I am dealing with a previous homeowner's choices and trying to bring in my own taste. Our Kitchen flows into a family room, Family room is sunken and has a vaulted ceiling. It is currently medium cold blue, with dusty rose carpet. Kitchen cupboards are medium oak, floor, counter, backsplash and appliances are white, walls are same colour blue as the family room.
I really hate blue, and would like to warm up the colours. I would like to paint the family room a neutral tan colour and then...I don't know what for the kitchen?? All the benjamin moore paint chips I bring home end up reallly emphasizing the orange in the wood, really looks awful. I would like to enhance the gold tones and make the kitchen look more inviting, the look is really cold now, flourescent lighting and all. I like earth tones, and I'm willing to change the carpet in the family room to a neutral sometime soon. Colour will come from fabrics.
any suggestions anyone?
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I agree with Che. I think that you've not being going far enough against the oak. I would suggest a strong red, with just a hint of dark brown in it ... maybe a dark heavy cranberry red or a mahogany or Drum Beat red.... I think that would give you exactly what you're looking for.
I really like red with oak. I don't know if you want such a strong colour but it looks great if it's just a small amount to really liven up the wood. Martha Stewart's hollyhock red is great. Just be forewarned that you will need several coats to get good coverage.
My friend recently put 2 coats of Bombay Mahogany Stain on her medium oak cabinet fronts. The look was incredible and it would certainly solve the problem of the taupes looking 'orange'. Good luck!
I'd find a shade of taupe (take a piece of carpet with you) ...it's a warmer shade than blue and goes with almost every decorating scheme.
Try Benjamin Moore 996, sort of a cafe au lait, might even work with your existing carpet!
Replace the fluorescent lighting!!!
Are you going with something you already have?? I would look at your fabrics first then yes definitely change out your carpet to a more neutral colour. Your wall colour I would pick out of your fabric. With so much white in your kitchen, I would go for a splash of colour in your accessories. I really think the culprit giving you all the trouble is the carpet... once it is gone you'll have a much easier time I think.
Sounds like you need to go with a more grey based neutral. Some Benjamin Moore favourites:
HC-26 Monroe Bisque
HC-18 Adams Gold
HC-39 Putnam Ivory