Has anyone noticed how few designers or Pros answer these discussions? I look at 10 year old discussions and everyone has made friends with even 80,000 responses. Many of the Pros seem to make friends with people asking questions but who can go back 80,000 responses to find an answer to a question already asked. Really, check out Church Pew question. It is cute on one hand speaking about families, dogs, weather, gardens, recipes, and so on I guess.

I get what you're saying about not being able to go back and find answers to questions already asked. I have heard of others expressing the same sentiment on people getting off topic.I think on those really long discussions that the original posters are working on multiple spaces in their homes and they feel like the people helping them really get to know them and their families and that helps to inform the suggestions.

I have a discussion with almost 1000 posts and I'm sure for people looking at the original title it is frustrating. I am working on multiple areas of my home. I asked once if I should post a new discussion each new dilemma but was told to continue on the original one. Mostly it is the same people helping me but I welcome anyone who wants to comment.

Are you looking for only designers or pros to answer? If so maybe put that in your title. I love to comment on these dilemmas as I have learned so much from all of the discussions here.

BTW I can't wait to see your space come together and all of that beautiful art hung on the walls.

No cubby I don't want designers or Pros only. I think everyone here has something to offer. You have been so kind and your comments let me on another train of thought which I needed to do. Sometimes they have special technical devices so they can color walls, put in fixtures, put up paintings and so on. I helps to visualize. You are so lucky to get 1000 posts. Church Pew Dilemma has nearly 4,000 and the original author has disappeared it seems and a new homeowner who has been following and offering suggestions has now put her redo questions in. I was just noticing as I tried to find the original question since it was similar to mine. I remember going on a post and asked a similar question and a Pro accused me of "Post Sabotaging" and lectured me on how rude I was. I was a little hurt to tell the truth. I guess if they get to know you as a person it is okay.

There is a reason why the walls in art galleries are usually painted white.

I'm so sorry that happened to you. There are people on here who seem to enjoy lecturing others. There is no reason why it is okay to lecture others and cause hurt feelings. I for one am glad you didn't let that stop you from posting your dilemma. I love coming here and reading the discussions and learning from each one. No lecturing here just some insight as I have been following the church pew dilemma and it is still the same person as the original just different user name which is confusing. I do agree that the pros are able to help in unique ways that the rest of us usually can't. The way I got pros and others to visit my discussion was to pop in on the long ones and ask for comments on my discussion with a link to it. I think I felt like you do for a while it seemed like my discussion wasn't getting much attention at first and at various times since then too.

I hope you are able to find the perfect color for your walls. I have been trying to pick paint colors for my home for 6 months or so. Paint is my nemesis. The colors are chameleons and change with the light. I can pick fabrics and tile etc all day but paint is so hard.

You are so special Cubby14! I got over it, I mean I work in the toughest neighborhoods, with the highest crime rates in Detroit, Michigan. The parents and students are really the problem, it is the angry and "I am going to get even for......" whatever, administrators, or people who want to cut corners that are the yellers and screamers. I have been working on this house for 3 1/2 years due to my despicable and dishonest first contractors who quit after using incorrect materials, electricity with no permit and not up to code. I found 50 code violations and then he quit. LOL It should be LAL Live And Learn really. Now great contractor and COVID-19 so he has people who would rather stay on unemployment than work. Now he is ready to paint and I am in a panic because I find colors so daunting. It easier to just go for suggestions by Maria Killam the guru of colors. She recommends using the lightest shades of the taupe family (Greiges) or the lightest of the colors in the beige families (complex creams are what she calls them). I purchased her ebook "Whites are complicated" and she isn't kidding! Everything takes on a different hue and she says stark whites are just too stark. I thought hiring a colorist who went to her classes would help. Alas, when I purchased samples....the living/dining room were either muddy (Pashmina) or dull (Clay beige). I could open a paint sample store or just post a giveaway on nextdoor.com lol. She really did't follow MK but used a tool to mathematically figure out the prominent color in my art. That is how I would up with Adobe Dust. BAM!!!! I also can design how the house looks, the architect really had to just make plans to match if she would have listened. Mid 30s generation....what can I say? Materials and tile are not a problem for me either. Paint? Not so good.

Sounds like you have been through the wringer and come out on the other side. Glad to hear you now have an honest contractor and are finally moving forward. I had considered hiring a paint consultant also but have read so many good and bad reviews that I was hesitant. I think I've finally settled on a color and it is one of those lightest shades of taupe that is recommended by Maria I guess. It is called Eider white and I hope it turns our as I intend it to. It isn't done yet because of covid. I am so ready to get some of this stuff done, but since I am high risk I have held off on having contractors in my home. Another paint guru I find helpful is Kylie Mint interiors. She does a great job of describing the colors and their undertones and what to watch out for. Between this house and the last one I could probably open up a paint sample store, so I totally understand your position. I have two grown sons both of whom just moved into their own houses. The older one just picked colors he liked and ran with it and the younger one is more like me and is agonizing over picking the "perfect Right color". It is paralyzing.

I’m voting with adobe dust. You photos are not showing it true.

