From: marycynthia@decoratebydesign.com (Deeva)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house alt.home.repair
Subject: Re: Got any decorating tips?
Date: 19 Feb 2004 16:25:03 -0800

I like the cabinets-- they have a really nice patina!

I looked at your photo's; what's interesting is that where the light
reflects off the wood, it looks yellow.  Where it's not so well lit,
it goes really red.

The thing to remember about oak is that even when it goes red, it's
still a yellow red.  If you're going to use "maroon", ask your paint
store to make sure it has a yellow base (orange)and not a blue
(purple).  It will really make a difference, trust me!

Personally, I would go as light as possible, because it will actually
make the walls go up and out, and make the room look bigger.  Maybe a
medium yellow-brown.  Brown (or dark beige) will show off the cabinets
to best effect.

Here's a couple of other things if you're daring:  take the wall color
UP the paint chart two shades lighter and **paint your ceiling**. 
Believe it or not, the ceiling will have the illusion of being taller
(white is a really advancing color).  If that's two much, try a
buff/yellow based white to complement the walls and cabinets.

If you're feeling really wild, take a look at this picture:

http://www.decoratebydesign.com/colop12a.jpg

Wallpaper on the ceiling!  

Happy Decorating

Mary Cynthia
http://www.decoratebydesign.com