I love my Gumbo Limbo; we planted it after Wilma tore through Broward and turned my yard (previously the most tree-filled yard in the neighborhood) into a mass of torn-up sod and stumps. One lone palm survived. FORTUNATELY, most of what we had to replace were invasive trees that should never have been planted in the first place. HOWEVER... there is a new pest recently imported accidentally into Miami Dade, similar to ficus whitefly, but targets Gumbo Limbo and reportedly cocoplum as well. It may be spreading north into Broward; we're watching anxiously. I'd hold off investing in Gumbo Limbo until after this threat is accurately assessed. If you can grab a couple of branches to plant, do that (but check for a spiral egg pattern on leaf bottoms before bringing into your yard).

Thank you for your help everybody, I finally found one color that works in both rooms. It is a BM Gentle Cream which is in the off-white collection. I wanted more color but it looks like with the northern exposure combined with the low ceiling and narrow rooms there is just no visual space for anything more intense. Gentle Cream actually lives up to its name, it doesn't look pink or peach in either room and not too yellow either (Papaya was a little too yellow). And yes, the type if bulbs makes a big difference. We have some kind of "true light" in the DR, similar to Reveal and this particular color looks more yellow there. The LR has halogen recessed lights and the color has a slight green tint to it in that room. I also encountered this issue in my kids' bathroom. Picked a countertop which looked beige-cream in the showroom, almost exactly like the color of the tile we selected. I did cheked the sample at home but during the day, the lighting wasn't istalled yet in the bathroom. Once installed, the counter looked almost yellow in the bathroom with the regular flood bulbs. I couldn't believe I was so off with the color! However, after we switched the bulbs to white light it looks a lot closer to what I thought I picked

But, what are some examples of "clear" neutral colors that might also have some depth? I need serious help on this, PLEASE!!! Our LR is the one I need to choose a paint color for very soon - before year end. I had chosen Blonde, but then I saw yellow might not go well with the beige and brown brick fireplace. Not sure Blonde is considered clear or muddy. I have blue and taupe furniture, a medium brown wood tone floor (no gold or red) and a red and blue darkish rug. We cannot afford new furniture and the floor was just stained and finished. Came out a bit darker than I wanted. Since I haven't picked up the rug yet I might be able to switch it out for something lighter in color. So, the rug and the walls are the only things I can change to brighten things up. I'm going SW Creamy for all my trim as I think almost anything goes with it. Chose Diverse Beige for the bedrooms. Would that one turn "muddy" in a northern room?

I think that sectional is really nice for your space. There are lots of sectional haters on this site, but many of us who have them, love them. It's a nice scale and will give you lots of lounging space, as well as seating without so many arms (as with sofa + chairs) taking up space. You could probably (it looks like it) add an armchair or small recliner if you want one, where the wood armchair is now (by the sliding door). Not sure what color you're thinking but that green in the ad is yummy and would look nice in the forest setting. Maybe an upholstered chair in a print with green an blue to bring in the water element you want - also pillows and rug to bring them all together. Have fun! eta: I see in rereading you're thinking of greige for the sectional. If you want it to be more fun than your home, I'd rethink that and commit to a color. Something that would be more fun on a dark, dreary day than greige. From your Pinterest board...look how yummy and fun this color is - this would warm you up on a cold, snowy day: