Find what you love and follow that. Decorate for you and the life that you live rather than following trends. I would look through decorating magazines and blogs and tear/print out pictures of rooms you like - and not because they are a current trend. If you do this for a while, I think you will find a pattern and this will help you to find your style. Then work towards incorporating that look into your home.

Although I really love the white slipcovered look, I have held off thus far because I am really not sure if it would work for us. I'm thinking of replacing our greatroom sofa in the coming months. Because I love that look but am not sure if I want it in the greatroom or if it will really work for us, I had ivory slipcovers done for our sunroom. However, I do have a few antique pieces in that room also along with other favorite items, so it does not look "Pottery Barn" at all, it reflects us. Nothing wrong with Pottery Barn - I love looking at their catalogs, I get some great ideas, but rarely do I actually buy something from PB.

I look foward to seeing your room!

tina

I really agree with Tina. Figure out what you love, and yes, looking thru magazines and blogs and saving pics that you instantaneously think "yes! I love that!"

I can look at pics of modern rooms and think they are beautiful, but I know that I don't want to actually live them. It's just a feeling that I have. The same with color- I have seen some very beautiful blue rooms, and white kitchens, but I have learned over time that it is wood and earth colors that speak to me and that is what I surround myself with.

So, it doesn't really matter what is "in." What matters is that I am comfortable and happy in that style, with those colors.

That doesn't mean I never move outside my box. I thought I would never paint a wall in the beige range of color, but I did it in my kitchen and am very happy. After trying my usual traditonal design for lamps in my DR, I went and bouught a more modern style. Again, very happy as it takes a very traditonal room and helps bring it into 2011. And I am about to paint the ceilings in my LR a pale blue.

But my updating has to speak to me. White slipcovers and gray rooms, NEVER! I already live in a cold gray climate. Warm rooms (I'm thinking a pale pink BR for next year's project), textile upholstery, warm greens and yellows with dashes of raspberry, that is what makes me happy, regardless of what the decor gurus are pushing the current season.

Find what you love and follow that. Decorate for you and the life that you live rather than following trends.

That sums it up concisely and completely. Following trends, while not "wrong" necessarily, can be a costly endeavor that leaves us feeling as though we simply followed the crowd instead of creating an expression of who we truly are. Instead of noticing what's "in", spend some more time cultivating a stronger understanding of who it is that lives in your home. Who are you? Where have you been in your life? What are your interests, hobbies, your history and your dreams? Notice colors all around you. Which ones evoke a certain feeling in you? Which ones leave you feeling cold - or warm and comfortable?

I know it's sounds a bit nutty, but I really think that you have to bring your own life fully into the picture if you want to create the kind of home that is "timeless" and speaks of who you are, instead of simply being another representation of what's currently popular.

I also think we all make mistakes to some extent. Decorating is often trial and error. We live with something and discover that it really isn't "us", so we keep making changes (as we are able) and we move closer to pulling it all together in a way that's reflective of ourselves. Decorating as a way to reflect and enhance our lives is a process, so try not to beat yourself up over choices that you feel were wrong for you. You grow and learn, and as you evolve, so will your home.

Well, I'm deco slut, I guess. I can love lots of different looks, and if I had the budget, I probably would have been redecorating every time I got a new catalogue in the mail. It's easy to say "buy what you love" if you have very definite ideas and specific tastes. My tastes have changed over the years, and I'm glad they did. I don't think I'd want to live with my Laura Ashley yellow and periwinkle blue striped sofa today.

Work with what you have. Select the next piece or paint color based upon a future direction while still working with what you currently have. Integrate your new interests or tastes with a reference to the past even though you are changing toward the future. Don't try to change things totally, drastically, or overnight.

ideefixe is spot on. My tastes are very changeable. There are so many beautiful styles, and I like most of them. Sometimes I just want to go in a different direction: more layered, less layered, more traditional, more contemporary, spit & polished, frumpy. I've had an art deco home, a mid-century modern one, and now a 60s phony colonial. A mix of traditional & modern, leaning one way or the other, worked in decorating these disparate styles.

I'm throwing out old decorating magazines today, some of them from the mid 90s. What appealed to me then isn't quite as appealing now, although I could very easily revert to that look when I tire of what I want now.

I understand being inspired by different trends. Barclay Butera used to have this showroom that would get re-done every six months or so. I would walk in and immediately want to re-do my whole house. Of course, I don't have the funds for that, but it was sure fun dreaming.

