SFGate

ASVInteriors Any thing that brings in light, such as reflective surfaces, or have metallic sheens, will help bring in light. The best colour for light also depends which direction the light is coming from: east, west, north or south?can you let us know please?

lafish east to west. I have stamped concrete floors that are two tone brown in color with a red brick fireplace with a black stove. Ceiling is tongue grove golden brown with two wood beams. dark brown front door and dark brown window trim. would painting everything white help?

K.O.H. Construction Corporation New York has a lot of white walls

Dytecture White and neutral colors.

lafish That is beautiful!

Denice Shuty I have a bedroom with a north facing window. The quality of the light in that room dramatically affected the paint colors I was considering. Blues looked gray, tan looked like taupe. I had to go into the pale golds with a red undertone to get a nice champagne color I could live with. So carefully select your paint colors in the room where you're using them, not the paint store.

Yes, use shiny surfaces, mirrors, Stay away from anything muddy like browns, tans, olive greens and any heavy, dark tweeds, plaids, tapestries, or other light-absorbing colors/textures. Paint your trim white. Limit how much wood you use, unless it's painted or has a high sheen finish. Make sure you have enough light fixtures:can lights, table lamps, floor lamps, rope lighting under cabinets or on top of picture moulding. I have a tiny living/dining room combo and even with 4 huge windows I have six light fixtures spread all around the room in order to eliminate shadowy corners.

Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC Definitely paint the ceiling panels white; leave the beams brown for contrast.

Dezign Studio Inc Yes painting the walls would help, including the ceiling. Also use light furniture (beige, grey seating)metallic tables, consoles, and bright accessories like pillows, art..Strategic placements of mirrors .Uploading Pictures of your space would help .

lafish Thanks for all the ideas. I have a lot to think about.