Denali, even your accessories can add texture. Textured wicker baskets with glass balls, textured rugs (think sisal and seagrass or fuzzy fur), a pile of logs in the corner by the stone fireplace, recycled tapestry seat covers on an iron-framed chair, a peeling-painted wood candlestick with drippy, waxy candles, silk drapes tied back with burlap... it works best if you pair smooth surfaces with something courser. The reason you notice the textures more is because the scheme is monochromatic. You should flip through some books/magazines for more inspiration. Here are some pics---mostly in creams:

Agree with sandra on the flat paint. I just moved into a new house in July and had builder chalk white everywhere. Now I am a person who loves color but even if I were to keep the white walls, I'd have to put at least eggshell finish on them. I can't stand the texture of flat. I used eggshell in my great room and a satin finish everywhere else,... kitchen, baths and even the bedrooms. I was told by the guys in the paint store that I was making a mistake, that it would be too glossy. And I just don't agree. I have 3 kids and a big dog. I love the way my walls just wipe down and they don't look or feel dusty. I'm a pretty left-brained decor-challenged person, too. So I know what you mean when you say you have to pretty much copy the picture from the magazine. I've learned that that real life with my family means my house isn't going to look like the magazine and that I'm going to make some mistakes when I try to modify the plan. But my house is going to be comfortable and unique. And I wouldn't trade my 3 kids and big dog for a designer 'look.' What is it you like about the picture? Is it the color scheme, the simple lines of the modern furniture, the architecture, the glass? You may be able to have a room that you love without the white sofa. But if you really want white furniture, I have found that slipcovers are very helpful. I've had the fitted kind that cover the whole sofa. They did a great job of protecting the sofa but they were kind of a pain to retuck all the time. Now I have the kind that just lays over the the top, like this one. I have a cream-colored sofa from PB and I don't have to worry if the dog is shedding and the kids want to eat cheese curls while they watch TV. Here is a link that might be useful: slipcover

Ask the home decorating forum. They're good with this stuff. I'd want to redo the retaining wall with something that brings out the brick or stone or even (faux) railroad ties/landscape timbers and then clean and re-stain the shakes and wood siding and embrace what you have because it's actually pretty nice. I can see taking it to cottage in the woods, but it's just not beachy. I guess you could paint the brick white and the cedar teal and the trim white...

Dgarstand, seriously I feel for your dilemma. I really think you may be color blind. Maybe your girl friend, or some other friend can come over with a color fan from Sherwin Williams or B. Moore and sit with you til you pick one. You also seem concerned about future selling of your home. In that case pick one of the many great colors already suggested and get on with decorating the office and other rooms. It is far easier re paint a room than buy all new furniture despite what you think. Good luck with your color consultant. I am sure I am not alone waiting to hear what you decide with her help