Hi Kati! What a nice surprise for your mom-- Tucson Red is great. Not really knowing anything else about decor lighting etc in th house, I'll suggest Kangaroo AF-145. It has some warmth to it so it should be a nice neutral color with Tucson. Let me know how it turns out!

Ahhh, those lovely color tools can indeed be used to represent all the color that is life! Looking out the window is a great idea. Even the light coming in is reflected by the season, don't you think? I personally love a good fall with light tinted with a fiery spectrum of colors reflected from the changing leaves!

What a wonderful way to approach any design project- respecting the space. Only positive, beautiful solutions can come from that! Thanks for sharing your journey with us all!

@CJ, thanks for writing in! Your home sounds lovely with the bursts of color! Each person's definition of relaxing (especially for a bedroom) can be so varied, so check out these colors as a starting point: Aura in Wisteria AF-585 (grayed violet- very rich) or Aura in Guilford Green HC-116 (light-hearted green). Depending on what you're after for the hall (does it get lots of light/what are the other adjacent room colors) find a color that does what you want it to do. I actually like Aura in Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 (same color in your dining) b/c of it's vibrance. In the bath, as well, look at the color in context- what color are your fixtures, hardware, tile, etc? Is it a main bathroom (keep it neutral) or guest bath that's not used often (be bold in color). Hope that's helpful!

Trish, have you looked at OC-21, Winter White? Besides the perfect name for your project, the color is quite nice with Sidewalk Gray. Also, depending on your taste, if you want to try something bold, but classic, consider painting your doors and trim a super dark gray like Iron Mountain 2134-30. along with OC-21 on your main walls. It offers a sophisticated, European look. Good luck!

Hi Cris, Shaker Beige HC-45 is a color similar in intensity to Abdingdon Putty, but much warmer which should work with your red oak floors. For your other question about granite countertops, it's tricky b/c each slab has variation of content and color. If you can take a sample of the tile with you to pick out your stone, it's best. Look for something with a similar gold flex in it. You'll have to decide whether you want to go dark or not with stone, depending on your style. If you go dark with the stone, I recommend changing your cabinet colors to compliment it. If you stay lighter, chances are your stone will have some version of an off white rather than a pure white in the stone color. In that case, paint the cabinets in a color to work with the off whites because the existing white will contrast too much in combination with an off white. If you're looking for more of a pure white look, look at options like tile/silestone for countertops. The color can be more uniform and less patterned. Good luck!

@Kate, just tweeted Mary's great take on Vintage Wine. I love to see the warming trend in hues-- it's refreshing, don't you think?

Cristin, of course I'd love to be a part of your beautiful blog! Let's do it!

Thanks everyone! I found some great inspiration under my own tree this year, too... ;) @Patty, your colors seem quite bold and fun. I don't know your real preferences, but to change that eggplant to something that has a different mood, but still works with Hawthorne, consider a blue. Blue is unexpected in a dining room, but complements it at the same time. I like aspen skies 1656 in Aura Matte on the walls for this combo and perhaps use an off white like Seashell OC-120 in Aura Matte that's not too hued for the transition along the stair, etc. Good luck!

I find the measure of a truly talented designer is found in their ability to create beautiful and unexpected designs. Alena certainly did make bright colors work! I applaud her being bold. Her balancing act of turning cool colors into an inviting retreat shows her strength as a professional. Well done, Alena!