The room itself is quite small 26 x 12

I would save up money to get that stone siding taken down if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Try some YouTube videos on this topic. After the demo you could put up some shiplap in a light cream.

Thank you, good idea to take it down. I’d like to try a thin grey wash first, especially if we take it down. Nothing to lose. Has anyone tried this? I’ve seen interesting videos on you tube but it’s hard to see the finish. Usually, you only get a glimpse. I’m interested if anyone has had success? TIA

I would not do gray. Your floor is warm tones. A warm white would be better.

I think with room being empty and nothing to detract the eye, the darker tones are just more obvious right now. (I actually like its contrast.) Breaking up the wall, no matter what you do, will be especially helpful to detract from the variations but also create a much more interesting focal wall.

If it were me, I’d wait until room was furnished as it will be much easier to decide. Below is info/visuals on a German schmear treatment.

https://www.littlevintagecottage.com/2018/02/living-room-makeover-german-schmear.html?stm=9559294656&m=1

I would do a warm white white wash, but very light.

I think that you will like the texture of the wall if it is softened with a warm white wash, as suggested above. As you say, you have nothing to lose if you try it, don’t like it, and eventually plan to remove it. PS: I like the brass fittings on your little stove. If you do try to paint them out, be sure to use paint that can tolerate High Heat.

White wash!!

Keep the brass and black on the fireplace it's gorgeous. I'd whitewash a small area to see how it looks but I honestly think it would look best just painted all white. You could even add trim and shiplap over it if that's your style.

Maureen! Thank you this is very much what I was thinking of doing. Looks like the seams may prove challenging, but I think it could work! You are right about waiting until furniture is in place, that would be helpful. Thank you so much!

Lisa Caudill Designs- agreed, I was thinking very thin and most daubed over the dark spots, to knock it back. Thank you.

Ptreckle- thank you. Warm thin white wash (will try in a hidden area first off) thank you for comments about the brass fittings. I thought all black against white would look beautiful but my DH likes the brass, too. Maybe I’ll live with it for awhile. Thank you!

Itsourcasa- thank you!

Jck910. You are right about the warm tones, in my mind I was thinking of a warm grey, but sheer like almost white to knock it back like a cottonwood field stone. You are correct, warm tons are essential.

Thank you all that commented! It will be fun to try and I plan to go sheer, and transparent. Loved all the ideas! Thank you for helping me. It’s a sweet little cottage, just needs updating

Love this! Thank you

Especially love the jute rug and couch. Do you think a 72 inch or a love seat would be best. High wall to the right of the fireplace is about 12 feet wide. I was thinking 72 inch couch would fit. DH thinks a love seat is important for scale. The other wall has large picture windows overlooking a beautiful lake. I am thinking neutral couch and two chairs. Love the naturals with this look. Thank you for the little phot vignettes. Perfect! I also love the rustic chandelier, nice contrast

As usual, BeverlyFLADesigner nailed it! Her suggestions are wonderful...!

I would paint it .. and save up for what you really want

Look for apartment scaled couches. A love seat will be too small. 72” is a nice size, half the length of the wall, giving you space for side table, lamps, etc.

Thank you!

Bev, without a floor plan I can’t help you with a layout or tell you what size sofa is correct