SFGate

decoenthusiaste It looks bright to me! If you were older, I might suggest you have your eyes checked for cataracts! lol! They tend to cause a yellow film that blocks you from seeing true colors. Try painting the recesses in your coffered ceiling a light blue and trying a soft pale yellow on the walls. If that doesn't do it then lighten the trim and woodwork.

Darzy How about just starting out by painting the back of the bookcase the color of the sofa? That would add depth and pizzazz. That may be enough. Nice home! Congrats.

cleigh2012 Decoenthusiaste,

No, I do not have cataracts...lol!
I took the pictures yesterday on a very sunny day when most light is coming in and no-one is home : ) In addition, my camera auto-enhances...trust me, it feels very dark and smothering.
The "Decatur Buff" color was beautiful in my friends one-story home which had lots of windows. We are in a 2-story home with covered porches and not very many windows and the color went very warm and gold.

I think I should have clarified that it is the very warm, gold color that is not working for me. In my previous home, I used Benjamin Moore BM170 which was a soft, buttery yellow with white trim AND we had light oak floors with lots of windows; I was very happy : ) I cannot go with a yellow, due to the Linen White trim (which, by the way is a pink beige/white).

Still happy to entertain any other ideas...

Darzy How about picking one of the dot colors on your accent chair? Can't really see the colors from here.

collettec If looking for a neutral, I would consider a light gray, or if you wanted some color, perhaps a light blue gray.

sierra90 I agree with first comment, change the color in the ceiling. It can make the whole room feel dark and closing in on you. It's a pretty room!