I don't mind the color blocking that's been done...I like to use different colors in open space to help the rooms feel more separate even though there are no walls to define them. I'm not a fan of the colors right now, and you don't seem to be either. I'm also not a fan of the layout as it makes the room feel very long and narrow. Plus, the shelves on the right don't seem to be working for you...probably more display than you need, and it looks like you could use more functional storage. If those shelves are built in and can't be moved, then I would look into getting someone to make doors for the bottom half to give you more enclosed storage. If not, some big baskets would be helpful to contain and store toys quickly and easily for the kids. I would also get some smaller containers for the upper shelves to mix in storage with the family pics. I would also want to put something horizontal along the short window wall... can the desk be moved there? Just something to break up the hallway look. As far as colors, I suggest you start with something you like...maybe the pic on the wall in the kitchen...and pull a couple of the lighter colors out of there that you'd like with the white cabinets. I think I see a pretty cream color and a soft blue in that pic. Paint the wooden shelves the same color as the cabinets. Paint the base of the island black like the counter top. Get some matching window treatments that make use of both of those colors to tie the scheme together between the family room and the kitchen. Maybe something like this valance from bed bath and beyond Then paint say the blue in the kitchen and the cream in the family room. Finally, the other problem you have is simply not enough lighting in the family room. The room is too big to be covered by an overhead fan and an uplight. You need to look at some lamps. Maybe if you move the desk by the window, put a nice desk lamp on it. Get an end table on one side of the sofa and put a lamp on it so you can distribute the light through the room.

@Annie Deighnaugh, the ace who did all of the maintenance and re-doing on DD’s old house is driving over to spend a week doing stuff in the new house. I will propose to DD that she have him look at the LR cabinet and see if it can be done more simply. @Allison0704, restoring the fireplace would be my choice also. @Jilly, white is DD’s favorite color, followed by a hint of gray, a hint of blue.... HA! She’s not a strong-color person.

HELP with new barstool, dining chairs, paint color. What barstool and dining chair designs and colors would work best? I'm still leaning towards a green paint shade and have ordered a couple samples of Behr's Sustainable and Sage Brush to try out. (BTW, everdebz, my paint prior to Oak Buff was Swiss Coffee throughout the entire house! First thing I did upon moving in, and then ten years ago I repainted the entire place with the help of a designer!) Requirements for stools and chairs -- comfortable (padded with backs), semi low profile, and small depth front-to-back. (My dining table pedestal prevents pushing the side chairs very far in under the glass top, and I don't like them sticking out a lot when not in use. Guess my table is too large for my space, but I don't want to replace it.) Here's a pick of a barstool I got from Amazon to try out, plus new picks of my existing furnishings/colors and the two paint colors: EDIT - don't like the stool coz it's too chunky and the fabric and leg colors don't work with my the dining room. Back to drawing board on stools...

Have you established if your Mom likes to keep her condo warm or cool?…that could make a difference in choosing the bedding… if she is always cold a duvet and down comforter.. if she is always too hot … the thin coverlet would work… maybe even changing them in the summer and winter?summer