lovestoread: (so do I) No it doesn't bother me at all to have different carpet color and style on the first and second floors. We have a neutral colored short looped berber-like carpet in the den that is partially covered with a Oriental rug, a complementary Oriental stair runner going up stairs and a light taupe low pile carpet in the upstairs hall and bedrooms. If I had it to do over, I would have economized more on the bedroom carpets because they get the least wear and tear. We tend to go barefoot or in moccasins most of the time indoors.

Is this a place you own? or are renting? If you are planning on replacing the floors, don't buy anything until they're finished. A hardwood floor is like a neutral while a brown carpet has a distinct look. But really, you can' go wrong with paring off-while with the brown rug. Think about bringing in as much texture as possible if you are keeping to a very neutral palate.

Thank you Patrcia! The landscaping does need some work and the rosebushes have taken off this year which might be some of the problem. I had questioned the shutters on that window as well and wondered if installing a window box there would be a better idea as the house is so plain. My initial thought was to paint close to the brick color or a little darker, but I've already gone through a few paint samples and nothing looks good to me. Do you have any suggestions on a BM or SW paint that would look good? The reason I thought the black garage door would be a good ideas is because it may modernize the house a bit. Anyway, thank you again! Sandy

I like the current color, it’s a classic look and compliments your brick perfectly. I think the bronze or Desert Tan would work well, too (obviously making sure they wouldn’t clash with the colors of your bricks). I don’t like any of the other choices for this stately house. Beautiful home!