mailynn, Here's a link that might be helpful-- I think the brown in the family room area is BM Cabot Trail (though it may not look too much different than the kitchen color in the pics). I think it's gorgeous!!! http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0318593419284.html You might also try BM Alexandria Beige or BM Davenport Tan. Hope that helps!

southernmum and ingrid_vc, thank you for the compliments. We were initially uneasy about using red in such a central space. The DR is right off the (gold) Foyer and is seen the minute someone walks in the front door. It also opens to the (olive) Sun Room at the back of the house. Actually, it only has two walls and is kind of the hub of the house. I don't know when it happened but now I tend to think of red as a strong neutral color and I feel brave about using it as an accent color in most rooms.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have a rare weekday off today so am headed out to a paint store soon. I'll pick up some blues, greens, and whites. It will probably be a multi-week project to pick a color and get the kitchen painted. Still debating whether to hire someone or do it myself. It was very nice of several of you to comment on the valances. Thank you. I do still like them although I've had them for years. I tend to take a long time to purchase things for my home as I wait until I find something I love. I still love those. I figured someone would say to remove them as that seems to be a trend. I also thought someone would tell me to remove the globes--again seems to be another trend. They do reflect my history and interests a bit. One came from my former teaching days. The rest I picked them up at garage sales and flea markets over a few years. Most are older with the exception of the black one. Husband bought it for me as a gift.

Why ? I need to see your space to understand the reason . IMO taupes are hard to get right just like whites or grays .I also always make sure the lighting is the same in all the spaces you are painting I like LEDs 4000K everyhwere to mimic daylight but 3500K is okay as long as it is everywhere. Post some pics of your space .