Close your eyes and the one you really want will pop into your head first when you start to imagine it. If you still can't decide, you may have to flip a coin.

Thanks Charles. That is about what it is coming down to.

Gayle,

I find that it is much harder to make choices in design when it is for your own home. As a home stager, I find it much easier to consult on other people's homes.  Maybe if you try to look at your space as someone else's and ask yourself what advice you would give them in decorating it, you may find your answer.

Also, "beach" colors would include blues and greens and tan...why wouldn't they work with taupe and gray?

Gray is the new big thing in color.  Start there and add other colors to it.

How would a grey/taupe be?  That seems to be where I am settling.

I definately agree that this is a tough choice.  My bedroom after 2 years in this house is still white... I HATE WHITE WALLS!  I just don't know what color to paint the room.  I mean, it's my bedroom.... how do I want to relax, unwind and yet at the same time feel sexy?  I know the white isn't the answer, but it is a big room and I don't want to have to repaint when I change my mind again in a week/month/year. 

I think I've finally decided on Pecan by Sherman Williams, but now I'm trying to decide if I should choose a richer, darker brown..... and if I like this color, do I paint the ceiling?  What about crown molding..... curtains, do I want to make custom curtains and linens?  Would I prefer something simple that I could regularly change up the pillows, sheets, etc for a different look.....

See - you aren't alone!

Both these styles are basically minimalist Gayle. Why don't you go with your heart to a fresh new color and let it lead you to an eclectic mix of what you have and what you can add for freshness. I always make change for myself this way and never buy what doesn't pass this test - will I still love it in a year? 5? ....depending on cost and expendibility.

Less is definitely more when you choose a significant enough color to work with. Otherwise you end up trying to compensate with too many other 'things' to make up for the lack. 

Good Luck!

Gayle - I can't resist getting in on this conversation...Deborah is so right about compensating. What I want to add is I recognize where you are coming from and these are the sparks that create something NEW and FRESH. Go with the dilemma and you will find creative solutions you have not seen in magazines or showrooms.

What if you worked in your minimalist color scheme with a nautical flavor like a contemporary table made in a scallop shape or a nautilus or coral pattern within your new palette. That type of thing. I think I have mentioned this once or twice but I had the privilege of designing the interior of a pilot's home which was built in the shape of a nautilus shell four stories high. It was very exciting and I did not furnish it in a 'beach' theme. Keep working on it until you come up with something new!

Wahhooo ~ Sheron! Great ideas - I concur entirely with Sheron's affirmation to go with the dilemma - it will lead you - something great is in the works!

I am in awe...can't wait to see what you come up with.  I only dream of being as creative as all of you guys.  Show me, show me.

It's probably way too late but I can help...ha ha! My own home is what I like to call "Beachy Cottage Contemporary". Meaning I have a taupe, white & soft blue color scheme but in certain areas like my living room added a darker blue. I have contemporary furniture but have accents of softer items like shells, flowers and etc.

What I would have suggested is maybe doing a greay blue with some white and browns or even taupe or even through in a punch of dark blue! I personally think any style can mix as long as you merge together the right elements. Hope it went well. :) Would love to see pics.

Hi.........I work with my clients by aiding them to TRUST their Intuitive selves and flow with the process to grow thru the solution......All design is really working with Creative solutions, what pleases the 'eye' and some basic rules which you can bend also. What KEY COLOR stands out for you at this TIME? and with  a pattern of 'less is better' it would say in feng shui you need quiet mind space and the ability to have Space around you so you can regroup or downcharge off the day. I get the Image interestingly of a CITY? NYC? and Sophisticated and Stream line and in Feng shui you can bring in the elements of WATER and that negative relaxing ions 'chi' thru a Feng shui Water Fountain. Sounds of Water and elements of beach but staying to the color of a sophisticated black and element of career....a nice Yin energy while at the same time putting the Star fish and Sea Shells on display and  a showcase of  beach sand and nice touches to remind you of that connection..

when one is ready to CREATE something new our Environment will change and REFLECT that as this is the inner world of our mind and soul..........this will give you a new added energy and environment that can not only function very well but please your senses and create the NEW Space you seem ready to Embrace..

WORK with Design and FENG SHUI it really makes the DIFFERENCE.......

Warm Regards..Blessings...Roshandra

feng shui practitioner..designer......energy and Space Stylist..for Home, Executive Office, Garden

Businesses. and Real Estate Sales.......

theartofcentering@yahoo.com

www.thelotusopens.com

Los Gatos Calif ~ Boston ~ Nyc.