I do change out pillows, throws and bedding in spring and autumn with a few tweaks during the holidays. That helps to keep my decor fresh in my eyes.

"My tastes have changed over the years, and I'm glad they did. I don't think I'd want to live with my Laura Ashley yellow and periwinkle blue striped sofa today." Well certainly Ideefix! I believe everyone's tastes change from time to time. I know mine have, but I don't believe my overall style has. I'm sure most of us here to "update".

I'm going to share a blog post today that really hit's the nail on the head on this subject. Here's the first few sentences, of which I totally agree with:

"One of the reasons I hate to follow trends is just about the time you start to follow one and think you finally know what is âÂÂinâ you are actually out. BUMMER! More significantly, I just like to be unique and do my own thing. I really donâÂÂt like the idea of someone else telling me what is in or out."

I'll link the blog below. Melissa has some great thoughts on this subject. I think the thing that stands out to me is UNIQUE.

tina

Here is a link that might be useful: The Inspired Room

I would say that you should stop looking at blogs, catalogues, magazines, and websites. Take yourself out of the selling and buying frenzy and think about what you really like and what works for you and your home. Maybe get back to the basics, and read through some basic decor books. Not themed books, but things like the textbooks that they use in design school. Look at old ("outdated") magazines and books and see what styles appeal to you.

For me it's just really hard to decorate your house with what you love, and decorate for the way you live. It can get messy around here with snow coats and boots, the newspaper and mail everywhere, all kinds of things that need our attention, kids bedrooms with too many toys, sentimental objects that you try to fit in,...I could go on and on. I think that is why I try to define what I know I'll never part with: My mom's old tobacco side table, the dining table that my dad bought at an auction for $1.00 and refinished, and certain pieces of art and I try to work with that. The older I get, the more I want neutral walls and neutral-comfy furniture that I can personalize with pillows, throws and art. I'm trying to let go of all the other areas that seem to consume me and focus on the fact that my kids are growing and changing at the speed of light and that I'm thankful they are here to make the messes. I wouldn't want the alternative. For the record, I also have golds, greens, and reds and I'm getting a little tired of them. I am going to slowly streamline and minimize what is in this house, just as soon as I get this laundry done and clear off this kitchen counter

We moved into our current house about 11 years ago. The colors I gravitated towards were the colors I saw out the window in the fall. Turns out after painting with these colors, a book and movie became popular, "Under the Tuscan Sun", and then my color scheme had a name: Tuscan. While these were nice, after 10 years I started to get a little bored, and quite frankly I wasn't very happy that it appeared I was involved in some "trend".

So as the time came to change things up, I decided that I needed to simplify my life. Pare down. Freshen up. I am using much cleaner lines, to me-"cleaner colors", and I don't have all the little stuff sitting around anymore. My mind feels very free.

So, if you want to slowly get away from Tuscany and head towards the PB look, then do it in steps and do it slowly. Maybe repaint, even choose a color from the PB collection that works with your furniture. If you have wall to wall carpet, maybe an area rug layered over top. Accessories can easily be swapped a little at a time.

I feel that there is nothing at all wrong with wanting to update your style. Those blogs and catalogs have lots of great ideas, maybe look and see what is it that is the common thread that makes you swoon. Perhaps you can find a way to incorporate that into your room. I guess I'm just saying you don't have to do a total gut to change your look.

Sorry for such a long post.

When you do it all at once, you tend to end up with "A Look" and those get dated quickly because there's always a " New Look" waiting around the corner in the next catalog or magazine. If you keep your large pieces fairly classic you can always work in trendy accessories and small furnishings to appease your desire for change and current fashions.

Money can be limiting factor in a positive way if you can't afford to start from scratch and are forced to re-use pieces or work those hand-me-downs or inherited things into the mix. And those rooms develop more personality by virtue of covering a larger time span and a mix of styles. I have fallen in love all over again with the teak dining set that I wanted to ditch when I recovered the chairs. Eventually it happens with just about everything that I tire of - a little time, a small update and things get refreshed.

And just one more thought that I hope doesn't sound preachy or too Pollyanna-ish Every time I get that itch and think I can't stand that sofa or dining set or coffee table for another minute I take a step back and think how lucky I am to even be in a position to ponder such trivia.