Your art work is strong…with deep, rich colors. I think a like color is right for the art backdrop. Your home has a lot of white woodwork, and with both, I see it as perfect! Go for it!

I'd stick with a neutral white, or a white with a tiny hint of green.

Judy G. Thank you so much. I really love the color and had no doubt. Now I put samples of China Red up and it is too red. Everywhere I go I see orange on signs, doors of buildings, not just Taco Bell. I must admit it, my daughter is right. They say orange makes you hungry. I saw the same color in California Pizza Kitchen and ate like there was no tomorrow. I am at the stage at which picking outside doors, inside doors, paint, a missing part to the cooktop, my in the wall air units which allowed me to live upstairs for 3 1/2 years stopped working and flooded both bedrooms (pinhole caused all of the freon to leak and froze the water in the line) so it was 101 upstairs has left me not knowing what I want. My daughter advised me to do the living, dining, family, kitchen area all the same color of cabinets in satin, and the trim in semi-gloss. Could the entryway still be Adobe Dust or is that too abrupt a change from the cream that matches the cabinets?

I love your attitude. So, Cubby, most of the house is a light cream, it still has lots of art, while the entryway will be Adobe Dust. My daughter will never come over she says. She has fond memories of Taco Bell, but thinks it is wrong and will always make her hungry. Can you believe a 22 year old has such strong opinions about color? I do. She began painting in diapers and the colors went so well together that it was amazing. She was adopted from Russia and believe me there was no color in that orphanage. The moment I brought her home at 6 months, she began reacting to classical music of all kinds. When I put colors in empty ice cube trays she just intuitively knew which colors enhanced other colors, and she would never mix the colors even then. At about 5 I could show her a color and then take her to Home Depot and she could pick out the exact color from so many swatches. It is some kind of gift but she doesn't paint. When she hates a color combination or tells me a color doesn't go with another I really listen. lol

Judy G. What do you think of China Red in the entryway? That was my daughter's choice and my fiancee really likes it. I could not tell him the name because he hates red. lol Who hates a color? Really!!! Especially red. Red convertibles? I am mad about them lol

Hats off to whoever did the wood working in that house. It is a small space but it just works. Well thought out!!

I do understand a young person with strong opinions. My youngest is like that too and he has great taste. I'll let the pros answer on doing the stronger color in entry with the white or off white. I'd love to do that too using teal but I think I'm too chicken and my house is so open plan I'm not sure how I'd do it. It's fun to see you going through the process and can't wait to see it.

Still lovin’ adobe. with your art...

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My go to suggestion is SW Creamy 7012. Alabaster will work, too. Walls in satin, use the same color you select for the trim. Only use semi-gloss for the trim.

You have some really beautiful art work. But, there is so much of it that really good. You will never do justice to all of the pieces. That's why I would go with a warm white.

My hubby is a photographer and I have collected original art since my 20's. That being said we have A LOT of art pieces in our home. We went with Alabaster in a previous home and SW extra white in our new home. At first without anything on the walls both colors looked a bit stark. Especially the Extra White. When all our artwork was hung and the accessories that makes a home unique, the white walls made each piece stand out and look special.

I also have Maria's white isn't complicated book. I think her main objection to white walls is that most people don't have the necessary natural lighting or furnishings that make whites walls

look good.

I went with the recommendation from Lori Sawaya for the SW Extra White.

Here are some photos from the galleries at the Ringling Museum. The art just sings against the beautiful colors in these galleries! I know I don’t have the same taste as I did when I was in my 20’s( thank god I never got a tatoo😂)! And this is your home. I think the Adobe dust is a beautiful color when considering the context of your art. Go with with gut.

Lynartist: Those pictures are absolutely amazing. The art sings, that is such a beautiful phrase. The walls make the art sing. I love that. Those pictures are so beautiful. I agree about the tattoo now that I see women my age as their arms age. lol Where is that museum? I want to go there and just bask in the colors. The funny thing is that I collect colored gems and have for many many years, 20 I think. I love the way they glisten. Now here I am like Cubby. I remember my first apartment and that I fearlessly painted the bathroom black, and everyone said I was crazy. I remember living with my parents and I painted my bedroom this, what they said was awful, beautiful happy BRIGHT yellow when I was 12. I have about 2 days to decide and I am treating this process not as an adventure, but as a chore with fear. So silly. It is a wall. It can be repainted. I wish I hadn't asked my daughter to look at it. lol

Lindacottonwood: I want to address your comment it is so interesting. Right now, after waiting so long I had to meet with HAVAC, electrician, contractor, and finished carpenter. Everyone had questions. My head is reeling lol. After 3 1/2 years of one dishonest contractor doing everything wrong then quitting, the hiring a new one, an architect who heard me but didn't hear me so everything that we discussed did not make it to the plans, then COVID, suddenly everything is a rush and happening all at once. Thank you for commenting and see you all tomorrow.

