I cant seem to get much text posted so ill do it here. I’m trying to figure out how to brighten this space its beautiful as is, but just too cavelike for me. lighten ceiling and walls further? will a white ceiling devalue the space? Im thinking if i lighten walks snd ceiling, ill have to spray the cabinets trim color? also thinking the wood on the ceiling above the dining room? The main arched beams will stay as is

You could try to simply lighten the ceiling. You get a big bounce of reflective light but part of that is affected by the large overhang outside.

I would stain the mantel dark to match the cabinets and hutches and perhaps stain the curved wood wall cap.

If you increase the size of your rug that will also help. It looks too small for the room and doesn't do much for your seating and the rug is turned the wrong way.

Also can anyone actually reach that tiny coffee table in the room? You could buy another coffee table, place them back to back, and begin to reach the proper size for the room.

Sometimes the photos distort the size rug required for a room, but the rugs I have placed in your room are about 10 x 14 +/- They have been placed parallel to the shape of your room.

I’d hire a lighting designer. They’ll help you decide what type of lighting, where it goes, and how bright it should be.

How could having white ceilings 'devalue' your home? That's the norm.

White ceilings, white walls, lighter larger area rug…. And match up the mantle, wall cap and built ins.

You're always going to be "victimized" in daytime hours by the large overhang.

The FIRST question I'd pose ? Do you need the fire flanking built ins.

Why? Because unless you do? That's a great opportunity for flanking low chests or consoles, and paired mirrors and lamps over each. That's why.

You will get the adjacent view out the windows, a very logical spot to place lamps, and still have some furniture storage below. Simultaneously taking out the quite darkening light drain from the space. No staining re do at all

Think LIGHT upholstery to throw back light into the space as well, at least on major pieces such as sofa....: )

Bottom line? The answer is more electricity, LESS very dark stained wood. Along with "light bouncing" adds

You get the idea......( bigger framed mirrors )

Really, it's as simple as remove the upper shelved portions, repair any drywall, top with a light solid surface of choice.......add great mirrors. Your "view" and light explodes , guaranteed.

I am not a designer, but in the mock up in which the ceiling has been turned white, my eye is immediately drawn upwards to the ceiling. While the ceiling is beautiful, I would rather have the focus be on the view, which looks breathtaking. For that reason, I would not paint the ceiling white; at least not while leaving the walls darker. I do like Jan Moyer’s suggestion for lightening the room by removing the heavy cabinets flanking the fireplace and adding chests. That idea, alone, “lightens” the space beautifully.

IMO the lighting needs to be addressed first and I love all LED 4000K bulbs to brighten spaces . I do not think white is appropriate for that home so a hint of color maybe but try changing all the bulbs first.I would remove the LR shelving put the TV above one cabinet on anarticulating arm a piece of art to balance it above the other cabinet and a simpl bit of decor on the mantel.

I doubt there is left, ONE person on planet earth that isn't aware you love 4000k led. Every room in the house.

This is a personal thing. It is also quite possible to love the slightly warmer glow of 3000...or 3500k, supplemented by lamp light.

Not every space begs for a washout of mimed daylight that actually is not a great mime unless you believe it is. ( that is also jmho )

A layering of lighting, not all from the ceiling - low mid point and high, accent, ambient, task, table or standing etc.....all have a place and use in a space.

You have a large window, but because of the overhang there is little natural daylight coming into the room.

Kylie M says it well "If you don’t have the right lighting in your dark room there’s NO magical paint colour that will save you."

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/how-to-fix-a-dark-room-and-it-aint-with-paint/

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-light-paint-colours-for-a-dark-room-basement/

I would start with lighting then decide what other suggestions to implement.

Do you know the names/brands/finishes of the paint colors that are in place now? It would help us judge if it is just lighting or if the paint colors are truly too dark.

Your room will never look like the photo shopped white ceiling. White only looks that white with a lot of very bright lighting. Most of the pictures on the internet have been photo shopped or photographed with studio lighting.

Without light white has nothing to reflect and appears dull and lifeless.