Another one here tired of the colors I have going on. We built and moved in 5 yrs ago and used the olive, gold, red colors. After just having finished the basement, where we used much lighter colors, I am feeling the need to go lighter, and fresher with the main floor. I hate to tell DH because the ceilings are so high and I can't watch him up on the ladder.

Thats funny because I just painted my living room and kitchen (you can see one room from the other) olive(cabinets-SW fenland), gold (kitchen walls SW blonde) and tan (living room SW favorite tan) and I have red accents. There is also lots of creamy white. I love the warm look in our cold climate and the colors are all midtone range. I went from all light tones and an airy look in my previous house. I think what changed my look was the chocolate brown carpet I can't replace just yet. I like both looks. I used to follow magazines when I didn't know what I really liked, but after looking at umpteen magazines and books I finally have a good idea of what I really like. Following this site has also really helped with arranging and lots of other decorating ideas. When I see something repeated everywhere I stay away from it because trends get dated so fast.

Avoid any style that has a name such as Tuscan, Colonial, Country, Shabby Chic, etc. A 'famous' occasional poster (Magnaverde) has said "if you are not in style, you cannot be out of style" or something similar. Mix up your decor with things you like - ask the knowledgeable people here for opinions if you are unsure.

It takes time to learn what you like so be patient. I cut out pics from magazines for many years 'pre-internet' days and not too long ago looked at them before discarding. Most pics were not at all dated because many things I like are quite traditional but often with an eclectic edge. However my house does look different from decades ago as I am no longer afraid to decorate my way rather than for others' approval and it has evolved.

When I had blog envy from all the lovely shabby chic pics I redid a guest room in this style, mainly by shopping my house for whites, pastels, and vintage. Turned out I wasn't really in love with it but since guests didn't mind it stayed that way for awhile. I'm so glad I didn't do a major room in the house in that style or spend much money doing it. Turns out I prefer to live with darker colors altho I still like pics of the pale ones.

I like Pottery Barn's style because it's quite versatile and is a constantly evolving casual way of decorating. They feature many colors other than white as well as many different wood tones. It lends itself very well to decorating inexpensively using thrifty finds that one may repaint or refurbish in some way. I was blown away a few years ago when a MB poster said one of my vignettes using mostly vintage yard sale stuff looked like PB style!

If this is the style that attracts you then study many pics and see how you can create it using some of the items you already have. Other things that don't fit (and you are tired of) you can Craigslist and spend the money in a thrift or antique store or other second hand venue. I can go thru the PB site and see many items very similar to my yard sale/thrift shop finds there - except that mine cost a fraction of the price.

Thank you all for your thoughtful answers! I really appreciate it!

Tina - Good advice and thanks for posting the link. That's exactly what I am feeling!

Barb - I like your creativity and individuality. You gave great examples of just using what you love.

Franksmom- I probably should stop looking at decorating blogs magazines etc. I LOVE them though! I think basic books and older mags is a great suggestion!

Ideefix - Yes, that's my problem somewhat too! It does take me a while to get tired of what I have though.

Pal - I am going to print what you said and tape it in my design notebook. That mentality really helps. I will try and let the room evolve.

Auntjen - More good advice. I think you have the right idea.

Awm03 and CTlane - I see we share the same "problem" :)

DLM - Well said. we are lucky! I will be going for classic pieces now and forever more. Believe me. :)

Bee - You are an amazing decorator! I looove your home!
I don't want a Pottery Barn look as I think it's just another trend but I'd be Ok with using some of the accessories to update my current look. I actually think I have some of their colors on my walls!

Joanie - LOL. It sounds like you have a warm home.

Katrina - I actually still like my warm colors. I do have to get rid of that red in my dining room however. My husband will not understand why it has to be changed. :)

I just get frustrated at how hard we work to get our homes decorated and before we can even finish , it's time to update. I will never have a home that is completely outdated. My MIL moved out of the home they lived in for 40 years. Never once did they update the kitchen or bathroom (cabinets & tile ) and only changed the carpet once. It's not because they couldn't afford it. There's no way I could live with that unless it was a financial issue.

You all helped a lot. I will post a picture when I'm ready to get started.

Please keep posting. I enjoy hearing your perspectives.

