I have a red oriental rug, and my last house had a large red couch and a matching pair of red chairs. I went with a butter color. It blends with well and is very neutral. It made the room seem light filled in the day time and warm and cozy at night.

Ooh Darzy I like your thinking. Actually the curtains are taupe and a nearly mint green - not stripes more they blend into each other (see pic). But if I got some art picking out those 2 colours that could work. I love teal but not sure about it on this wall. Maybe coral could be nice or is that too on trend? I also have an old chair I need to get reupholstered and was struggling for ideas for that. But a floral pattern with the green and taupe from the curtains and a third colour that matches the art could work well - ideas, ideas, ideas!Thank you Houzzers I knew you'd help me to look at this differently.

Someone posted this in another dilemma comment earlier today. The cabinet color is similar to yours. The colors in the backsplash go very well. http://houzz.com/photos/101989

Hi Zoe, I think I would have to agree with your sister! The right grey will look warm, whilst giving the room a fresh, clean feel. Farrow&Ball do some lovely ones, have a look at Elephant's Breath or Pavilion Grey. This colour scheme with wooden floors (natural or painted) would look wonderful. Injections of colour could then be added with soft furnishings. Hope this helps!