<p>^ My standards and DH’s have led to my taking over so many projects. I find so many women who also change faucets, tile, lay floors, insulate. (I can’t do all that, but am working up to the faucet issue.) But I do let DH lug the heavy stuff and he’s great about ordinary cleaning. He doesn’t even say “we” anymore when he mentions a house project. I loved “Classic American Homes,” which is now not published. Agree abt Apt Therapy. Aren’t they the master site for thekitchn.com? Love that.</p>
<p>ps. just looked at the JR link and the colors are gorgeous. If that’s what you’re thinking of, couldn’t you keep some of the mauve? Or alter it just a bit?</p>
<p>“barley - I love this color for paint. I can’t remember the brand, bought it at Lowe’s, might be Eddie Bauer. It has some color, but it’s neutral to go with anything. Did this throughout my entire house.”</p>
<p>All the public rooms in my house are barley. Obviouslsy, I also love this color! I used Benjamin Moore. </p>
<p>All my trim in Navajo white - which is very soft and creamyish. </p>
<p>My rule of thumb is - if the piece of furniture is crappy wood then paint it.</p>
<p>My other rule of thumb is keep your walls neutral color and your big pieces of furniture solid colors. Use patterns in rugs, pillows, etc., so if you want to change things up color wise you don’t need to replace or reupholster. </p>
<p>I have my grandmother’s secretary which my mother antiqued when that was all the rage 40 some odd years ago, but being lazy, I haven’t repainted it.</p>
<p>When we finally removed the wallpaper and painted, I painted big portions of poster board the shades of blue I was considering, and then tacked them up in different places and lived with them a while. A couple of top contenders were quickly eliminated. It was a good way to make a choice while the wallpaper was still in place, so I could take my time.</p>
<p>Now I am trying to get shades. I can see why our neighbor hired a designer to do his house, even though his shades are plain & beige. Even within the plain/beige category there are five zillion choices!</p>
<p>Lots of pictures for inspiration on this site:
[Houzz</a> - Home Design, Decorating and Remodeling Ideas and Inspiration, Kitchen and Bathroom Design](<a href=“http://www.houzz.com/]Houzz”>http://www.houzz.com/)</p>