had painting contractor come to house today--about 10 am--
we went through the rooms
he thought the master and the master bath were different color from the hall/main living area
thought the upstairs bedroom was too

but they aren't--friend and I went to Lowe's because it was close to get some samples after talking to him and talked to lady working the paint counter--she agreed that the light could make difference in rooms
showed up some full spectrum lights and we bought two to see
My husband went home to get table lamp to use in the rooms up close
the paint in master is a tan but has a strong yellow tint to it--so it just shows yellow because of light value

when we put our paint samples on the wall--they were too light--but they also did not have a yellow tint to them...
one of the colors on a card was almost the same shade as the original wall color and it showed tan--not yellow
so think we are going to use it

might look for new bed linen and see what I can find to match color in it
this is most frustrating thing I have been through
don't want to have to repaint the entire house

my DH bought some more full spectrum light bulbs and put in different rooms' ceiling fan lights and could tell a difference

you can get compact flourescents that are full spectrum
expensive but cheaper than painting the entire house I guess...
still considering doing any

too hard to shop for full spectrum paints in this area from what I see on-line
there is maybe only one store here that carries Ellen Kennon and I doubt they have the paint samples--
can't wait to get them via mail and start picking colors..

You really need to figure out an overall color scheme for the house. Pick two or three colors you like that have complimentary tones and then use them throughout -- you can use different intensities to add some differentiation, but more than 3 and the house will look choppy. Also, don't use big box paint -- go with Benjamin Moore or another paint store brand. Your painter should get a discount on that. In terms of how much to do, it really depends on budget. Perhaps ask the painter to price out a few areas separately if you think you may have to leave some for later. Also, don't be afraid to try some faux painting in a few areas for emphasis. Here is a link with good info-- talks about exterior painting, but tips are still valid for inside. Good luck!

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10438.shtml

well
I have had three friends come though and two say that I am obsessing a little just because the house does not look like ours now and I am too critical
you are right about having a plan
but I don't think we are painting the whole house
or all of the trim--
but this house has some weird colors--went through the paint in the garage and I think they probably did not really try these paints out in the house before they picked them for the painter...because of how they change in the light during the day--

the two rooms that are painted a different color just look very sickly with that trim...or they make the trim look more sickly--anyway--they are getting painted...

agreed to give it a year and see how much trim and walls bothers me so DH won't think I am making mountains out of mole hills
frankly I think that is mistake but trying to "enjoy the house"

thanks for the link...