Hi, i need help! I don't like the trim color on my house (previous owners painted it). I just think it's too loud or something so I want a color with a softer look but I can't seem to find the perfect tan that's not too light (I feel like goldilocks!) and I realized gray doesn't look very nice because it doesn't match the roof. I'm thinking of also painting the garage door the same as the trim color and then do maybe a shade of blue for the front door. I'm spending a fortune on paint samples because they look so different when I get them on the trim so figured maybe someone might have some ideas? :/ Also I'm sprucing up the garden is the next step so I certainly don't have to match anything there. I'm not sure if I want to paint the whole house yet but if I do it'll be the same color it is now because it fits well with the neighbors (tanish orange w/brown trim, brick w/dark gray trim and blue w/white trim). I'm also going to repainting the lamps because they are looking tired but can't afford to do all new outdoor lighting. And want to paint the front door a shade of blue I think (white now) I GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!!!!!!

My suggestion is to avoid making the same mistakes and retain the services of an architect. In this way you will have a plan that will address all your concerns and then you can figure out a way to put your plan into action. It is possible that you may have to wait until you have the funds to do it all at once. Sometimes doing things in bits and pieces can cost you more in time and $$ than doing it all at once.

Gray flooring is very trendy - which means it will become the dreaded "dated". While light gray as a neutral will always be useful, the extreme over use of gray will turn on itself - just as over use of oak did. If this was a cheap laminate gray floor with a limited lifespan - no big deal (except the waste in the landfill) but you had better love this expensive floor 10 years from now when the HGTV crowd will say "yuck - look at all that gray" - just like they say "Yuck, look at all that oak" now. If you will love it, go ahead. I have my oak kitchen which I like just fine. However, a natural wood floor will add color and will go with just about any style thrown at it. It is best if one applies the trendy colors to easily changed surfaces - like paint for walls, decor, curtains, upholstery and even a backsplash if it is not a huge expense. Listen to SJ - she is a flooring expert. The gray, gray rooms just looked washed out - especially when all the new design pics I am seeing are showing color.

I agree, I've seen lots of '70s kitchens, and that doesn't look the part to me. Actually, though I'm pretty far from the decorator type (more the practical type), I think it's mostly pretty nice as is. The backsplash doesn't do anything for me, but it's not obnoxious either. That could go either way. I really like those cabinets a lot, and agree that some modest (not too bold) pulls would spruce them up. For goodness sake, don't paint them, you'll ruin them (IMO). Unlike (probably) most here, I don't object at all to your counters, though I can't tell how worn them might be. If they're in good shape, I'd leave them alone. I see nothing at all wrong with the refrigerator either. I just can't bring myself to replace one that works fine. When it quits working and the repair is too expensive, that's the time to regroup. I'm also not a fan of features like ice and water in the doors -- that's just more stuff to break. And spare us these bloody "smart" appliances. Ugh. I don't know about the windows. Where there are no close neighbors, I like them with no blinds or curtains at all. I love natural light and outdoor views. They make kitchen chores easier, IMO. Hmm, a skylight or two might be nice, or sun pipes. I like the light well enough, but suspect it's probably nowhere near adequate in terms of total lumens. I'd try to match it with a few more of similar style. Can lights are still popular, but I've never liked them where the ceilings are high. They're OK with low ceilings, where surface luminaires can make things feel too closed in. You need an annoyingly large number of them regardless. I'm a big fan of indirect (bounce off ceiling) light for its evenness. Pendants that cast some light upward are good things. I can't tell if there's enough room, maybe not, but you might consider supplemental LED or even high CRI T5 fluorescent strips atop the cabinets. Definitely put LED lights under the cabinets, if you don't already have them. I might change the flooring. That's ceramic tile, isn't it? Ceramic looks nice and lasts and lasts, but just about anything you drop on a ceramic tile floor breaks. I'd go for something a bit darker to anchor the room, but not too dark. Again, though, I'm not a decorator. I am frugal, though. I want anything I do to a house that isn't basic maintenance to return the investment -- or better -- in resale value.