The closest BM match to Mellow Grain would be Dunmore Cream if that helps you to visualize it. Here is the reason that I wouls prefer to not live in the "Red House"-it may not apply to your environs. Our area is mostly new construction in subdivisions-most of the homes are no more than 10 years old, and our particular neighborhood didn't break ground until 2005. For resale it seems to be best to paint the home a color that blends well and fits in with the surrounding homes-the few homeowners who tried something different and then tried to sell ended up selling for less than they should have-in one case a home that the owner had painted a pretty potent blue color was listed for 6 months without an offer, then painted and relisted at a price $15k higher than the original price only to sell in less than a week. I don't really do anything to the outside of my home without some consideration as to what it might do to my resale potential even though I have no plans to move. The last two homes we bought and sold had less curb appeal when we bought them than when we sold them-we were able to buy them cheaper and sell for more. The first house I ever bought was Pink-PINK. The agent didn't want me to see it but I forced her to show it to me-we stole it and the first thing we did was paint it a creamy yellow. The neighbors all thanked us.

i'm so sorry i didn't follow up...the kids were off for spring break and i'm just getting things back in order now. here is my inspiration... http://www.flickr.com/photos/60751940@N04/5642073636/in/photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/60751940@N04/5642072206/in/photostream thank you everyone for all your thoughts. they are so helpful and point out that you really need to see everything in person. celeine, i also saw a large sample of the rosemary and i agree that it is very green. being away for a little bit has helped me a bit...i think. i seem to run circles and always end up with virginia mist. but that's today and i'm sure i'll change my mind by tomorrow. i think i need to make a decision soon though...mostly for my sanity! debbie...i appreciate your thoughts. i have a feeling if i end up with the virginia mist granite i will need to go more white. i like the idea of warming it up with creamy walls and we will use our current "warm" hardwood floors. francoise...think i'm going with virginia mist but i could be swayed. did you decide? what color of cabinets are you working with? thanks again everyone. take care.

I love the brown/blue combination and just redid a bedroom into a dressing room but had the same thoughts of it being too much of a fad (Love the George W. comment! lol). I painted the walls milk chocolate, have cream colored frieze carpet and sour cream color vanity and dresser. I used the aqua/blue as an accent color for an upholstered chair, small painted cabinet and an area rug by the vanity in shades of aqua/seafoam, cream and bit of rust. This way I can change those things if I tire of it. I need to post some pics but my digital camera is just awful and can't get the colors to appear true on screen. How about cream colored bedding and use chocolate just as an accent in throw pillows, picture frames, and other accent items? I picture a nicely done cream colored hand stitched quilt with matching shams with your beautiful color on the walls.

Everyone wants to pick paint first...well, not everyone, but too many. Paint should be the last thing picked because there are hundreds of color variations and I have even had paint custom mixed. Furniture has far fewer choices of colors. Find furniture you love and want to live with because it is beautiful, comfortable, in your budget, and fits your space. Paint is the least expensive part of this puzzle. After you find the furniture, drapes, lamps, etc for your room, then pick a paint color that works with your decor and the particular light in your space. For example, I moved from Florida to the Midwest—my new colors are influenced and dictated by the different quality of the sunlight and the grey winter sky. What works in your room might not work on the opposite side of the house. A gallon or two of paint and one weekend will make all the difference with the bonus of acquiring a new skill.