Dawn

We moved into our house in 2002 but didn't get around to painting the horrible "builder beige" (watered down paint) until 2006. Our furniture is pretty neutral (grey couches in the living room, black couch and recliner in the family room) but I had no idea what to do color wise so I paid an interior designer for an hour of her time and she picked out the "tuscan" color scheme for us. SW Whole wheat in the kitchen and family room, SW Ivorie in the 2 story front hall, SW red bay for the powder room and SW Clary sage for an accent wall where our fireplace is in the family room. I am realizing now that it was probably the height of the tuscan phase.

But try to buy something decorative for your home now that isn't in the gold, red or green family (and not pay an arm and a leg for it) and it's difficult. Stores like Kohls, Marshalls, TG Maxx, etc still have all those colors. Even Pier 1 still has those colors and a lot of jewel-tone colored things too. I don't want to pay PB prices.

I want to paint again but DH is having a fit as we "just painted" 4 years ago. I guess he thinks we should paint once every 20 years!

My favorite room in my house is my living room, which is very monochromatic with beige, green and grey (sounds weird but it does look nice IMO :) ). I realize that I tend to gravitate the cool tone-on-tone look, which is now what I want to do for the rest of my house...at least for my kitchen which I am hoping to do the countertops/backsplash soon. Hopefully that look won't run it's course too soon. :)

"Avoid any style that has a name such as Tuscan, Colonial, Country, Shabby Chic, etc..."

Well, I wouldn't go that far. Sometimes your house or geography embraces a certain style. A Tuscan home in Florida/SoCal wouldn't look right without Tuscan decor. I live in a colonial style home in the northeast -- colonial decor works best, as does country. It's a natural fit. You don't have to pay strict adherence to the style, but it looks funny if you totally ignore it.

I knew a woman in New Orleans who did her 1950s ranch home entirely in Southwestern style, which was the hot trend at the time. Looked completely out of place: wrong colors, wrong cultural references, wrong everything. She thought it was great for a while, then got rid of it. But another friend had the same 1950s ranch (typical 3 bedroom, 2 bath, brick, traditional styling). She decorated it like it was a fine 19th century Garden District jewel, and it worked -- because that style just oozes New Orleans. And it fit her Southern aristocrat aspirations too.

I find it very difficult to NOT shop the trends when all the stores seem to have the same trendy accessories, and I am not talking PB, I am talking Kohls, TJMaxx, Home Goods. I was at Bed Bath and Beyond today and you can see they are moving away from Tuscan, to the blues, greens, and earthy neutrals. And the funny thing is that is what I wanted 5 years ago when I moved into this house but ended up doing green, gold, and rust because that is what was everywhere, no blues and greens to be found. Now I am loving that blues and greens are everywhere but I fear I am heading right into the next trend.

I agree that following trends, colors, finishes is a constant struggle! :0) I have stainless steel in the kitchen and polished brass faucets in my bathrooms. How long before stainless steel screams the decade of 2010? :0)

I LOVE all the monochromatic looks.....but I also remember when "flower power" was all the rage in the '70's. :0) How long will a brown and aqua color scheme be "in"? I love it now tho.....:0)

I solved the problem.

I have an inspiration picture for my office. I love the picture and I embody it when I'm working at my desk and I feel very happy.

Even though my office is completely undecorated and doesn't look a thing like the inspiration picture.

What I'm going after with my decorating attempts is a feeling. And in this case I've already got the feeling - completely - and I don't need to do anything to bring it about.

It's bliss. Sitting here in my undecorated office, thinking I'm in the inspiration picture....

Too bad I couldn't do the same in the rest of the house.

I swear I have only had a half a glass of wine, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what's going on in that picture, jamies! I've looked at it from every angle and am seeing either some kind of animal or a dead body on the floor in a lovely Asian room! Help!

Ther interpretation I prefer says that the creature is a Tanuki, a shape-shifting raccoon dog, who has taken over the monk's desk.

But the painting is actually called "The Lucky Tea Kettle of Morin", and it's by Yoshitoshi.

It should be called Tanuki Jamies.

I did actually start to decorate the room at one point. It has gray carpet, and I got a sample of gray paint, some silver storage baskets and, most importantly, a compostion book. But why bother? I've already made the shift. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's a better image

Well I wasn't too far off then! Tanuki Jamies ... I like it! LOL!

We have a Tanuki statue in the (otherwise traditional) living room. He always gets comments from visitors. :)

"Work with what you have. Select the next piece or paint color based upon a future direction while still working with what you currently have."

