Thanks all! Ttodd and awm, those pics really help. I think you are right - trim color it is. If I don't like it, I can always do it wall color later. In fact, I'll just have the painter skip it completely -- it will stay white like it is now and when he's done, I'll get the idea of whether it looks right in white or not. If not, I'll paint it wall color. Thanks all! Now, if I can only get over my "issues" about hiring a painter in the first place. This is my first time hiring a painter. I've always done my own painting and really enjoy it -- I'm just hard up for time these days with a job and 2 kids. I tend to be persnickety about the final paint job and often do 3 or 4 coats because I'm not happy with the coverage of 2. But I don't like ladders (or falling!) so I knew we were going to hire a painter to do the tall walls over the stairs and in a big open two-story area over the breakfast room. The painter we picked came recommended by a friend and his price seemed good ($300 for the tall stuff) so I asked him what it would cost to do the rest of the walls and ceilings that aren't done - he quoted another $800. Still seems like a good deal for all this space, but I'm having pangs about paying $800 for painting walls I can very well reach myself. Then again, I'm going to have my hands full wtih all the trim, plus we have two small kids who would probably rather be going places with mom and dad on the weekends instead of hanging out in the house while mom and dad paint. And I'm worried that I won't be happy with the final job because of how picky I've been in the past. He says he'll do as many coats as I want (for an extra fee, of course) but the prices he quoted only include 2. So anyway, I'm very nervous about how this whole experience is going to go...hoping I end up happy and feeling like the money we're spending is worth it. Thanks for all the advice!

Check out colors that have a "tangerine" kind of base. That is, colors that are very warm, golden orange-ish. since Fir is so warm and golden, they will mesh really well. and those kind of colors are both "modern" and historic for a 100 year old house. avoid the temptation to contrast the warmth of your newly cleaned wood with a cool or dull color - it will totally kill that beautiful glow that old wood has. Now, Choosing yellow-based colors shouldnt eliminate blues or purples. Those can be very warm, too (think peacock blue or wine-like purples). and finally, there is a green that I call orange-green. its lovely. It may be referred to as olive, too, but most olives are too grey. this orange-green is unusual since when you see it, and look at it for a while, you can easily see the orange hue beneeth the green. Ill find a paint sample that is similar and post it here for you.

i say go with a white or a really light gray can pare nicely

I have just had my walls painted. Now going to do the flooring. So glad I waited to do the flooring. The painting and new blinds make the rooms look so much brighter. Previously considered the Calypso oak before the painting and was hesitant. Does it have a warmer golden or honey cast to it. Pictures don't seem to be accurate. I need a lighter color don't want anything that is dark and going to show the dust etc. Some of the lighter colors looked washed out. Don't want a golden color either but would prefer it be a warmer look. Do you like the Calypso oak and is it easy to clean.