Oof, that dark floor really put it over the top.

I suspect that you'll end up painting or whitewashing it, but agree with jij48's suggestions of places to start -- LOTS of lighting, light and/or colorful art (on shelf wall and also over the couch). It's too bad that your mantel and TV have turned the fireplace into a black hole too -- maybe some side lights that wash the stone, or consider moving the TV to a (lightish) console on the the shelf wall, down at better viewing height, and adding something lighter over the mantel too (or just show more stone to contrast the wood a bit).

Paint the wood

Agree-lots of lights and bright art that you happen to love of course:) wood loves art. Perfect background for oil paintings etc. It's a fun dillemma to have:) And you can take as long as you wish-that's big part of that fun too. Great space.

I'd add plants too. Maybe even in abundance)) but that's me

Ah, and you obviously didn't ask about that-but I'd group small photos/pics that are important to you together some more..don't exactly know where..but I feel they're too small on the fireplace, get lost there a bit.

I'd paint all the wood (or whitewash it) before I'd go to the expense of sheetrocking over it, but I do understand if that's not your "thing". Many folks would love all that wood.

I'd paint the ceilings a brighter white, and Id paint all the trim white, even the big beam overhead (or whitewash it), except I might leave the staircase and the wood banister.

But I have to tell you. The very first thing I'd do is move that TV down to proper viewing height on a different wall. Or perhaps no one watches it from downstairs (?), in which case, I'd still want to move it.

You can put some lighter colored rugs. A bright color with some white in it, to pick up the sofas. I don't see any lamps, which might help your situation. Here are some pictures I found.

I like the wood walls in your house , it’s cozy. I think better lighting and more light colored rugs would really help.

I don't usually like wood panelling, but I very much like your walls. I think the floor was probably a mistake. It's not clear from your OP how recent that was, but my inclination would be to replace the floor, or to cover it up with area rugs, if replacing it is out of the question.

Some large art, definitely. Paint the ceiling a lighter color. I would look at installing some kind of uplighting to reflect off the ceiling (see, for examples: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/theoldemill/ceilings-to-look-up-lighting-+-beams/)

You've done a great job with light colored furniture. I agree that adding more lighting will help. You could add a light carpet in the foyer. Whitewashing would make a big difference and still keep the cedar feeling.

I'd redo the floors before the walls.

Lighting with table and floor lamps plus the addition of bright art will help, as will removal of all the gray/black decor you have sitting around. Replace the ceiling fan(s) with something metal to add some bling. Brass is making a comeback. Maybe you need some at the firebox. Where does the door left of the fireplace go? I'm thinking another window would be good. If the door has to stay, you can put sliders or French doors where the other window is. Consider opening the door to the kitchen all the way to the ceiling there for a more open feeling. You have a lot of wasted space where the entry is. Can the one sofa be pulled further from the fireplace? I would wire the wall with shelves for the TV. It is way too high and art would be so much better there. A lot of wood could be eliminated if you redid the stairs. How about black cable or iron instead of the wood verticals?

Transitional Staircase · More Info

Paint the trim white. Maybe not a super bright white though. Remove any black decor and replace it with light art. Lighting like everyone said. Maybe replace or paint your front door. Add color, not just white.

I'd paint the trim, get rid of the black floor molding, and update the stair railing to something less woody. Add some light carpet to the foyer area. Less black accents and art. Maybe knock an octagon shaped window into the stairwell if possible. Get a front door with a larger window opening. No way would I want to go to all the trouble of painting all that wood! But I am lazy that way.

Photos of the outside of the house and some history of any changes since it was built in the 1980's would be helpful. Is it all wood on the exterior, too?

I like your wood walls as well, and think you are on the right track with the airiness of the sectional and rug currently in the space. Like others have noted, I'm not so keen on how dark the trim is, and if anything were to be painted or whitewashed, I would start there. Also seriously consider changing out the ceiling fans. If a ceiling fan is required, replace it with one that is white and hugs tighter to the ceiling. The current fans weigh down on the room, introducing yet more wood, and distract from your wonderful high ceilings.

You also have the right idea with the one window that has white curtains, but I would take it even further. The curtains don't have to be white, in fact lessening the contrast with something more linen or oatmeal color will still lighten the room, but will have a more softer appearance. I would definitely do this on the window next to the fireplace as well, but in both cases mount the rod as high as possible and as wide as possible to maximize the amount of drapery coverage.

As others have said lighting though really is your best friend. Currently all of the lighting from the ceiling fans pool in the center of the room, they are glarey, and the corners of the rooms, especially the walls are dark. If you could install track lighting or recessed lighting along the walls that would have the greatest positive effect. If cutting apart the ceiling is out of the budget, your next best option is to introduce as many floor lights as possible. Consider lamps or fixtures with significant uplight components to put in each of the corners that will shine some light on your walls and ceiling.

Changing the stair railing would definitely help. While you're at it, I would lower your mantle and TV. You must be straining your neck looking up so high at it.

Some fixes if you're not whitewashing the wood:

--Stuff a huge pile of white birch logs in your fireplace. You can get them at Wilsonevergreens.com I think it is.

--An oversized, very light but outdoorsy art work on the wall with all the little shelves would greatly help the room as would another art work behind the sofa. Check out greatbigcanvas.com as well.

"Birch Trees Oil" Artwork, 30"x60" · More Info

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Your house is amazing and deserves . . .

Antler lighting in the living room (or a really great arc lamp with a white shade). This is a pricey one. You can Google other antler lamps.

White Rustic Whitetail 12 Antler Cascade Chandelier · More Info

I would whitewash all the walls in a heartbeat. It is way too much wood on wood. I'm having a hard time envisioning any smaller lighting/art tweaks changing that overall vibe.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/dont-mount-a-tv-above-a-fireplace/

I love your house. I would add more lighting (sconces, recessed lights, lamps). I would remove the shelf and all small artistic features and replace with one large canvas (try TJMAXX or HomeGoods). I would replace the ceiling fan with something more modern and non-wood :)

Consider replacing your door with one with a larger glass (alternatively, you can have just a new larger glass insert put into the existing door). This would add more light.

Long light colored floor length drapes around the window(s). A little less texture for the rug, throws, pillows. With all of the wood, less will be more in terms of decor and furnishings.

Just my thoughts! I like the wood but it can be a challenge. I think you have to work with it instead of against it :) I would not paint it, stain it, whitewash it, or cover it with sheetrock with out expending other options first.

I would paint one room white as a test. Or tape white kraft paper over all of the walls and the beams to see what it looks like.

This is never going to be light, bright and airy if you keep the heavy beams, the walls and flooring as is. Is there a cedar-walled bedroom you could paint?

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Adding more lighting will definitely help brighten your home. Also investing in some artwork that is light and bright will also help.

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