Show, Don't Tell!

One thing I frequently hear regarding the writing of fiction is the mantra "Show, don't tell." Readers are not dumb and can generally figure out things on their own without the author going into excessive details. Adjectives and adverbs should be used sparingly (this is something I have personally tried to improve in my own writing), and usage of relevant, appropriate imagery should be encouraged.

Here are some examples:

1. TELLING: The walls were brownish-gold.
SHOWING: The walls were the color...