When you get new paint mixed, it is more likely to be slightly different and when you add years of exposure and aging on top of that, you are likely to get some variation. Give it some more time -- even thought paint dries to the touch in minutes, it isn't completely dry for a lot longer. Also get away from it and see if you still see it -- or better yet, have someone else see if their eyes are drawn to any of the touch ups. Clean the wall where ever possible instead of using paint. Then see what you can do to help the places that need paint. If you have a cooperative paint person at your Lowe's, you might be able to get them to help you tweak the paint a bit. You might be able to get a sample pot of a darker shade that you could mix in. I have also been known -- well, not known, but I have done it -- get out my other cans of paint or even craft paint -- those 99 cent little bottles, and mix until I get what I need. Work with small amounts if that is all you need - take a cup or jar and mix a small amount -- working with dots of the tint paints until you get the hang of it. Test on index cards or posterboard, a plain white paper plate. I haven't done it often, but it has pulled me out of a couple of cracks. Also, use a small craft brush and only fill in what is essential. Another trick I use when touching up is to feather the paint out. sometimes adding a little water or using a wet brush to thin the paint as it goes over the existing paint. That is more likely to work on your living room paint (lighter color) than the red, but I've never tried it on a strong color. On the red, I'd be inclined to put the photos back up if the nicks don't show - change out the pictures in the frames if you are happier with that. Even if you repaint, there will be new spots that need retouching when you move your things out. I've bought two homes thinking I wouldn't have to paint most of the rooms only to move in and need to paint everything. Worst case, if you feel you need to paint the LR, get the color as close as you can and let the break of the white and wood stairs provide the break you need to stop. And if you do repaint anything, leave them the leftover paint for their move-in touch ups.

Thanks everyone for responding. I guess I won't know until I do it right? Our ceilings are 9 feet high and I am currently trying to convince DH to build out a modified coffered ceiling treatment in this room. I would then paint the ceiling inside the coffers a color and will most likely come back for advice once it's done. The floors are more of a brown tone IRL then a red. Bee, I hadn't thought of that but I will consider it. I'll pick up a sample of each and see how it looks before I start. karoloke...The drapes were a simple and inexpensive DIY project. We needed 104" drapes and I really wanted dupioni silk but the longer lengths are very expensive and I was a stay at home mom at the time. I found these at target for about $20 per panel in the 84" length and purchased additional inexpensive fabric and added about 20" to each drape. Then I added coordinating trim where they were sewn together.

I have a winner, and it's not the color I thought it would be! I ended up with color sheets for Stonybrook, which is far down on the "strip" with two of my favorites, Healing Aloe and Quiet Moments. I had never even looked at this color before but I figured I'd add it to my sample order along with Nocturnal and a few others. Stonybrook is a bit lighter than Nocturnal Gray but it's still bold. And it's got a bit of green in there too. Looks great with the River Gorge Gray next door. I think I'm in love. By the way, this isn't my dining room! I don't even know when the painter is coming, but I think I'm all ready for him when he does. And funny...this all started with DS' room, which is being painted Healing Aloe! This post was edited by sueb20 on Thu, Aug 28, 14 at 20:47

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas! To answer several of the questions. The room is an awkward 12.5' x 14'. It's just my DH and myself. He needs a study (works from home in the unfinished basement) but we also need it every 2 weeks or so for family gatherings. Someday he will have his Man Cave. Rosie, I've seen those tables before on CL. It's great to know that they actually function as well as they would seem. Itltrot, I LOVE your study/dining room. I've got to show it to my DH and see what he thinks (since he'll be using the room much more then anyone). He'll probably say it doesn't have to be that fancy but I think it will provide everything he needs while also satisfying a nice presentation. I think the big fancy chair may be too much for him (not me), but here's hoping. I'm not sure it would be comfortable to sit for long periods of time. Do you have your main work area somewhere else? I wanted to thank you and everyone else first but I'm going back to your website to read more! I said the room was awkward because there is a angled wall. I proposed the idea of making that area into a quisi display cabinet (though we have very little to display). He seemed reluctant but perhaps when he sees Itltrot study he might go for it. If not the room would still work out. THANKS EVERYONE!!!