In Z8, basil can sprout from the seeds that are dropped by the blossoms in the previous summer. I have tried all kinds of basil, including the mammouth leaf type, and even Thai and purple types. I found that the Genovese type seems to have the best flavor. It grows into a small bush about 20 inches tall, and has smaller leaves, compared to regular basil. Once basil starts to blossom, the leaves tend to get bitter, so pick it before it flowers. The mammouth type grew to over 5 foot tall with leaves bigger than my hands.

I was thinking Ivorie as well. (Parma, it was your beautiful pictures of Ivorie that made me love it!) But if that's too yellow, you might look into Irish Cream, a SW color. It's not on strips with other colors, it was on a chip by itself. It looks light on the card, but it took on a warm cream with a hint of yellow. I just painted my basement in this color. The lighting is awful down there (we are in the process of redoing it), or I would take a picture for you. Trailrunner, that belgium chocolate looks delicious! Your home is beautiful...

Definitely something to contrast with the dark wood, so no black or bronze, I'd use stainless steel, brushed or polished nickel, or brushed brass. As to the style, make sure you not only like the way it looks, but the way it FEELS. You will be touching the hardware a LOT, and you want to make sure it is not unpleasant--rough or sharp edges, etc. I personally like the ones that Patricia Colwell posted for a clean contemporary look. I'd stay away from squares, ovals (they never look uniform), or too-small pulls or knobs. For your traditional kitchen, you might consider these:

Can you buy another white floor lamp to match with what you have? You don't want to be crowding the space beside the bed and wall. Put something with the right scale or else it will look crowded. Don't forget a floor plant and some smaller plants to put here and there. They warm up a room. The bright pink lamp is not a good choice for the room. Use a pair of lamps, one on each side if you need the light. Does that wood bed frame go around the sides or is it just a foot board? Try tucking the comforter in and see if it makes the bed look more tailored. Keep that white line in the comforter straight or it will look untidy. Consider laying a white fur throw or heavy cotton throw over the the comforter. Add one or two white decorative pillows. Lighten the bed up a bit. I was going to suggest all the elements in this next picture. You can buy skinny mirrors which could be placed behind table lamps and side tables. The reflection helps make rooms appear larger. Use tall mirrors that reach the wall decor over the headboard. All of it adds interest. Again, not sure what your budget will allow. be creative.