Very interesting dilemma. So sorry for all your troubles. Life is interesting. Your artwork is stunning. Strong, saturated colors are so beautiful and look amazing in many settings. Have you looked at darker blues. The reason I am suggesting darker blues almost navy, is because your reds and orange hues are highly stimulating colors. While they are beautiful at The Circus museum, they might be too much to live with and your art should be star off show! I will find some examples for you. I am a designer but have achieved Certification as Color Strategist by Lori Sawaya who is my color guru. She is amazing. Bbl

Eleanor, the Ringling Museum is in Sarasota Fla and it is just lovely!

Flo, the Ringling isn’t the Circus museum ; it’s the official art museum of Fla. while John Ringling did own the circus he was a serious art collector and amassed a huge collection that was bequeathed to the people of Fla.

I am sorry. I used shorthand language. I have been to the John Ringling and it is amazing. Sorry if I offended. Took our family there on vacations in Sarasota many times.

Maybe the accents in the room should be the Adobe color instead of the walls.

I’m not going to suggest any colors because I’m not standing in your space! I don’t have a feel for how it really looks or what your lighting is like; I haven’t seen any of your furniture and only your art on my phone which means nothing! You have paid a professional color consultant who I’m assuming has come to your home so I think you should at least try their pick. If your worried about that color ask for another color that could also work; from someone who is standing in your house!

I am offering an alternative wall color and did a little mock up. This is BM Gentlemen’s Gray and Justice about any color works with it. I would use matte finish on walls and flat on ceiling. Your light woodwork would look awesome with this color too. Just another idea. I love art on this color.

The color is richer in person. And there are other deep blues as well.

Auto correct. I meant “just about any color” goes with it.

Ok, well not giving any colors here but I would surround that painting with the deepest, richest, chocolate brown.

Hmmm

What about SW Blackberry. Great color. Art stunning on it.

Here is Blackberry I helped put on art wall on another thread on Houzz. Looks awesome.

I like both of Flo Mangan's color suggestions above, especially Gentlemen's Gray!

Thank you so much Flo it is beautiful

Flo I love that blue what color is it

BeverlyFLADeziner: Thank you so much for your lovely inspirational photos. I can see what you mean. I do have a lot of red accents (light fixture, velvet chairs) and the pop of color in accent pieces using cream seems to be the way to go. I do have one question. Now that the space is open, and I cannot afford new furniture or rugs (I am buying cream couches for this area) should I stick with cream throughout? I will repost the photos of what is now the family room which opens to the dining area.

There is a tiny wall I mean it is really tiny and my daughter suggested another color. I thought a shade darker than the cream or she suggested a blue. The two paintings will be going against the wall between the two windows. To the left will be a TV hidden by two antique doors and flanked by bookshelves on each side (not to obscure the windows. Here are the paintings

Here is the rug going into that room. I have cream pottery going on the bookshelves.

I hope it can be cleaned. What do you think?

Flo, Houssaon: Would the deep color of the walls in the picture with the piano look good in the family room? Can you suggest a color for the family room? Thank you so much! Ellie

I want to thank everyone for being so helpful. It has been wait wait wait, and now that my schools are going back I have to make so many decisions all at once. Somehow my nearly brand new refrigerator got broken and there is a piece missing from my cooktop. I had to buy all of these because the old stuff (refrigerator, stove/oven) that was there all died at once. Of natural causes of course. It seems like something every day.

I also have to choose a material for the patio and I hate what the contractor chose. I think it is artificial wood squares with big spaces between YUK. I do have a budget but there must be something that fits in that budget that does not look like a lego set or a kids building kit. I appreciate any advice you can give. I have looked through thousands of discussions but they serve to confuse me even more. I am really too old for this. At this rate I will be working in the highest crime areas of Detroit until I am 80. I should have a condo in Florida but too late now lol.

The deep burgundy wall color is SW Blackberry. It might be beautiful on your window wall. It would frame the windows so well.

Do you mean flooring materials for patio?

Is patio covered? Enclosed? Open?

Open and the siding is dark grey. Have you EVER seen a bigger air conditioning/heating unit. Horrible first contractor destroyed my working air conditioning unit so we have to have this one because the new air would entail new duct work. OMG new refrigerator just blew gasket cannot be fixed. I know I broke a mirror a while ago but the 7 years must be up by now.

Ours is bigger! Taller too. Fortunately, it is hidden from view and noise.

YIKES!!! I didn't know there was a bigger one. How did you hide it? The most irritating thing is that my next door neighbor has two this size right outside the bedroom window. Can't they make them look a little nicer?? lol

Mine way bigger! And yes taller! In back of the garage behind a wall.

• My city won't let you put it anywhere but THERE!!! It is taking up all of this space and I am trying to hide it. My other one (that the contractor threw out) was so much smaller. It is because it is heating and air conditioning I think. I just bought my furnace a few years ago, but because of the foundation it would have cost a fortune to put the vents, wires and everything in for a smaller one. I think they should at least paint them with camouflage so they look like part of the garden. Or have someone paint it Trompe-l'œil or make it look like a bush. There is only to fence around it or plant around it I guess. Why isn't anything simple? lol

We put a set of lattice wood panels around ours leaving room and a gate to access for maintenance. Helps.

I don't care what color you paint it, no room with an original Man Ray can look like Taco Bell. :-) Beautiful art!