Look to soft grays, putty tones, or even a diluted violet for a serene and versatile palette. The colors -- along with black and white -- make it easy to swap in and out furniture and accessories in your space. The flexible color scheme will allow you to adopt different looks throughout the year.

A bedroom is covered with a mouse gray to match the bed-linen drapery.

This soft shade seems to melt into the carpet and furnishings.

In Martha's Maine home, Skylands, this subtle wall color allows a series of seventeenth-century astrological globe engravings to stand out as visitors pass by. 

In this living room, three units were dressed up with crown molding and platform bases, then painted this elegant shade to add drama and play up the architectural details. 

A black leather couch offsets the airy white walls of this Chicago row house.

This pale grayish violet seems to change hues from left to right -- depending on the amount of light it receives.

Martha chose a soothing -- yet modern color for her kitchen servery.

The walls lend a touch of drama while allowing the bed to take center stage with its quirky patterns and mix of colors.

A wood ceiling gives a warm touch to the master bedroom, as do the walls, which are painted a pale blue-gray.

In this dining room, the homeowner chose a dark stain for the table to set off painted chairs, as an antique sideboard stands out against the gray walls.

A guest bedroom at Martha's home on Lily Pond Lane, painted in a soothing gray-brown, is supremely simple in its decor.

True khaki, like these walls, veers toward the green. It looks its best in the warm light of a sunny room, its greenness tempered by potted ferns, a papyrus plant, and a myrtle topiary.

Hot-pink accents pop against the bathroom's dark-gray look, but they could easily be changed out for yellow or green.

A pale palette ensures bright interiors all year -- as in this Gustavian-influenced dining room.