If you are going with the colors that Starbucks uses, they typically have various hues of brown, black, taupe, gray, latte and some accents which I think looks really classy. If it is not a big room, you may want to keep the ceiling on the lighter side so it doesn't close the room down...just my opinion. You can post a picture by using the following: Type... Then type... img Then leave a space Type... src= Then put the image location in quotes... "XXX" And end with... >

I am painting our newly finished basement this weekend and I would love some paint recommendations...I have read some excellent ideas on this forum and would love help/suggestions regarding color, etc. I plan to paint most of it SW Blonde, because most people here love that color. The front part 1st basement picture will be blonde and when you look to the left of the first picture the cabinets will be hung there. Then we were thinking the hallways (stairs and hallway to back room) to paint the SW Navajo White. The back room will be the kids (boys) playroom/workout room with carpet and black padded flooring for the exercise equipment. We were thinking a light blue, maybe SW Windy Blue. We have no idea what to paint the bathroom. It is TINY 32" x 70" we have a small pedestal sink and toilet in there. What color do you recommend there? We are either going to use the tile pictured or a light tan/neutral one. The tile pictured will go around the double french door and in the kitchen area. The flooring in the main room with be the oak pictured. Please give me feedback. This is SO stressful. Thanks. Melissa

Hi Carmin! So nice to "meet" another fellow color addict! Sounds like you and I have very similar tastes. Your favorite colors are among mine as well, and I cannot live without a touch of turquoise in every room! I love the photos you've posted here -- OMG, those chairs are simply to die for! I've never seen anything like them, but now I want one! LOL! Love your artwork -- those exuberant colors just really put a smile on my face. (Oh, and you really have a 10-year old fish? WOW!) As for paint color suggestions, gosh, I'm not very good at offering specific ideas to others. My game plan thus far has been to just to go a paint store (Sherwin Williams or Lowes/Home Depot most often), and browse through the sample cards until I find something that appeals to me. It's kinda like I know it when I see it! I can see how you might feel intimidated about doing a color wash or similar aging technique, but definitely practice on your boards. I found it pretty easy (and actually fun) when I did it in my breakfast room and bathroom, but I'm not a perfectionist and I'm sure it would show to a professional! I'd love it if you'd post more pics of your home. I adore older houses, and I'm sure yours just oozes charm! I'm also going to check out the blog you mentioned. And it just so happens that I do have my own "color blog" -- actually I started it intending to talk mostly about color and decor, but I've found that I just enjoy writing about other things that come to mind as well, so it's a mishmash. Ya know, with your lovely things and your eye for color, you should consider blogging too. It's addictive! ;-) Here is a link that might be useful: Technicolor Cottage - my blog

We are wanting to paint the side on our house but leave the brick as is for economical reasons. I am stumped on what colors to choose that will also compliment the brown brick and roof. I am wanting to do a darker siding color and a light trim color. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciate!!