That air conditioning thing is so subjective (and ceiling fans run the bill through the ceiling, more so IMHO than air conditioners). We had a stretch of time that our AC was out during the Katrina crisis and we could not get anyone to repair it because so many people were volunteering, and we used the ceiling fans. It's hot and muggy in the south. Sometimes when it is 70, it feels like 90 because of the humidity. Ceiling fans were worse on the bill but but not as good on the cooling as AC but I cannot imagine how unbearable it would have been without the ceiling fans. AC does not work as efficiently in the deep South as it does in other corners of the world without the humidity. It is not the heat, but the humidity that is unbearable. When we moved from California, we left the Mojave at 105 degrees and when we got to Mississippi it was 80 and I felt like I had never been that hot in my whole life. If your air thermostat is set to 70 in the south, some days you are lucky to pull it down to 78. Other times, when it is less humid, it can be kept comfortable on 75-80 but rarely in August and September. Another thorn in my side was when our central heat went out near Christmas once, and it was 14 degrees. We used the gas logs in the fireplace which kept one room too hot while the others were freezing and our bill, again, was through the ceiling.

For an instant lightener, paint under the chair rails in both rooms the same white you already have on trim and ceiling. Paint out the dark burgundy with more of the light yellow. Then change the interior part of your LR ceiling to a pale pale blue version of the blue/green in your paisley chair fabric. All the curtains need to go. Replace them with fiber shades and flank each window area with drapery panels that do not close, hung floor to ceiling. I think all three lamps are too petite and too Hobby Lobby. Start shopping for new ones, along with a new sofa more in line with the sleek style of your two slipper chairs. Keep your eye open for a stylish fabric to reupholster the dining chairs.

decoenthusiaste: Those images are great, thanks for the ideas - the middle one is especially fabulous. Love everything about it, that's really up my personal alley... haha! Thank you all for your kind words and support... this journey hasn't been the easiest, but they're deserving of our help and we truly want to see them happy in their new place. :) KW: You are so right, estate sales are a major source of furnishings for me and always have been just because I love finding pieces I couldn't get elsewhere. Mom is a fan of some things we've come across. Currently on the hunt for a dining table/chairs. Checking out our local consignment stores for those. Also, another development, dad has finally convinced mom to let go of her curvy black floral sofa!! We sold it last week and she's putting that money away for a new leather sofa they'll buy down the line. They do have a matching burgundy sofa and chair (I'll post pics once they've been moved into the home) that they'll be using for the time being. The home is currently being painted! Final choice for all over paint color ended up being Casa Blanca by SW. Here it is: Kitchen cabinets are being sanded down and are currently being repainted as well, as the paint that was on the cabinets was pretty scratched up. One day, I hope to save up enough to gut that kitchen and replace the cabinets... but at this point, a refresh will have to do. Colors chosen for the kitchen cabinets from my narrowed down options (primarily by mom, who's super opinionated and tough to argue with lol), are as follows: SW Dover White for top cabinets: SW Clary Sage for bottom cabinets: Another decision made so far, is for the dining area chandelier: Dad annexed mom's original sputnik idea, but they agreed upon this simple fixture: Now, the trouble is, since she couldn't have her sputnik, she's not agreeing with his antlers for the living room (LOL), so we're stuck without a decision where that chandelier is concerned. Upon walking into the home, both lighting fixtures will be visible as they're in the same space. Any recommendations/ideas as to what may work with the overall theme taking shape so far, that would work with the above chandelier? I'm thinking either two of the same fixtures, or another that's very different in shape. Some thoughts would be appreciated. :) Hope everyone's enjoying what's left of the week! <3

If I have a dining room chandelier and pendant over the coffee table, is that too busy? Should the coffee light be a ceiling flush mount instead? Maybe a very limited combo of potlights "p", and then lamps, Light fixtures "LF", with some Scones "s"