OT: Can someone give me some color ideas

Sorry this is a bit long but I'm trying to be detailed. My house that I purchased was decorated in all black and white (as you will see in the pics from the link I'm posting). I like rich colors! I painted the livingroom and diningroom a soft mocha with a lighter cream trim and it looks very nice. I tell you this because you need to understand what I'm trying to achieve. For accent colors I'm using cinnamon reds (color of the furniture), golds, blacks with some emerald greens (large picture windows) and a splash of royal blue. The hall way which sits off the livingroom and breakfast area has been painted a light mint green and trimmed with the same soft cream used in the living/dining room. My dilema comes when you enter that breakfast and kitchen area. The floor in both areas is a black with gray marble tile. The kitchen counters and appliances (with the exception of the blaringly white fridge) are all black and cannot be changed at this time. In my lack of wisdom/experience, I choose to paint the cabinets black. Er.... mistake #1 I think. It makes the kitchen look small. Going onto the adjoining breakfast area, it's all white paneling. I filled in line from an invisible chair rail up to the ceiling to give the illusion that the bottom is beadboard/wainscoatting after I install that chair rail. I like the concept (much better than pulling the paneling down) but I still don't know what to do about color. I was thinking of some of the colors I am using to accent in the livingroom, but I'm afraid that it'll make the breakfast area look REALLY small - which it is, but even more so. Remember, the breakfast area also sits off of that mint green hallway. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! My wonderful home now looks like a wreck! I don't know how long my DH is going to tolerate my experimentation. Here is what it looked like with the previous owners decor/color. http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=7652013&uid=3711342 Sheryl In the Zoo

Oh my gosh! I LOVE your house! How beautiful! You see, my husband and I live in a 990 sq. ft. house and raised three kids in it with ONE bathroom! I'm terrible on decorating, so I'm no help in that department, but just wanted to tell you I'm ready to move in! Hugs, Theresa

LOL Thanks Theresa! I love it too, I just need color. Sheryl

Congratulations on your new house Sheryl! I can relate because my kitchen has a lot of black as well. I have all black appliances and black granite counters. My cabinets and flooring are both oak. The walls in my kitchen and probably a similar color to what you described in your living room, kind of a mocha color. I call it taupe. My tile back splash and walls are both that color. I have two large windows and a sliding glass door so that helps with natural light and the effect isn't too dark or closed up. So my suggestion is to go with the same color you have in your living room and you can accent with the same accent colors. That's my two cents....for what it's worth! Sandra

Oh my...what a beautiful home. I would be in decorators heaven. we have a meager 1100 sq ft home, but its still our home!! A home is what you make it. Enjoy decorating.