Re: Advice please on paint colour
Yes Monday replace the carpet, get something plain.
For the walls it depends on the look you are after. If I can give you one piece of advice though don't scrimp on the quality of the paint you use, go for a good brand it pays off in the end. I love Farrow and Ball a nice colour in their range is Elephants Breath, it goes with any other colour and can be traditional or contemporary.
I love decorating and seeing the transformation when you finish a room...good luck, make it fun