When I bought my present house, I used a pinkish taupe thru the living room, dining room, hallway going up the stairs and kitchen. The largest rooms (living room & dining room)got the darker shade, kitchen the next shade lighter and the hallways the lighter shade as less windows opening up to it. Most folks wouldn't notice its not all the same shade. Its a 1900 built home with natural wood on the 1st floor and painted wood on the 2nd floor. All worked well for me.