Like all that natural light from the windows. Like the chairs flanking the fireplace. Instead of making a lot of drastic changes all at once, begin with adding white miniblinds inside the frame of each window, leaving your curtains/drapes off for a while. Even if you rehang your sheers, put the red drape away for a time. I like plants, too. You might consider keeping the smaller of the two larger plants, setting it in your corner, and either selling the larger one or giving it away -- perhaps to a family member or friend or even donating one to a local nursing home for their community room. If either ivy like plant is real, it may need to be repotted as both containers seem full. If it isn't real, wrap in a plastic bag and store them away, at least for a while. Keep your options open. If you get rid of both of the palms, consider snake plants as a replacement. My tallest one is 4' tall over the dirt in the pot but it doesn't spread as wide as the plants you have. It does usually have new plants come up in the pot beside the original. Next change, remove the dark platter and candle holders from the armoire. Alternately, remove the platter and change the candles in the candle holders to white -- then you could always change them as the season changes leaving white most of the time but using other colors, too: orange for October; red for December and February; green for March, etc.. Then change the lamp shades to white ones. Choose those that are smooth and plain and that have straighter sides (about the size as the bottom width of the ones you now have). If you're going to paint, consider choosing a creamy off white or a neutral tan that is a light brown w/o any pink or yellow hue. Would not want carpet or a rug with a fireplace if it burns wood. You could lighten/brighten the fireplace by changing the fireplace screen. Live with each change you decide to make, at least briefly, to see if YOU and your family like it better.

For decorating using light colors definitely brighten a room. Other design options are adding a mirror on the opposite wall if possible to the window to reflect light back into the room. Add mirrored furniture & accessories also for reflecting light or light or ghost furniture to remove weight from the room. Keep accessories light. Adding artificial light will definitely help. A pendant light / chandelier which is glass will cast more light than and a heavy shade. Window dressings should be light so perhaps paint your wood. Dark colors at the window will absorb light coming into the room. Task lighting ie table or floor lamps give functionality plus look like purposeful design. So whilst your waiting for the electrician there are still ways to lighten the room. Even though it is dark you are on the right track to making the room cozy with your rug and walls.

The simplest and best solution is more lighting in your room. Add floor lamps or tables and table lamps on ends of sofas; change lamp next to TV Or add wall lamps where you think best.There are so many variations on bulb brightness and color and intensity nowadays. There are fixtures available to add under your kitchen counters to improve the light on your kitchen work surfaces. Any good Home Depot or Lowe's or Batteries and Bulbs Store can offer you the help you need. Lighting is basic; the size of your rug will not improve your lighting.

Just bought this beautiful dark antique dining set and now need to brighten the dark room it is in. Was leaninc towards a white with grieve or grey. Dont know what to do.