Decorating - help with paint colour please!

[TootToot]

Ok, we live in a sort of cottagey Victorian house. We have had a lot of building work done and now need the entire house decorated and carpeted. Have chosen the carpet, kitchen, bathroom etc - no problem. However, decorator begins on Monday and have got no idea about colour! We know we want a neutral tone (lots of furniture and colourful curtains, sofas, rugs etc already) but there seem to be so many neutral tones to choose from. We have also got a lot of wood (pine and darker stuff). Any recommendations about colour?

What colour have you chosen for the carpets?

Farrow and Ball do a lovely neutral cream colour called 'String'.

Terracotta's earthy and warm for a lounge or wherever you eat.
How about pebbly greys, taupes, mauves and a splash of aubergine?
Cappuccino and espresso? With the darker colour on the chimney breast?
We've got Crown Once 'Ivory' in our lounge and it's different on every wall, from cream to light beige. Goes on like a dream too, still arguing with dh about 2nd coat, I say don't bother, he say it the principle blah blah blah.