Thanks to all who have commented. This is my first post and I am really impressed with the speediness and thoughtfulness of the replies. I am inclined to do as suggested by several of you (aktillery9, justerrilynn, daisychain01, aprilneverends, tuesday_2008) and start with painting the basic components that outline the family room. If the built-ins and fireplace carry the look as individual pieces of furniture, I'll leave them stained. As Linelle noted, this is "good" stained wood which will hopefully carry the look. If, as Ingrid suggests, that end of the room looks too patchy I'll go further with the transformation. I really like aprilneverends' idea to back the bookcase with inserts. I had wondered about painting the back or the bookcases, but your idea would give them some pop without committing to painting. So glad to get positive feedback on the french doors. I'm inclined to agree with artemis_ma to keep both sides the same...unpainted for now. I love the idea of the french pocket doors, Ipinkmountain, but a portion of the wall they would have to recess into is an exterior wall which isn't workable. I am also limiting my budget for this project since I'm still finishing up a renovation elsewhere in the house. I will definitely leave the windows in the sun room stained as is. I agree with comments that another wall color will freshen the look. So grateful to have the help thinking all this through. I also found many photos on Houzz with stained/painted combinations, so I've got some good examples of where it worked. This project probably won't be started for several months. I'll try to remember to post photos of the finished project. Any additional input is welcome!

Well hello Sarah. Good for you. I see you and your husband are okay with painting the room. Bottom line Sarah you are the ones who have to be happy with the room after all you and your husband are the ones who have to live with it and painting it again is no fun. Originally you wanted to make the room feel bigger. It is up for debate; some say darker colors do the job, others light. Anything that reflects light in a room makes it feel bigger such as mirrors, wall lights and I believe, lighter walls. I ask, what color makes you and your husband happy and gets you excited? Also what color is closest to your duvet? Do you want to match the duvet or go just one color lighter? It does seem as if this project is driving you up the wall. Ouch. My wish is that you had a room upstairs that you could turn into a master. BTW the one with a touch of grey looks great. Best wishes, Marcie

I love everything you chose! I think your issue is actually arrangement. Instead of centering the bench, push it all the way to the right to where the plant sits currently. I'd keep your existing mirror and add several more in a grouping over the bench, a small gallery wall of mirrors. You have natural asymmetry because of the switchplate, location so roll with it rather than fight it. Dip some of the mirrors down closer to the bench. Mix wood and gold-tone frames. You'll need to relo the coat hooks...that's ok. I'd actually stagger 5 closer to the door where there's a top row of three and a bottom row of two in the gaps from the top. Throw a small mirror or two over on that side as well. Depending on your ceiling height, and if you still have the parts for the chandelier, trade out the drop piece you used for the next longer  one to bring it a bit lower. From there, just add some more greenery and a few more pillows.

Your decor comes off mostly shabby chic and some traditional. The colors you chose for rugs, upholstery and sofa are all nice. But you coordinated the other furniture in the wrong way. Too much wood and textures can clash and not a good thing. Your space is large, but that does not mean every corner needs to be filled. I circled the living room (?) Armchair and tv in the corners. This doesn't work. The armchair and TV are far away from the "conversing" area. Pull the armchair in 3 or 4 feet closer to the coffee table and sofa. The TV is useless in that corner. If this was your only room I'd say keep it there but you have another room with a TV. I suggest placing the TV above the fireplace more as decor in this room rather than to be used. The room doesn't have much option for the TV placement. Whereas the other room could be the actual TV watching room. The way you have the armchair and TV now they're acting more as their own individual spaces, almost like a storage room in a furniture store. That dresser has to go, atleast from that corner. You can of course keep it but the color, the build and style doesn't match everything else. The entire room leans towards either cottage/beach/craftsman style. The dresser is more traditional. It's placement too is crowded in a corner, blocking the sofa. One other thing I might suggest is fixing your lighting by changing out your light bulbs, and possibly using layered lighting throughout. Most of the rooms you have look dark because of the lighting. Finally, the hutch with all the decor pieces in the dining room doesn't necessarily need all those decor pieces. Less is more sometimes. Not every square of the cabinet/hutch needs to be filled with something. However if those are sentimental pieces keep them, just make sure to keep items if you absolutely can't be without them.