Dee, I couldn't agree more. The washed out look is the result of the last code experts attempt at graphic design. He seemed not to understand the difference between bright and rich when talking about colors.
A good example is the first page when you enter the on-line store. He put washed out window panes behind everything and it gives the entire page a look like bleach has been spilled on it. And it seems that the color I want is one of the hardest to duplicate on a computer screen. It's the color of Oak or Ash wood that has been lovingly rubbed with Tung oil.