Brilliant! Repeating this to myself, over and over~~

tergear - I am right with you on the blues/greens/earthy neutrals trend. Love those colors. And I agree that it might be the next look, which means it's probably already on its way out :)

I agree with AWM03 that "Sometimes your house or geography embraces a certain style". That has certainly been the case for us. We live in a traditional home in a small Boston suburb. Typically, we buy quality pieces and they have held up well and work with the style of our home.

A coat of paint, a new piece of art, some new toss pillows can work to brighten up classic pieces.

We're going to Newport for a Valentine's get-away next weekend and are staying in a B+B that has such a classic New England look. It never goes out of style. But that's this area. On the website they show very traditional red oriental rugs that have probably been there forever (like ours!)

We have a big 4 poster mahogany bed. Love it! It will never seem dated or out of style to me. I simply buy new bedding and change the look of the room. Recently DH ripped up the wall-to-wall to expose the oak floors--lovely.

The other thing that keeps me from becoming obsessive about decorating trends is that I work full-time now. When I come home I want a nice dinner, a shower, some quiet time and a comfy bed.

Don't read too many blogs. They can make you crazy and before you know it, your house will look like all those trendy things you see on blogs. Be true to yourself. Find what make you/your family comfy.

I'm in the same place. we moved to a new town, got a fixer house and every inch of it needs work. We have been here 8 months and i have painted one room. My style is country, and i think why i love it so much is that nothing is matchy so as trends come and go i get the things i love from them and it all seems to work together threw out the years. I still love the country look but i'm looking to lighten it up more. the old house had red kitchen cabinets and red living room walls. my couch and love seat are 20 years old and the duck country blue YUCK!! We are getting new and i'm looking for neutrals like a light tan and a timeless shape. I have just found PB and LOVE, LOVE it. What i like about the PB look is its timeless and with the same couch and love seat for 20 years you can see we don't buy big ticket items often. I have found a light sage green for my living room and i think its a neutral color, but paint is a cheap and big impact fix. I'm going to paint most of my furniture white, i like the airy look it has and i'm on a tight budget so for now that is the best i can do with it.

what makes my style country and is i can't get away from plaids, checks, and stripes. I will always love red, green, gold's, and tans but i'm moving for them to be accent colors.

You can work with what you have, paint things, move furniture in from other rooms. can you afford slip covers? You can put things on Lay-a-way online at K-mart but you have to pick it up at the store if that is an option for you.

Look at things with a new eye, i went to a yard sale 2 weeks ago and found a shelve thing with hooks that was black and has the coffee motif picture on it. cost $2.00 and with a coat of paint and some scrapbook paper it will be a key drop by my door. I think with the economy the way it has been we are all looking to have nice home on a budget, its forcing us to get creative and crafty. If you don't know how to do something but want to learn, youtube is your best friend.

Bonnie, your home is a timeless and classic NE home with lovely pieces & plenty of charm that makes people feel welcome right when they step thru the door~ as such, it will always be "just right"!

I'm always tinkering and never done. I think it's because I don't really want to be done. I almost never re-do an entire room all at one time though, so it's always an evolution for me. I go shopping in my own home all the time, moving things around within and between rooms. I feel like my house is probably one of those that never in, so never out, of style. It doesn't feel like a treadmill; I just like to putter and play with my rooms.

I have really enjoyed this thread and can relate to all the posts (split personality much???). The point that a few have made about the styles evolving and the products in stores going along with that is what I find most frustrating. I have ALWAYS loved blues but what I have mixed it with is what has varied (yes, peach in the 80's, mauve in the 90's,.... beiges now?)...so as much as you want to not follow trends, you can't really help it to some degree with what you see around you influencing what is available and what looks agreeable or fresh ..

I have been decorating with golds, reds, olives for 30 years. Those are the colors I love and will continue to use. I have posted picture on previous threads, you would not consider my home dated looking.

Great input everyone! I have enjoyed ALL the posts.

Nicole - Yes. I wonder that too. How long before my granite countertops and tumbled marble backsplash looks "so yesterday".

Sheilaaus - Yes, I think that is the problem. Whats "in" IS what looks appealing. We are influenced by what is out there. I guess the best thing to do is just add some small doses of current accessories to keep our homes looking fresh.

Roseabbey - That is interesting that you've been using golds reds and olives for 30 years! I think I can keep my current colors , I just need to get rid of some of the "tuscan" details.

