I'm currently looking to convert former bank with period details (mahogany wall and column panelling) and we are struggling with colours to tie in to features .

Absolutely amazing. These period features must be so interesting to work with - if a little difficult! I'm sure neutral colours will look great with the mahogany though. So intrigued to see how this project develops!

Hi there, As you are discovering, decorating your own place can be a really exciting and fulfilling task. The tricky bit is often making decisions on the exact shades you are going to choose. Regarding your ceiling dilemma, there are no hard and fast rules when choosing colour. Your choice should be determined only by the effect you want to achieve. Bright white is a popular choice because it brings a clean, fresh finish to your room, and a feeling of space, and is the perfect choice when using pale and mid tone neutrals on the walls. Remember that even white will appear a couple of shades darker on the ceiling than it really is, as it doesn’t get the direct light from the windows that your walls do. If you are going for a more cosy feel, or you are using a full shade on your walls, you might not want to see such a contrast between your walls and ceiling. In this circumstance, I would recommend moving away from bright white, and mixing a bit of your wall colour in with it, or choosing a co-ordinating neutral shade. This makes the colour throughout blend more seamlessly for a softer effect. Reducing the contrast between walls and ceilings can actually make the room feel bigger as the eye will not be drawn to the dimensions of your ceiling. I hope this helps, but if you still need some reassurance, you could always paint a large piece of paper with the colours and stick it to your ceiling with low tack masking tape before you decide. Happy decorating and please let me know what you go for. Nina Dulux Amazing Space www.designer.duluxamazingspace.co.uk

Here's Little Sh*t looking highly unimpressed. In between coats, hence masking tape still around the doors. My sister - who disagrees with me on everything - doesn't like it. (She also wanted me to paint the woodwork, but it's oiled and I have just treated it again so paint would roll off. I don't have time to strip it all.) I tried the sage as most rooms off are white, cream, or similarly neutral. Thoughts? Should I have gone paler or darker, etc?