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.

So, I like color. A lot. We are buying a house in which we are remodeling the kitchen before moving in. All the cabinets will be this blue https://www.google.com/search?q=general+finishes+halcyon+blue+milk+paint+cabinets&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=h-yRRuaYOi7LHM%253A%252CYIjpWo3LhNeBzM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQedp7Kwpce0YJbv_FEbMvvkhheug&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjl8cbFzfbhAhVQKa0KHVCUAmEQ9QEwBnoECAkQDg#imgrc=TekQdMQcAOSYZM:&vet=1. The countertops against the wall are black granite. This stove https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/UM90FDMPA.html will be against that wall as well, with a dull red brick backsplash. The 16' center island will have the same blue cabinets, with a warm honey butcher block countertop. What color should I paint the walls? The same color will have to be painted in the living room as well, in which both couches are overstuffed creamy white. Any ideas?

I think the white will help to lighten up the space quite a bit. as for the buffet, why not try an actual color? no need to have everything blend in w/greige and beige! and since it gets dark in the winter, a dark navy isn't going to help. I've painted tons of furniture and have used GF on many of them. it's easy to use and looks great. they have this milk paint which has a satin finish, or a chalk style paint (easy to use) that will need to be lightly sanded (220 grit) after it's dry and apply a wax and buff. looks beautiful when done. here's a Charleton Blue shade w/a dark glaze (but a dark wax would give a similar effect) You could also stain your top in the same dark walnut. i also like the apricot shade (chalk). and you can mix and match to make up your own colors. (apricot w/the french vanilla would yield a lighter shade you may like better) Their website is a wealth of info. https://designs.generalfinishes.com here's the apricot and dark stain,,,or the charlatan blue color. both look great w/your flooring

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