Agree with Annie about not letting labels dictate how you use your rooms/house. Our current house has a living room, dining room, family room and one more large living space. We use the living room in the front as the TV room, the central open family room is more formal, the dining room as labeled, and the extra living space is the kids playroom with another TV and their desks/computers/storage. There used to be just a hallway opening between the playroom and the central family room. I had a contractor add a door, so that we don't have to worry about keeping it perfectly neat and it is nice being able to close the door when there are several kids playing a noisy game. I love not having the main TV in the central open family room. Much nicer being in the kitchen without having to put up with sports shows.

I'm really liking the Capitol White. I think it would look really good in the living/dining area. Here is one picture of some sample boards. Not really large enough to show context, but it works with the space. My concern is I think it might not play nice with the color in the kitchen. Truth be told, I'm not in love with the kitchen color but I don't want to repaint. I've uploaded a photo of the sample boards in the kitchen. Last picture of downstairs bedroom. The plan would be whatever color is in the living room/dining area would flow up the stairwell. So I'd like the new color to play nice with bedroom color. I think it does. Finishing the stairwell massive painting project is next, and then I can get the flooring all put in and be done with the downstairs. I also have sampled out a few other whites too, but will save those for later.

Beautiful art is the answer. Then pick up a color from the art for curtains and a couple more pillows. We don't know what your taste is, but here's a variety of large art works that would bring color and interest into your room. It's usually advisable make paint and furniture choice around a work of art, but let's go the other way. Pick a large painting with a very small amount of your beige/taupe but with a bold, colorful subject. Then add some of that color around your room.

Wanted to wish every one a Merry Christmas..this is out my kitchen window. I am presently restoring my great grandfathers kitchen table (100+ yrs old) that I came across in my late father’s shed. Then we’ll work on a new re decor of another room, still loving my living room. Hanging ivy’s are thriving well in their spots and received a 10x12 photo taken of a purple thistle flower bordered in navy blue taken near The Royal Palm Visitors Center Everglades National Park signed by photographer. Very proud of this gift. Going to add to my collection. Safe and joyful holiday season to you all, Alice