SFGate

All 4 Show, LLC The window panels flanking the fireplace need to go, they are way too low with their placement!! Go with a much larger in scale picture for above the mantle too! Wait until your in the space to decide on paint for the room...congratulations...and good luck....

All 4 Show, LLC There is a lot of potential with this space!! Have fun....and choose wisely!!

kathleen MK I miss the light from those clerestory window like that in our first home. You need large art. We had a Asian folding screen. Stain glass or bevel glass in the high windows.

Christine White Design I agree, what great potential! High ceilings are always a plus and that combined with so much natural light means you could do a lot here with color. Depending on your furniture palette and style, paint the fireplace a lighter color while using a bolder shade on the wall behind it. A large, frameless mirror above the fireplace would add a contemporary touch. If the floor plan is big enough, try to move the furniture away from the walls and more into the room and not on the perimeter as seen in the realtor shot. Good luck!

Christine White Design Regarding the windows, for sun control you could incorporate motorized shades/roller blinds for the upper and lower windows. These disappear almost out of sight when not in use and can be combined with decorative drapes/window panels for the lower windows, hung directly above the window.

gud2bqueen Go with a dark color, (ie. red) for the ceiling and warm up the walls with more cream or sand color.
If changing the fireplace is an option raise the mantel and put large art over. I have those windows, I love my views of the night sky!

Kami Bible Thanks for the suggestions. We are planning a "coastal colors" scheme. So what about a darker gray for the walls/ceiling? I definitely want to paint the mantle. I was thinking white or black?