ajwillys: What do you think of the brick on the upper right? It's one of the red ones--but darker as it's a flash brick with some charcoal around it? DH and I are leaning towards that one. lamalu: I didn't think about using the bricks in a pattern as there is variation in the stone itself; but your idea sounds interesting. I wish I could visualize the overall effect better. Maybe I have to pick out more bricks! I also am concerned about bringing in too strong a red color, at the same time want some contrast to the bluestone. Is there a rule a thumb about patterning bricks--like a set of three. We like the red brick on upper right, then there is a grey one and after that?? Anyone else like the idea of using more than one color brick?

This wouldn't post this morning, and I think you may have moved past where it might help, but I'm going to post anyway in case it does. Needs, I'm too tired this morning to read through all the replies, but it's very obvious something's amiss. It's hard to say without seeing the samples, but it seems to me you were aiming for neutral and understated, and ending up more busy brown muddle. My memory might be off, but didn't you do your cabinet renderings in more of a cherry color? I'm not sure cherry is a great choice with your granite, but if you take the color tone out of the cabinets, I think you need to put it back somewhere. Again, if I remember the renderings right the granite read as significantly lighter than the cabinets, giving you nice contrast, and not only are you losing that, but the flooring choices are competing with the stone. No wonder you're not happy!!! You had a strong vision for what you wanted and you're not getting it! I don't remember your other furniture--I'm pretty sure the floor runs at least into the dining room? Is that right? Did you say just now? I'm sorry to be so dense. I think you should go neutral on the floors. Good old honey oak should go with everything and not compete with the stone or other furniture, and it has just enough color to warm things up a bit. I don't know if this is a different price category, however, or if you just hate it or anything. But I really would go for a single color floor in your position. For the stain, for your original vision, for contrast, and for a non-lodge look, I'd go with something rich and just a little dark so you'll get some pop for your stone. Dark honey. Cocoa powder. Maybe a deep Pilsner. Do go back and study your drawings. Your answer is probably in there.

I agree with Alex's definition of an accent wall. I have one in my LR which frames my fireplace and is a focal point for the room. Another rule of thumb is that it is a single wall in a room and not multiple walls. However, the way you are describing just bumping up the intensity of the existing wall color I agree is not really an accent wall. With that in mind, my vote would be for A (but excluding the DR walls). What you have described reminds me a lot of my local Pottery Barn store and it is a very good look and does indeed add visual interest to a large and open floorplan without drawing overmuch attention to itself as would be the case with a true accent wall. You should also take into account the amount of light that your various walls are subject too--since that also has an impact on how the wall colors are perceived. In general the stronger the sunlight a room received, the more washed out a color will appear.

The picture marked version 2 I like the open hallway and stairs and bedroom placements with closets buffering the bathroom noise best. You are also able to get large furniture into the master bedroom. In the other unmarked version I'm not sure how you are going to get any large furniture in trying to turn that corner. In both though I think the master bath/closet could use some re-work. I don't like the access in the one marked version2 for the closet as you have to walk around from the bathroom through the master to get to the closet. However I'm not liking the other option either with two openings as it is wasting closet space. I'm thinking there has to be some other options available for the space too.