Two thoughts -- most importantly you need a much bigger pendant in the living room, and should choose something round and with a rustic feel. This very rough looking cut and paste (sorry, not much time right now) is just to give you an impression of the effect of a light with some real presence. A small idea, too, is that I think you should replace the black frame on the picture with a wooden one. The black is too harsh. (I'm thinking you may not be open to replacing the black sofa and chair just now.)

Oh, yes, a third thought (not illustrated) is that the yellow pillows are a touch too much pop. I'd replace them with something that blends with the wall colour. Or rethink the whole idea of using super bright colours there.

This wheel shape could also work.

Circular Lantern in Antique Iron · More Info

Good advice above. Is the chandelier pictured above the entance or living area?

Also, I'm a bit confused regarding the spaces and their relations to each other. Do you have two seating areas and two eating areas? Could you send us a rough sketch of the layout?

Rugs will do wonders in your space. A long one in the entry will look good, and a large one in the living room will warm up the space a good deal.

When you're at this stage of decorating, it's best to buy pieces that can be returned if necessary, particularly large and long-lasting pieces.

I like the high slopng ceilings. Could we have a closer look at the chandelier in the dining area (4 seat area)?

The combination of art and cushions in the living room isn't optimal. You have 4 bold colours there lol. Do you particularly like the art?

I would suggest rugs in the living and dining area to give some softness and warmth to your home. Chose a pattern and color you love and then use pillows, accessories and painting to coordinate with those colors. You do need more art in your rooms. With your furniture some large abstract paintings might look better than what you presently have. It might help to pick some slightly softer colors for pillows than you presently have for a more subtle and effective look.

Yes on rugs, of course. But right now I have a question I need answered. It's just bugging me.

Rina, it looks like one of those entry hall benches. Bench on the bottom and coat hooks on the frame at the top. They did place a painting inside of the frame?

Justin, please reconsider the gray paint for your walls. I know it has been "in" the last 10 years, but it doesn't work everywhere and is on its way "out". The gray will clash with your kitchen counters.

You really should live in a house for a few months before you start to make major changes.

Choose some nice paint colors....not gray! Remove/replace the kitchen light fixture. Add area rugs and curtains. Remove the vertical blinds. Add hardware to all cabinets. Add plenty of lamps so that you do not need to ever use overhead fixtures....too harsh.

Thanks, Chispa. That makes sense. That kind of hallway furniture isn't common where I live so I didn't recognise it.

Justin, please reconsider the gray paint for your walls.

I agree. Not because it's the 'in' thing, or going 'out'
I find grey to be timeless and beautiful.

But I just don't think it's what this space needs.

Do note though, there are literally an infinite number of choices for wall paint. So you can have a few general ideas if you like, but do not choose a colour now.
You choose *everything* else, and then paint to work with it.
Or that gorgeous wall art you fel in love with has to stay in the gallery because your wall colour clashes...

Light gray paint is cool for your walls. And my suggestion to your artwork do it like this. Like putting it in one side.

Yellow-white would look dingy, I can imagine, but unfortunately, those light greys can very very* easily do the same. It's colour and depth that removes that, but we'll get there. Please hold on, put the paintbrush down for a while. I know it's tempting to do paint early on, it gives a rewarding sense of change and progress, but you'll be able to co-ordinate it all better by waiting.

I'm still not sure where the areas are in relation to each other. Are you able to give a quick sketch, it will help to know which areas are where, as well as which ones are used most, and which are more formal or casual, if so.

Can the tv be moved from above the fireplace? It's much too big for that wall, and unfortunately the clock in the dining area too.

How are you doing with furniture, what do you have to acquire as yet, what might change, etc? I notice the one dining set and living room furniture has been replaced. If there are particular art pieces you like, you can design your spaces around them, but if you don't have that type of pieces, first focus on your main furnishings, then things like shelvings and storage, and the art locations will fall into place

I'd suggest you take care not to rush on acquiring decor as well. Too many too soon, and you have little cohesion. I like chosing a few main pieces, and working from there; think of it like tree stump and branches.