Uber glossy white with just the barest hint of yellow and red to warm it up just a tad so the space won't feel cold. Then add lots and lots of lights and watch it bounce off of the glossy walls.

What is "renter friendly"? Unless you paint the walls white, you're going to have to repaint anyway, so choose colors that you like and worry about repainting later.

@Pi - I think 'renter friendly' probably depends on where this person lives.

I see people do amazing things with rental apartments on AT that would never fly in Australia. Most residential leases here are short (12 months), and usually include clauses saying you can't bang in nails, let alone repaint or change flooring.

My real estate agent would have a cow if he came in to do a periodic inspection and found the walls painted. :(

I'm thinking a lot of big, light-colored rugs. And of course white or light walls.

Use some colour in the hallway and living room it will have a cocooning effect. White needs natural light so don't use it, it will just look dingy in these areas. In the bedrooms you can use cool colours but warmer colours might be better in the hall and living area. I would also get some rugs happening or I would paint the vinyl a solid black with paving paint.

I would go with light colors, but not necessarily stark white, on the walls. Yesterday I was looking at some paint chips and the lighter ones all had some version of "white" on them. Meaning you can do a almost white green, blue, gray, etc., whatever you like.
You might want to check out layouts of homes with those super dark walnut hardwood floors for inspiration. They were everywhere a few years ago, so you shouldn't have trouble finding images. Not quite black, but pretty close, could give you some good ideas.

North facing windows are great for natural light as long as you have big enough windows.

Qualities of north facing light:
1. It is diffuse so the light spreads through the space. Direct light from the other directions tend to only light the spot that the sunlight can hit. This caused glares on computer screens and television screens.
2. The color of the light is white compared to the yellow light from the East South and West. This is great for color rendition and many artists choose to only have north facing windows in their studios.
3. Your space can be light and a cool temperature at the same time. Direct light tends to heat up a space which can be nice in the winter but during the other seasons we tend to shut the curtains to keep the room cooler.

So, the color in your space will be white and diffuse. Know that any color you introduce into the space will be its true color and will not be saturated by the sun.

Having a black floor is basically a neutral - any paint color will go with black. It's the style of decor that those floors are going to mandate, not the color. They're made to look like marble, so it gives off a very formal vibe. So, paint whatever color you want, but don't get your hopes up about a Scandanavian country-type decorating scheme.

I would paint the hallway a dark color - go with the mysterious, dramatic look, which is fun in a small space. Hang a bunch of art on the walls and put down a rug. Light walls with no natural light are just going to look dull.

I strongly second the no white for the walls vote. I have a low light living room which I struggled with. White or cool light colours look really shadowy, dingy and gloomy. If you pick a light colour go with warm undertones. Depends on your taste whether yellow or peach/ pink. I've got bm papaya and love it, but I have rich wood floors offset with golds, blues and greens. You really should see if you can paint the floors. Be sure to incorporate a pattern or stick with a midtone or you will see EVERYTHING. Best of luck!

@Pi- I'd call rental friendly any color that can be covered with 1 coat of white paint. Most people know they're going to have to paint again, but don't want to do more than the bare minimim.

The last resident of my apartment painted the walls a horrible dark purple gray color that positively glowed thorough every layer of paint we put on it.

We have darkish floors and northern light and are also lucky enough to be allowed to paint.
I went with a light sky blue on the walls and did throw pillows with the same blues in them, for on our brown leather couch and I painted much of our dark wood furniture in a creamy white.

Maybe a soft silvery grey throughout? As I too think that it lends a mod look, and chartruese or yellows/oranges for the perk? Of course the right rugs in the right rooms..and lots of light as needed. I think the right, light silvery grey will give the look of softness and 'blendness..' as the backdrop to your home..and renter friendly...

Are you starting out "Fresh" or are you trying to use what you have? I would just go with the mod black and white look with pops of color. Either what ever color you like or what you can recycle. If you go with alot of clean white glossy lines, its going to look clean and bright. If you are worried about a white couch or something, have you read on here about drop cloth canvas? Its cheap, it comes bleached, wash it I believe in hot water to soften it a bit, its rather water proof,stain resistant and washes pretty easy. It can be draped, upholstered or sewn into a cover. Then to top it off black and white go with everything. maybe even rainbow accessories if you already have things you like.