Dark is different than dreary. They are not remotely the same. Dreary is a result of more than paint, and even more than electricity, how much and what type and where, The word is "decoration" and that is the requirement for avoidance of the dreary. True even in bright spaces. You must consider the whole of the space and the feel you want, and yes.....there are rooms that require electricity at more than evening hours. But I've seen plenty of "light" rooms that were dreary or sad.

As this,,,,,, a wee sad, Flat, white, and theoretically plenty of window. Possibly northern light..chilly. Slightly sad : (

conversely, dark yet NOT sad. Is it for everyone? No....but. Decorated. both.

I’m with Jan on adding the mirrors and lamps. And a large gorgeous rug turned proportionally like Bev said.

I would remove the wall that blocks the space. What purpose does it serve? My eye is drawn to that and not in a good way. I think lightening the wall colour overall and ceilings will look great

I think your house is great. Brighter walls, a larger rug and could you swap out one of leather pieces (couch or chair) for something with upholstery other than leather. Have you ever thought of removing the small curved wall?

Add skylights to the overhang.

In the photos the curved short wall kind of gives off 'kiddie korral' vibes.

I get why someone put that short wall there, to block the view of the great room from the foyer, but it does look odd. I agree with the commenters who say if you paint the ceiling you should also paint the walls. I think this room would look best if it were all the same color. Personally I like lighter colors, so I can't disagree with wanting to go lighter. But any color close to white will look washed out in dim light, and I don't think a white-white is the answer. You need to retain a yellow undertone to keep it from looking cold. It would be helpful to know what you have now in order to judge where to go with the color.

Also, be prepared for sticker shock when you get quotes for painting that room. We got quotes for a two story living room smaller than yours last fall and most of them were eyewateringly high. We actually took the lowest bid and it turned out great. While this isn't always a sound strategy, I thought the lowest bid was enough for them to pay their workers fairly and make a profit. They also used high end BM paint and had universally positive reviews on social media. I think they were just hungrier for the work than the other bidders. It also pays to let them do the work in December - February. They were all offering discounts if we had them do the work during their slow season. Once it gets warm enough for them to be able to paint outside they get busy.

Can you put slightly higher-wattage bulbs in the ceiling? No? Maybe higher-wattage bulbs in the lamps. Maybe change the lamp shades to a thinner material to allow more glow? The room is beautiful with a view to die for!

Yes I do love 4000K leds but I have also used 3500K for clients but IMO anything lower all casts a yellow glow on everything and distorts colors at night . IMO lighting is the first thing to address anytime someone wants to brighten up a space . Ceinling lights in high ceilings are close to useless so different levels of lighting are a must and in this case for sure.I love leather but IMO a different rug and not those pillows for sure.

You might consider up lighting too. Lights on the tops of the trusses pointing upwards does wonders for a space. It diffuses and scatters the light without beaming it down right on your head.

Thank you everyone! I should mention the decor is not mine, this is a house I just bought and its current decor. Mine is a lot lighter so that should help. The overhang definitely darken's the space and I never thought about ht simple fix of lightbulbs! thank you there!! There is also a spot to actually hang a chandelier or ceiling fan that doesn't exist, so maybe i"ll consider a chandelier.

Definitley agree about the rug.I also plan to remove the "bars" in the window as it covers the stunnign mountain view. I also completely agree and thought about removing or atleast repainitng the mantle and the weird little island separater.

I'm starting to think maybe I'll move in all my belongings first, try the light fix and then stare at it again. My immediate thoughts were paint and contemplating spraying the cabinets.... but I do hate having open cabinets and just "stuff" on them, so even removing those uppers would be a great idea and tone down the dark. Love the ideas and advice!!

I would paint the walls, but not white - you have to give a nod to the beiges in the stone decor in the floor, along with the short wall and fireplace. I would look for a lighter tone pulled from the floor mosaic (Looks like the previous owner did a good job matching the greige tone, but it is just too dark for the space.) The current ceiling shade might work.

I notice too........

The dark coffer detail in kitchen beyond (I can't see very well in pics ) I'd paint that out to ceiling "white" . In a heartbeat.

Light spreads......disperses. The pendants in the kitchen ? Seem quite small and inadequate.

Always a good idea? Move in, take your time.

But I guarantee one thing. The dark upper cabinet removal? That alone will do you a 100% improvement .