I'm just so excited about how the paint colors that Jean picked out for us is shaping up, I am compelled to give you all a sneak peak, before it's even done.

Excuse the mess - we'll be living in this disorder until it's all done. DH is being meticulous with his painting and working when he can. Tomorrow we're hoping to get the dining room done. But here is a peak at the living room (facing from our front door and looking back towards the dining room):

http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ust012.jpg

... that tree you see behind the sofa usually sits in this corner here:
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ust013.jpg

View from the hallway, as you enter into the dining room:
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ust011.jpg

... still trying to decide whether the back there gets the Bennington gray or the red... I'm leaning towards the gray.

Bathroom color:
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ust010.jpg
... It's growing on me, Jean! I like it best in the morning, when the sun is shining into the room, which it was when I took this photo. I think I'll also like it better once we put some artwork up on the walls. But I can see how this color is working with the rest. It's making sense - the penny is dropping, as Angie would say!

Of course nobody here in YLF will be surprised at what a talent Jean has for this. But it's not just about her intuitive sense of color; she has a true gift for the big-picture vision: knowing where to paint what color, to have it flow through the house and coordinate, and highlight the architecture. I lack that sort of vision myself, so it's been very fun as the paint goes up to slowly "get it" and see what she saw in the bare walls, and suddenly realize what was missing, and what accessories we need to bring it all together. I also have to add that I'm *thrilled* that I do not have to throw out all my furniture and start new.

I can't describe how thrilled I am - there are no words. Each time I walk into these rooms, I get this warm-fuzzy feeling in my stomach and I just think WOW. I knew our house had potential, but it took Jean to help bring it all out.

I hope I don't make her blush with all my gushing, but Jean is to color consultation what Angie is to fashion. I am having the same personal revelations over home decorating as I did when I first found this forum!