a fan of knick knacks but want the house to feel warm and comfortable.

Here is the painting. It is an original I plan on having matted and framed. I don't need it to match the rest of the room, but don't want it to clash. (Hope that makes sense.) 

Wow, I really like the painting. Are you the artist? It's beautiful.

So, I know you're partial to green (I am too!) but because of the ktichen tiles and countertops, we need to go to warm rustic tones for the walls then bring in all kinds of vibrant colors (such as green, yellow, and the gorgeous colors in the painting!) with the furniture, pillows, and art. I also want to introduce what designers call "human scale" into your house by address the extra high ceiling. Here's the Sherwin Williams paint plan I propose for you:

7718 Oak Creek-  Kitchen walls

7048 Urbane Bronze- Fireplace (painting this element a deep dark brown will create a large focal point and draw the eyes to the lower areas of the house.

7533 Khaki Shade- All wall on the first story. In other words, paint from floor to ceiling on the fireplace wall. Then mark and tape a horizontal line at the height of the fireplace wall and paint everything below that tape line in this color.

7531 Canvas Tan- Re-tape and paint everything from that line (about 8 ft) up to the ceiling in this lighter color. This color then continues in the upstairs hallway.

This is a modern update on the "accent wall" and better defines your space into three areas; kitchen, hearth, and upstairs.

Here are some photos to help guide you:

Below: I like color on the walls too, but to create a cozy feel in a tall room, opt for sandy neutrals as a back drop for colorful furnishings and artwork. See how fresh the green vase looks in this rustic setting.

Below: A dark fireplace creates a welcoming focal point that invites everyone to gather 'round

Below: Consider simple roman shades in a plain neutral or a vertical pattern to echo the fireplace paneling

Thanks so much for your reply. I love the colors! I have a question. When you say to paint the fireplace, do you mean all of it? All the way to the ceiling or just from the mantle to the floor (which is how it looks in the picture you included.)

Thanks again!

 Glad you like the colors! Paint "all of it" the dark color to create a clean dynamic focal point. That painting or something vibrant like that will look fantastic against the dark color. I also like the collection of leaning art and photos in the inspiration photo. :-)