Paint My House!

My house is feeling like a cave. You see, in this hot desert, the sun is the enemy. Natural light streaming in through windows is what most homeowners dream of. Not me. Light = Hot, which also equals massive power bills. So we've put up heat deflecting film on the windows, insulating shutters, etc. But the paint color I chose for the downstairs? Not liking it anymore. It makes things feel even darker! (that and our kitchen has NO WINDOWS- dark cave kitchen is what I have!)

So I'm asking for your design help. I need a new color. Here is what we've got to work with:

 (except now there's a rug there- a rug with red and the exact color of the wall in it)

 White shutters, white trim, white doors, travertine floors)

Walnut cabinetry, granite with grey, black, and a taupe the same color as the wall- as you can tell, too much matchy-matchy beige!

The entire downstairs is the same color. I need something lighter. But all my furniture is either dark wood or black! So I'm hoping to lighten things up strictly with paint. Here are my ideas: 

#1: Do what Dooce Does

I like the idea of a multi-purpose, lighter beige.

Source and more samples here. 

#2: Add Blue

Source from HGTV's Dream Home.

#3: Green! The Husband's Fav. Color

Source Apartment Therapy Home Tour.

Any other great ideas?