I like doors with panels and I like the doors to match the base boards and window + door trim (usually white). Zebra wood is very unique looking. I like art and rugs to get the attention in a room, not the doors. However, I came across gorgeous photo that appears to use flat veneer zebra wood. The baseboards are white. The multi-color slate really enhances this zebra color, too. I could not find the gray hue zebra wood. Do you have a photo or link?

What a fantastic architecture. When you do the brick, if you stain it with masonry /concrete stain you won't have the same issues of maintenance as with paint. They will spray it evenly - through you will have to select a deeper color - either taupe (brown-gray) or a straight charcoal. Love your windows and the classic angled railing. I think a dark gray on the siding will make the orange brick jump even more. What bothers me is the white (railing, fascia, eaves) juxtaposed with the earth toned stuff. So I would recommend camel tones - for the siding - something like http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6108-latte/ and the hopsack next darker tone for the garage door. Use the lighter tan for trim that is now white - http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6107-nomadic-desert/ Use the darkest tone if you are painting concrete steps. If you think you will stain your brick charcoal, then the white eaves and trim are probably right, and you may not want to paint it tan now and then go back. If your brick were charcoal, then I would block out the rest in grays and blue grays - leave the white eaves, but take the railing and posts charcoal too. A blue gray door - like sw smoky blue.

I have recently brought an older home and stripped the wallpaper as I didnt like it. It is lath and plaster on walls and ideally I would like to be able to paint the walls without wallpaper. A gibstopper said he could do a skim coat to even it up a bit but couldnt guarentee the old plaster cracking down the track. My options are 1. skim coat, prime etc and then paint 2. Put a wallpaper/lining up and paint or 3. Reline walls with GIB so I can get smooth painted finish as desired. What have people done or would recommend???

Hi. Appreciate everyone's thoughts. Resene thorndon cream half for wall. Satin finish ( or Resene full thorndon cream?) Kitchen cabinetry will be resene thorndon cream quarter lacquer painted Ceiling will be resene thorndon cream eighth.. Eggshell finish Door, Archichave and skirting will be the same colour as the wall, but semi-gloss finish