Thanks so much for the input and sharing photos. I'm so at a loss here as to what to do! I've actually considered all the colors mentioned in the thread at one point or another, and it's tough to imagine what it would look like covering your entire house! That's a lot of surface area. I also get so influenced by the name of the color. Does that happen to any of you? For example, if the name of the color has the word "cream" or "ivory" in it, I'll consider it more seriously than if the color has the word "yellow" or "gold", even though the latter might be more of what I'm looking for. Isn't that weird. Ponydoc, I actually really like how vanillin and inviting ivory look in your pictures. I worried that there wouldn't be enough of a contrast between those colors and my trim, but I can see from your pictures that there is contrast. I really like Jersey Cream, but I worry that it will read more pale yellow than cream, which is what I'd prefer. I was pretty sold no Napery, but it just didn't seem like there was enough contrast between that and Dover White. I agree that Compatible cream is too gold (as a previous poster mentioned) for an overall color for our house. I'm going to use it as accent color though. Why is this so hard! Ok, I think I have one more day to make up my mind. Any more pictures would be so much appreciated! Thanks!

Oil primer doesn't expire that I know of, but inside the can usually skins up and hardens so after that many years it may not be liquid anymore. If you live in a state where all the oil based primers are pretty much gone, I would go to a real paint store in the area and ask the guys there what the best alternative to oil based primer is in your area. I'm sure there is a comparable acrylic primer that will work just fine.

I have a two story high living room ceiling with two tall narrow windows. I need suggestions on the color for the drapes. I have a dark terracotta ( dark brick) colored area rug , two sofas, one white and the other is beige . The tapestry above the sofa has dark terracotta, gold and blue colors. ( Tuscan poppies from Amazon) ) . The rug also has colors like dark green and cream which are barely noticeable. There is no blue on the rug. My walls are cream. Can I go for sheer drapes in cream?

Beverly, Thanks so much for your insights and photos. Which just bought this, it's 12 years old but the decor makes it look 20). Yes, the HOA dictates exterior colors. Color options are Sherwin Williams - Bagel, Summer White and Basket Beige. We thought we we do Summer White but appreciate your thoughts. The ceilings are 12-22 feet hight with huge doors and moldings so we thought we would paint the walls and trim the same color with different finishes. The floor is currently tile so we are going to do a wide plank hardwood throughout but feel like it should be lighter to make it all brighter. Would love more of your thoughts and insights.