When we moved into this house, we needed an entire new room of Family room furniture. We bought a rug, entertainment center, couches, & chairs. So, I coordinated everything nicely with the style/colors that was most popular at that time. The room did not "evolve:.

Bonnieann - Very good points. I'm sure I would love your home. We actually live in CT. I agree that spending too much time looking at blogs etc is a bad idea. I am not going to change my home to a white slipcovered look. It's too far off from where I am at. If I was working full time, I would have a lot less time to think about it. That point really hit home. I, too, have a four poster bed that we've had since we got married. I never tire of it either and just change the bedding and drapes to change the look.

I feel alot better after reading everyone's posts. I'm going to go with what I have, update a bit, and post my rooms here for help!

This group is the best!

I really want to learn how to get a more timeless look.

Don't shop at TG Maxx, Home Goods, Pier1, etc.

I can't say it any better than bee! Two of my favorite bloggers also had posts along these lines:

http://www.thenester.com/2010/09/changing-up-your-decor-step-by-step.html

http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/it-takes-time.html

Nice to see that the looks I so often aspire to didn't happen overnight, either!

I subscribe to many decorating magazines, and have at least 100 decorating books, but don't pay too much attention to what they 'dictate'~~it's all about selling paper. I get inspired and motivated, and even though there purpose is for ideas, I know what I can live with and what I have to work with.

Allison is right~~TJ Max, Ross, Marshall's, and those types of stores all have the same stuff. Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and other 'over-priced' stores are not my idea of what i'm looking for either. I prefer antique stores, auctions, flea markets, and a good estate sale to find things that are unique, usually cost less, and have more quality. ;o)

Thank you Jessica!

I especially liked thriftydecor's post. Very educational.

Dawn

Pattycakes- Shopping for accessories at antique stores etc is a very good idea.

We have great home consignment stores in our area. I'll have to check them out too.

A book with beautiful photographs that might help you to get off the "decorating treadmill" is No Compromise Decorating by Lynette Jennings (2004). It is an insightful look into the decorating mistake many of us make: compromising what we really want for a trend or a quick fix.

Here is an excerpt:

"Always celebrate the connection of your home to your life; don't apologize for it, and don't compromise.

Home isn't a look, it's a feeling. A place where memories are made and legacies are formed. That said, why would we for one second hesitate to make choices based on anything but what our heart desires? Why would we even for an inkling be distracted by a new product display, a neighbor's comment, or a 'dream home' featured on TV or in a magazine other than for the inspiration it provides?

Call it conviction, stubbornness, determination. To eliminate the pressure. The fear of decision. To dig for the courage to live how and with what makes us happy. That's decorating without compromise."

Life is too short to compromise. Surround yourself with colors and objects that bring YOU joy.

Another good instructional book by Lynette Jennings is Straight Talk on Decorating from Lynette Jennings. I ordered a used one several months ago, $1.99 plus $3.99 shipping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Book

Another Lynette Jennings fan. The intro from No Compromise has stuck with me over the years. I am going to have to hunt that down again.

dawn, what helps me get new perspective is to simply wait it out. I think creativity comes in cycles. With me there is an ebb and flow.

It can be very frustrating when your in the ebb can't it?!

I agree with those that say stay away from the commercial stores that rotate and dictate their brand of "style".

Find some nice antique shops, quality used furniture shops, etc. Visit them regularly, and decorate with individual special pieces that "speak" to you.

I love color ... I painted my family room teal 2.5 years ago. Teal "went out" many years before that, why should I care? I paint for how I want to live, and I want to live with color.

I never listen to what decorating shows or books tell me to do, I only do what feel good to me. And it seems to work, since everybody remarks on how comfortable my home is. Even with all the colors in it, that surprises them.

My house has a lot of activity. Paint only lasts around 4 yrs before needing a new coat on the walls. This house came in tuscan colors in some places and was changing over to taupe in others. I have already changed 2 small windowless rooms to sunny yellow instead of the taupe. The taupe make them look stark and uninviting. I am sticking to light French green not the trendy apple green. The trendy stark white won't work anywhere in this house. I'm going with 4" neutral tile in the kitchen rather than solid surface or stone. I'm going to change out the fake wood floors for real wood or neutral 12" tile. I love bright colors. I want a classic neutral base I can use paint,throws, and art to change up and have fun.