Last year, we finished building our new custom home. Initially, we were going to have a custom paint palette and have a variety of colors throughout our home. However, due to budget constraints, we decided to choose just one wall color and one trim color for the whole house for the time being. Then, we will go back and chose custom paint colors, room by room, later as we have time and money. Since my husband is a builder of custom homes, he took me to see a ton of different homes that were near completion so I could see the different color palettes in person. It was much easier for me to do this than trying to chose paint colors by pictures on a monitor or by paint chips. We ended up going with SW Relaxed Khaki for our wall color and SW Antique White for the trim...and it looks amazing!! The Relaxed Khaki goes with almost anything imaginable and the Antique White is such a yummy, creamy color! The only thing I possibly would change if I had it to do over again is I would consider using SW Universal Khaki, which is just one shade darker. We have a TON of natural light so the Relaxed Khaki is a much lighter color in our house than it was in the home we visited. However, I am still extremely pleased with it. If you are looking for a beige/khaki color, especially one with a slight hint of a green undertone, this would be a great color for you. Here is a link that might be useful: Sherwin Williams Relaxed Khaki

Well the room is morphing into something else. Son likes this cheap "O" jazz mirrored mural, its sorta cool and cheesy at the same time. The furniture was looking a little too mature so I think the mural adds some 20yr old youth and it ties in the black and light gray carpet to the room. It will be spaced and placed behind the sofa and take up a big area. He has a long narrow room that's now limited on space due to the big a$$ chair, difficult having any symmetry so thinking of two matching small bench/stool/ottoman type seating across from chair. I did a layout to scale and sm bench/stools are the only way to get extra seating without blocking the TV viewing. Of course I am now hung up on seating again. I found a sight online called m!dnight velvet; don't know anything about them except they have some low cost slightly unusual stuff. Son doesn't have much room for more side tables (see large coffee table in above post) so we are thinking of the sm head or the tufted ceramic stool/tables below to use as a table and possibly doubling as extra seating (but not sure). The rooms accent colors will need to change as well but we are waiting for the mirror mural for inspiration. Right now we are thinking a purple/blue accent but that could change. Also think we need texture but not sure how to add that unless it's just in some pillows or I come up with another idea for stools/tables/bench. We also decided against black curtains in the living area, might be too much black with the black carpet and black in mirror mural so we bought these pale gold ones from sm@rtbargins. The window is across the room from the big a$$ chair so I was thinking it would look better to have a similar color on the window to balance it out a bit. I'm trying to buy all the furniture from craigslist to stay in my $1,200 budget (not including accessories) but still need a 48" round used dining set. I'm so sick sick sick of looking on CL but have too to keep the cost down. If I see one more ad that says "designer" I'm going to flip a lid! Of course it's designer, someone designed it!!! And don't get me started on "custom" ads. P.S, I'm sorry about these pictures but I'm having trouble with my cable or photobucket and also my overloaded brain so please forgive as I will figure it out later. P.S.S, thank you my friend for helping me look for canvas art, I feel really bad I didn't post the cheesy mural earlier ( but I REALLY thank you all for help and kind words!!! http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/e88f54b5.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/4d8bbec8-1.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/b7267bed-1.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/48ca1471.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/c9fd2ac2.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/c8a527cd.jpg" target="_blank">http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af170/jterrilynn/c420cee8.jpg" target="_blank">

I'll answer your questions in a moment. First I have to warn you that those 30 amp plug fuses "protecting" what appears to be AWG 14 wire are a VERY serious hazard. You're risking fire. I'm also worried about those extra wires connected to the RANGE fuses' terminals. They look like they might be AWG 10, which is good for 30 amps. I'll wager that the range fuses are 40 or 50 amp. Let me guess, those go to an electric water heater? Your installation is severely inadequate for modern needs. This is a DANGEROUS situation. You should have it upgraded as soon as you can possibly afford to do so. Take out a loan if necessary. This is urgent. TODAY, replace those 30 amp fuses with ones appropriate for the wiring connected to them. If in doubt, put in 15 amp fuses. If the smaller fuses blow, remove loads until they don't. Now for your questions. The aluminum wire that caused problems was AWG 12 and AWG 10 solid. Large gauge stranded wire is not a hazard as long as anti-oxidant compound was used when it was installed. What you have may not be aluminum, however. The bare neutral that looks like AL might be tinned copper. The hot wires look to me like oxidized copper. I'd have to see it in person to be sure. The slight projection of the MAIN fuseholder might be caused by dirt or debris behind it. Those holders have blades the push into slots. A little less than full engagement probably won't hurt.

If you are not changing the cabinet layout, I’m not sure why you need more tile? But, consider combining a complimentary tile with the existing tile to create a subtle “rug” type pattern in the room. A light to medium gray around the island, and as a border to the room could work. You’ll need a very good tile guy to pull that off well. Deco strips that combine multiple colors can sometimes be the key to making that work. Without a floor plan and pictures of the issue, it’s difficult to give more targeted advice. But, if you’re not working with a Kitchen Designer, I’d strongly suggest that you do so. Good luck!