I always suggest you start by changing all the light bulbs in all the lighting to LED 4000K it mimics daylight so that should help a lot with the darkness. When I have clients who need a neutral wall color and have lots of wood I use this color often I cut it 25-50% depending on how much color they want it iss IMO more neutral that any beige or gray for sure

The floors are BEAUTIFUL! But you are right that it feels a bit dark. I like very light walls - mine are a champagne color. The tan walls could use a much lighter color and I see a bit of wall that’s brown so I would for sure change that. Is it wallpaper?

It's hard to overemphasize how much natural wood, and brown tones, soak up light. Here in Texas that is usually a good idea; but this combo, you're right, is pretty blah. The good news: LUSH views and privacy! First, i would ask what are your favorite colors, and what looks good on you. Colors of nature are always harmonious with leafy views, such as creams, beiges, aqua, sage green, blue, and even golds. I'll risk offending you since we don't know each other. ; ) I would paint ALL of the trim that is currently natural wood white, or off-white. I would take those dark rugs off the stairs. Might even throw in the kitchen cabinets, too. Painted wood reflects light and thus feels more 'cheerful.' Natural wool area rugs, and/or sisal/seagrass, would bring much needed texture; and then replace the brown accent wall with a color you like better. Then it won't feel all so brown. And take down all of the artwork, which echoes the dark tones. Finally, you might check FB marketplace or something for a folding screen or other item to gently divide some of that wide open space, to make furnishings seem more intimate. Bargains galor there! Good luck your home is lovely. (If budget allows maybe lift off those black counters?).

Consider hiring an arborist to look at the trees and recommend which, if any, need to be trimmed.

You might need a color consultant to help you weed out the clashing fixed elements, particularly the doors and stairs clash with the dark wood floors.

Patricia Colwell Consulting - thank you for the recommendation. That is our plan - to change all the light bulbs. I will look into the Healing Aloe color. I am more of a white-off-white-gray girl, but open to suggestions. Thanks!

Thank you Kathryn Davison, not offended at all. :-) Painting all the trim is a lot of work, but ultimately I would probably have to do that. I like light, airy, neutral colors - white/off-whites, light grays, etc- so it has been super hard to envision those with all of the contrasts in the wood. Everything black is coming out - the rugs on the stairs, the entry way rug and the art decor. The kitchen counter is granite so that would have to stay. Budget is a constraint as of now since we just bought the house, I thought I'd start with something I can work with on weekends and work little by little. Thank you for the suggestions!!

HU-725390859 Thank you! How do I go about finding a color consultant? Any recommendations? Less light is mainly due to the trees in our neighbor's property across from the street and has to do with the angle of the sun and our house orientation :-)

littlebug Zone 5 Missouri - thank you! The walls right across from the main entry way door have wall paper on them - almost looks like bamboo. The foyer wall which is I's say about 20-25 feet is dark brown, the same color as the fireplace wall. I like light colored walls too.

Photos from real estate listing, but virtual imaging was used. The furniture, rugs, wall decor...everything to fill an empty house. and give buyers ideas on what could be done.

To get the most helpful advice you should post the rooms as they really look.

elcieg, a lot of the furnishings and art work were there when we when for the showing before buying :-)

We painted our very dark family room Gossamer Veil by Sherwin Williams. Transforming color. Balanced the various espresso, chestnut, and brown woods with the red brick fireplace and brightened the space considerably.

You just need to paint the walls colors other than brown. Sherwin Williams Pure White is actually an off-white, with gray undertones, that would brighten your space. I feel like minty green colors always make homes feel institutional, but something leaning blue could work as a neutral in your living spaces. Maybe something like SW Krypton?