Thanks Helen. Actually I've read that Bristol paints have a record of the formulas used for Benjamin Moore's paints. Not sure if that's accurate though. Also thanks Tilly for all your suggestions. Ironically I used China White throughout an entire house many years ago and I loved it. I also used Whisper White for a lot of the painted shelving and some furniture. It was an open plan house and the colour scheme was seamless. Received lots of compliments. The woodwork in the rest of our current house is in Antique White USA (as are the walls), but I'm wanting to go for a more 'intimate' look in the sitting room, and I'm still drawn to the idea of a warm charcoal grey for the walls, and Antique white USA for the architraves, skirtings etc. I'm attaching a picture of the Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray, but I know it's impossible to choose a colour from a photo, but it will give you an idea of the colour scheme I'm wanting for that room. By the way I know what you mean by the picture rails limiting the use of walls. I'm attaching another photo I've found that shows a similar room (although a lot grander) without picture rails. But my partner is rather fond of the picture rails, and I can just imagine his response if I suggested they be removed! It's hard enough trying to decide on paint :)

Jeepers this room needs help. One of those curved lamps would work well in the corner, or a cluster of small pendants. A round or rectangular table at the left hand end of the sofa with a vase of flowers and framed photographs would give a 'come-hither' appeal. A coffee table with art books and decorative items would be better than the round poof. A complete change in cushion covers to bring the whole place to life and more artwork on the walls. An interesting chair would work well too. Happy thoughts.

Hi all, we have spent winter up north and now on the never ending task of updating our home. Flooring still not changed at this point waiting on tradesmen for ensuite and kitchen update. I have attached photos of the lounge and family/kitchen. Would like some help re colour/fabric for a window seat on the bay window. I did take away all curtains and blinds have been installed. Kitchen cupboards are a salmon colour and the cabinets can still be used with new doors and side panels replaced. I have always been a lover of white kitchens but not sure of colour for splaceback/tiles/bench. One minute I have made up my mind to have wood on all floors except lounge and bedrooms then someone says what is wrong with your tiles it's a waste of money and a lot of work! I am not sure that a white kitchen would go with the current tiles . Any advise would be more than welcome. Sandra (loving Houzz)

@vickimpond, Coastal themes in my opinion with earthy tones, can go quite nicely with grey even though I don't personally like grey. I would suggest you research and gather colour swatches, that mirror some of the earthy colours you intend to use and then look at the colour wheel too and there is often a simple choice opposite the colour you like. You will have to incorporate the grey already in the room, in other words don't isolate the grey but link it with your colour choices obviously. Just make sure the tones are a match, meaning there isn't a for example, a blue tone in your tiles and a yellow tone in the wall colour. Look at nature, even animal eyes where you can have a grey cat for example with green or blue eyes, that will help broaden your selection and if you go all out for a coastal theme, then I think you need blue in there somewhere!! If you want to play it safe, you could stick to a very neutral wall colour, there will be plenty of choices out there that will gel with the grey and white already in the room, then you wouldn't overrun the house with a permanent strong colour that you might tire of quickly like say a blue for example. You can instead use accessories for pops of colour perhaps and to keep the grey theme active if that's what you want to do, perhaps grey cushions mixed with blue cushions for the couch if you go with a blue for example, that way the room doesn't end up looking too busy, as you are talking earthy tones mixed with the grey tones mixed with the white already there and finally another colour whatever colour that it is you choose if you get my drift, so accessories can give you those colours without being permanent, well that's my thoughts anyway. Good luck, Barbara