New neutral paint all round, like a very light grey beige ( or whatever light color )then painting a few walls is a great idea.
That's Griff's idea too. Accent walls then you don't have to totally commit to a color plus you get a pop of oooh ahhh color.
The Sherwin William shawnee site suggested has information on color washing too. The color is natural and cool looking.
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_i...hing/index.jsp
Plus that visualizer tool is very cool.