Help me choose a colour!

[IpsyUpsyDaisyDo]

Feeling a little overwhelmed by choice! Hallway of an Edwardian terrace house, half of it has a lovely original black & white chequer-board tiled floor, the rest is a light bamboo. Original dado rails and cornicing - there's such potential! Would like to make it light & modern but with a nod to the period aspect. It's currently magnolia with the area under the dado rail dark red....! (Inherited from previous owners I hasten to add!). It's the black & white floor tiles that I'm finding a bit intimidating I think...

[clutterqueen]

Ok I'm going for terracotta on the bottom, cream on the top. Based on that's what my SIL has. Or is that a bit close to what you currently have?

[BrownSauceSandwich]

To be honest, the strong contrast between what's below the dado rail and what's above does nothing for me. I'd go for a dark cream all over the walls, soft white on the woodwork and ceilings, and just let the original features speak for themselves.