The next time I decorate by a colour of the year will be the first time. Don't hold your breath. I have nothing against this particular colour but it doesn't work with all the things I've collected over the years, and I am not about to discard carpets bought after hard bargaining with dubious merchants in Istanbul or Islamabad because they don't "go" with a paint colour that someone voted "colour of the year." In its place, I think the colour would be quite nice (better than this years choices, certainly). It's just that my place isn't the right place for it.

Finishing painting the outside of the house in white. The easier part got completed but the upstairs dormers didn't get done due too either too hot weather, rain or too windy. Husband also thinking other things were more important. When will be the right time? Maybe eastertime or before winter. Hopfully a lot cooler weather.

Hey annemarie, thanks for the visual. Firstly, I think the pale olive trims complement the vanity unit in a way I don't think the black, grey or white could. The vanity doors and basin are subtly highlighted and it produces a very calming, aesthetically pleasing showpiece. The olive colour helps make the vanity doors and basin the standout features of this particular model - the reason you were attracted to it in the first place. Secondly, I think the colour palette works well with the Moroccan tiles you have chosen. The darker trim contained within each tile piece helps with the fusion. Do not interfere with the integrity of the vanity unit. It looks great as. Overall, you get a fantastic vanity unit - you have chosen well.

Sue, congratulations. You've not only identified a colour you feel happier about, you've actually created it. I suspect you'll now be able to create a pleasing mix of warm greys, plywood browns, stone tones, coppers or bronzes, warm whites, etc; maybe with a bit of yellow added come spring; and you'll be able to live with the brownish sofa until you're ready to update or reupholster. I have some KAS cushion covers from a couple of years ago which show how this kind of colour mix can be done. One has stylised flowers (a la Mexican) in grey, brown and caramel with a touch of burnt orange. (You mention liking ochre.). Another is lighter grey, brown, taupe and bone-white on a natural linen. A third (less subtle) is warm greens with brown, taupe, yellow, white and a little aqua. I'm not saying go for styles that are a few years out of fashion. But do be confident enough to resist a harsh, hard-edged option if a gentler one is right for your temperament and household and the room's aspect. Robyn