May I suggest a cap of your pavers on the wall and the a slightly darker gray that relates to the privacy fence beyond? That way horizontal surfaces and vertical surfaces show similarities and blends/blurs the separations?

I would love the rocking chair too, but way too expensive for me, unfortunately!! Yellow could be good... hmmm, will have a look, thanks

Hi Ang, I thought I'd follow up my earlier comment with pictures of before and after of pine cupboards I specified to be painted in a budget makeover. My clients tell me people presumed they had purchased brand new cabinetry, so startling was the makeover. Somehow I have put the "after" on the left and "before" image on the right!

Sophisticated start. You could go with black and white photography, architectural pieces, art pieces- anything you love on the wall. Then, add pillows in the colors of the art work. If you want to stay more monochromatic, think in terms of textural interest, such as a shag area rug, pillows with seam detailing, etc.