Oh, squirrelheaven thank you so much for your photoshopping. I love the tapestries but I think I might like the arts and crafts tiles better. I agree that the lamp needs to show, and this may do it better. The wall is actually a bit bowed out in a nice little triple-type curve so the symmetrical look of the two chairs under the windows with the table in the center really works (rather than the table to the side). I will definitely look into these tiles. The people at this forum are fabulous, and very helpful. I think I need to learn how to photoshop.

Start by checking out different bulbs. There are different colors of light as well as spots vs. floods, and that may solve some of the issue. You could also see what aiming the lights upward to wash the ceiling would do. That is not to say that you shouldn’t add other lighting, either lamps or hanging.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Yup I used 2 coats of shellac primer on the knots, then about 3 coats on the paneling. Glossy ceiling has been painted with a flat ceiling paint and the boob light is definitely going ! Being replaced with a contemporary white fan. I will rethink white for the walls, I like the photos above and can see that with the right furnishings and decor it doesn’t have to look like a shabby chic beach cottage.

Bumping. I would also try to find a small closed storage unit or storage boxes to put things in so you don't have things on the floor. It would probably be ok against the window. You want to simplify the lines/erase clutter. To that end, the drapes are kinda . . . "drapey" and add a lot of visual noise. Not that I don't like them, but something with just a single open and close drape or blinds or something might be better. I dunno. I like the drapes, but in such a small room with such a lot going on, you want to minimize the footprint of whatever it is that is in there . . .