cao100, I was trying to "paint" your house yesterday but got frustrated with the Ben Moore program that I have. It wouldn't let me get the house very dark. Even the darkest shade I picked ended up light. I can show you a few of those but I don't think it would be helpful. I didn't post above in hopes that it stays near the top and one of the other PS'ers with better paint can help. I wish SW would come up with a paint your own picture program. I'd love to see some of those other colors too. I was trying more in the dark terra cotta or brown family and it looked nice. I also wasn't sure about your trim since you have two colors of trim. A darker band and lighter ones around windows and gutters. Maybe I'll try again later if no one responds above! Good Luck Lindy

Thanks, BlackChamois :-) We wound up using the cabinet paint from Schuler in the kitchen only and the house trim paint on the kitchen window and everywhere else - hallway with the pantry, transom, mudroom and powder room (had it matched - I have to find out the color). I was worried but it works, I think because there are bends and curves to break it up visually, and the colors look spot on (the cabinet paint's finish is slightly different). Also it helps that the carpenter is talented and was able to match the original dentil and make it for the new spaces.

I have to tell you that although I love the talent involved, the lack of symmetry would drive me out of my tiny mind. I like the softness of the kitchen you've displayed, though. There's nothing jarring in these soft colors. It's very, very sweet! That said, I saw some mosaics on Hometalk (I'm looking for now) that were pure artistry. The one I'm looking for had my dropping. I'll share a few I'm finding, while I look for the one lady. Absolutely incredible to the point I could have it in my home without trying to organize it in some fashion. Old Glass Gardening Table This is just cool This is an incredible floor (that doesn't make me crazy, for some reason) As I'm sharing these, I think I've figured out the ones without a lot of white space between the pieces, i.e. ones fitted together smoothly work for me. Thank you for the growth moment! Initials. Found her! Jan from Wisconsin. In particular, scroll down to see her dessert plates. OMG, I'm amazed!

I will be the first to admit (even though I have them) that arched doors are not in style:) However, warm toned cabinetry is returning to popularity and the white / gray trend has peaked - but by no means is over. Painting your cabinets will not change the fact the doors are ached, and your warm kitchen could become a bit sterile looking - granite, floor, backsplash, cabinets all light - and the black ovens will be more noticeable. Painted cabinets also require upkeep - you look like you have an active family. How easy will it be to keep those white cabinets clean and free from chips? Fir is a soft wood. It would be lovely refinished, but if you think it is too soft to withstand family life wear and tear, consider solid oak. As far as wood floor color tone, newer design pics are showing lighter, more natural wood floors. While the darker are lovely, they show every scratch and bit of dust while natural or lightly stained are more forgiving. I really like the kitchen floor you have. Since my cabinets are older and I like cottage style, French country, vintage, I decided to go with a more "old fashion" look - and I love old houses:) So I went with a less formal, more cottage style. It is a style that helps keep things from looking dated, because they look vintage instead. Here are some things I might do if this was my kitchen - but this my not be your style. If the small shelves on each side of the window can be removed, I would, or simplify the decor on them. The glass cabinet by the peninsula - I would do that with more decor - it could be a pretty set of dishes you don't often use or some other decor in your style. I like pretty - so often decorate with mismatched china, botanical / floral art and floral fabrics, vintage art - I guess I have a touch of shabby chic:) You might do a roman shade or faux roman shade on the kitchen window. There are some tutorials, including No-sew I think, online: I would simplify the dining room window treatment and add more art with color. It is hard to tell in pictures, but there seems to be a line around the top of the wall - perhaps some ceiling repair is in process? Fixing that will make you feel better too. A beadboard ceiling can cover an old ceiling nicely. My sink is the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style farm sink. It can be retrofitted, but doing so is expensive. The countertop is not lifted, but the face frame of the sink base cabinet is removed, and replaced after the retrofit. You could add a few pieces of cabinetry to the dining area - they could also help with storage. If you like a farmhouse / country / cottage style, a pie safe or similar is both functional and pretty.