If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a 'true gray' color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.

Using same guide as stated above, identify main colors of furniture and accessories in room. Use green or pink toned greys with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.

If you are really torn between beige or gray, than easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.

Painting rooms with color will bring finishing touch to your home - don't you deserve it?

Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/articles/2005-05/170/tips-for-choosing-a-safe-paint-color-for-your-walls/

Some tips for selecting shutters for your home

1. Consult your carpenter or contractor. Determine if present window casings will support weight of hinged shutters when opened and closed, or whether additional framing will be required.

2. Consider width of louver. The louver width affects appearance as well as function of shutters. The wider louver, more light and air will be permitted to flow into room.

3. Choose between wood and vinyl. Wooden, especially faux wood shutters can give room a warmer feeling. Vinyl shutters work well in rooms that have high moisture or steam content. Vinyl shutters are easy to clean and will not warp.

4. Choose between moveable and fixed louvers. If you want to use shutters primarily for privacy and security, you may wish to use fixed position louvers. If you want to be able to open shutters to admit light, ventilation or see through window, you will want to select adjustable louver shutters.

5. Read reviews written by home improvement consultants and also by consumers. These reviews are posted on websites and are published on home improvement websites and in home decorating magazines.

6. Choose a reputable company with a reliable warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Tips for installing shutters

1. Measure window and make sure that window opening is square. If window is not square, you will be required to taper shutter to fit opening.

2. Cut shutters to fit opening. If you cannot find a shutter that will fit your window exactly, choose a shutter that is slightly larger than opening. If you need to trip more than ¾” from shutter, cut all of it from left or bottom sides. If you need to trim more than ¾ inch from side, cut half from each side. Use same procedure in trimming height of shutter.

3. Hinge shutter with non-mortising hinges. Use two shutter hinges for shutters 30 inches or less in height. Use three hinges for shutters from 30 – 48 inches high. Be sure and place hinges on opposite side of desired shutter opening.

4. Install latch on opposite side of hinges. The latch is often installed in centre of shutter. In some applications it may be desirable to install latch near top or bottom of shutter. For example, in a room used by small children you may wish to install latch near top of shutter.

5. The installation tools needed include a mitre, radial arm or table saw; a jointer, planer or a hand plane; screwdriver; square, paint brush; tape measure; pencil; shutters, non-mortising hinges, screws, fine sandpaper and touch-up paint or varnish.

Today’s homeowner is going to use plantation shutters more for beauty, but they are also important for privacy and security. Shutters are often an excellent choice for living rooms, sitting rooms, dens, home libraries and home offices. There is a special feeling that comes from sitting or working in a room dominated by rich warmth of wood. Sunlight, ventilation and artificial lighting can all be adjusted to provide just right atmosphere.