Janet, you have my sympathy as well. I would only add that you should pick colors that make you feel happy. I know the trend is toward neutrals, but if this is your long-term home, I would not worry about painting for resale, but to choose colors you really like and that flatter you. Look in your closets and see what colors are prevalent -- that is a good clue. Several years ago, I lost both my mom and dad just a few months apart, and shortly after the loss of a very dear friend. I was devastated as you might imagine. Fortunately for me, DH and I had just purchased a fixer-upper, and we had always agreed that we wanted to paint in colors we loved. We ended up painting in a warm palette of spring greens and warm, buttery yellows, and every time I stepped into the house after work, my spirits lifted. We just sold the home, and despite my agents suggestion that we "soften" the paint colors a bit, we did not. We had multiple offers after 5 days on the market it, so our color choices didn't even hurt us financially, and I am convinced that that they helped me through a very difficult time. My best wishes to you and your family.

It is important to get the right undertone of the paint. To do that, colorists look at what the fixed items are, i.e., the floors, countertops, and cabinetry. The next thing to consider is the orientation of the house and what kind of light does it get? If you can post those pictures and information, you will get the advice you are looking for.... Karen

I think some of those laminates are mimicing level one granites; many have commented that level one granites were actually less expensive than the laminate estimates they got...not sure if that included installation costs. Do you live in an area where designers are readily available? Not all of us do....I found a tile store designer with A great “eye” who I hired to advise me on paint colors and other design input I wanted. I would consider painted cabs with your flooring choice since I am having a hard time thinking of a stain color and wood that would compliment. A darker, greyed-brown might work but the wood would have to be carefully chosen to avoid orangish/reddish tones.

wysmama, yes they can but the plum looked like it did not belong with my other choices and neither did green which I thought would look really pretty. We tried a bunch of colors and samples. I was shocked how much it did not go at all. I am disappointed for sure but my husband is not. He never liked the plum. You would think it would look really nice with the countertops but it didn't sadly. I am ok with the color we are looking at now. I will be painting one of my guest bedrooms in Shadow instead. It just wasn't meant to be....even my interior designer said the plum looks odd with the choices. Everything happens for a reason.....I am not losing sleep over it because you know I also love the color blue, It's too bad so many others are liking it now too. I hate going with trends but funny enough I wanted it as my island in my former home 4 years ago but we knew we were selling so I went with a neutral-cherry.