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14thstreet Do you have it in your budget to replace the carpeting to something very light? That would be a good start.

vineyardflute It'sbeautiul, but your eye has nothing to hold it. To break up all the wood and add some color, I would put a valance window treatment on the lower windows, a large patterned rug on the floor, maybe add a tall plant with some smaller ones around the room and add some wall sconces.

AMN Will the mauve carpet be removed?

A fresh, rustic-modern chandelier with appropriate light output is necessary. It would brighten the space (looks wise and functionally).

Adequate and beautiful lighting will be needed on table tops and in floor lamps too.

While I wouldn't recommend framing fabric, make sure any art you choose is as big as you can get it (and still have it look good). That pic above the piano in this old photo is not going to cut it. Light all major pieces of artwork you hang.

Hang light-colored drapes on either side of all windows at human-height level. I think black or bronze
rods will work best.

Bright, fresh colored throw pillows on an appropriately scaled couch and other furnishings.

Fresh flowers and well-cared-for live plants.

These are my ideas so far.

kingsmom75 Thank you for the replies. Yes, the mauve carpet will be replaced at some point. I don't know how light I will be able to go with a young child and living in rain country. Keeping it clean may become a challenge. I like the idea of a valance on the lower windows...and the throw pillows for sure. I love the chandelier but definitely need to update the light bulbs so it puts out appropriate light. My challenge also lies in how to better incorporate it back into the kitchen which someday I hope to completely gut. Right now they share an adjoining space (see photo)

Interiors International, Inc. Up lighting the ceiling would really look great. I love all the wood it just needs light colored furniture and a light floor. I would not do carpet. Put in a light or white washed wood. You can paint your kitchen. You plan to get it anyway so paint it white. Add some other white touches around the room to blend it all together.

marnau514 I would white wash all the walls AND ceiling. Google "Sarah's Cottage" by sarah richardson and see how this room could easily be turned into something gorgeous and current. Good luck!

kingsmom75 Great idea! There is a ledge that runs along the side walls where the wall meets the ceiling. I can run lights there - like the under cabinet light but hidden in the ledge. Yeah!!! Thank you so much

Darzy I'm back on the linoleum kick...A light color lineolum could work perfectly for you. Easy to clean, family and pet friendly, inexpensive and possibly DIYable. NOT the old vinyl of years ago. Check out this Houzz article.
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://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4760122/list/Linoleum--the-All-Purpose-Flooring-Wonder

Deborah Werntz ;) Some of the above ideas would do it. I have seen the very expensive redwood walls like you say. The wall scones and valances mentioned above also done with these walls.. Yes a chandelier, rug, pillows etc light. Light color rug or slate or tile floor. Awesome Chandeliers (not wood color) (use metal, silver or white, there are unbelieveable styles to choose from, do web search) and sconces are available (matching?). Do not forget to use some beautiful wall outlet and switch plates in metal or white. It is about lighting and feng shui type chi. So much of one color here, also one element (wood) you just have to know how to bring more life to it. I would not white wash. Kitchen can do with white appliances or white with silver that is available now. Remember you can also use mirrors, there are various types, sizes, sets. Green plants? HERE YOU ARE, IDEAS!!!!

DUEALBERI Sarah's Cottage idea to white wash the walls sounds really great for your space :)

groveraxle With this much wood, I would go super sleek.

kingsmom75 YES!!!!

Deborah Werntz groveraxle's idea, manzanita is not bad, it shows the use of metal and white, it has a lot of wood, even on floor and looks good. you can use your metal and white in other styles and it will also work. See what I wrote above, relax and dream.