I need to see each room fully > I do think that really dark wall in the LR is great since it sucks light . I do not see more lighting in the space except for the ceiling one that for sure is not lighting the space. The art is hung way too high in the DR and again that very dark wall is requiring much better lighting Take pics of each space by itself post here in comments in jpeg format DO NOT START another post . Show whole room shots . Use as many comments as needed to show us the whole area. Your idea books are mostly light spaces and when there is a dark wall the space itself is light .

Thank you, Patricia, for your comment. I've uploaded new pictures and how each room is used:

FAMILY LR: This room is important to us and is used for music playing, birdwatching, and connecting to the outdoors. There's no TV in this room. I have removed the small table from under the pictures in the living room. I can move the piano there now. 🎵😊.

DINING DR: This room is a bit narrow, just enough to fit the 6-seat table. I also use the window sill and corner of the counter in the kitchen for my kitchen herbs. (Note: The kitchen does not have windows of its own.) 🪴

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I never like lighting that lights only the ceiling so none of the ones you show for sure . I also do not think a chandelier type light works in your LR but you do need table lamps and or floor lamps in that space and if you must have a ceiling one then much larger and closer to the ceiling.The kitchen will need an electricia to get 2 boxes for pendants that hang over the island not just out wherever. Then the chadeoier over the dining table can be the star as it should be and so simple glass pendants over the island a simple ceiling light in the LR with more other level lighting. Then you can do something like this in the DR.I am not sure what those accent walls are made of but IMO they do not belong in the spaces I think the piano needs a light and the DR wall needs art instead of that dark light sucking wall and the art in the LR needs to be lowered a bit

Patricia, you said that "the kitchen will need an electrician to get 2 boxes for pendants that hang over the island, not just out wherever." 🤣 I think the two current pendants are in place of the two original fluorescent light boxes, which explains why the hall is well-lit but not the kitchen island. The "white elephant" of a kitchen might merit its own post, later ;).

1. Lighting: Yes, I am keeping the ceiling lights shown in the pictures. Additionally, there are recessed lights (mapped below).

2. Accent Walls: Yes, I'm removing the brown paneling. I'm ready for a change, though I'm worried about the nail holes behind it, and I don't want to end up with a dull white-on-gray look. That's why I'm posting to get some courage and maybe some mockups. Anyone?😌

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Thank you @Galilee Lighting, but I thought about working with my current light fixtures.

Here's what's on my mind:

1. Keep the lighting, but swap the LR fixture with the one in the BR (which is black and will play with black staircase spindles), and move the DR one higher, and darken them oil-rubbed bronze (more Spanish/Med).

2. Remove the wood accent walls in the LR/DR, but consider adding an arch in the LR (to define an entry hall to the bedroom and laundry).

3. Define the space between the kitchen and DR: I need to balance the narrow wall strip near the DR window visually. Other than centering the window, what else would you suggest? 😅

What else could better define both spaces?

@lobo_93 we're here if you ever need!

As to what you can do: seems like Option 1 of swapping the LR and BR fixtures could work better than the rest. As for "balancing the narrow wall strip near the DR window visually" maybe adding some art on the wall outside of the dining room? Something colorful to add life to the space?

Thanks @Galilee Lighting.

For the living room, I'll move the black spider chandelier.

For the dining room, when you mentioned adding more art by the window, I thought about matching the window's overall size, and it might work ;)

As for the kitchen lamps, I'm moving them over the counters instead of the hall; it might help balance things out.

@lobo_93 post pictures when its finished! Would love to see how it turns out!

Update: 👋Paint - I've removed the brown paneling on the LR/DR sides and the white trim on the 2 columns. I've kept those 2 walls and columns in the existing SW Reflection, which is a light gray with blue undertones. And now I've painted the long wall (new accent) SW Icelandic, a very subtle blue. I am confident that these changes will enhance the brightness of the space. Thanks to @Carole Vaudable Interior Design for the advice on the wall colors!

PS: Here are the walls without the brown paneling. Note: I did not take the white planks from the fireplace because I still do not know what to do with this patchwork fireplace and kitchen. 🤣

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👋Art - I will focus on rearranging the artwork on the gray walls. Any suggestions for the 'new piano nook' and the DR wall by the window :)

👋 Lighting - This is still pending (pun intended! ;), but I plan to address it before the end of the month. Cheers!

<Edited> I'm reposting these 2 pictures that I accidentally deleted:

LR: The black chandelier is now hanging in the LR, and I like it here. I've angled the piano to the side of the fireplace, creating the music nook. I placed the tomato loveseat against it, fitting perfectly and opening up the view to the backyard.

DR: I've raised the lamp. Does anyone have suggestions on how to darken it?

ART: I'm moving a metal sculpture from the hallway to the wall behind the loveseat. Other than that, I'm unsure where to hang the other pieces. I'd appreciate any suggestions!

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Any suggestions for art placement? This is what I have: -3 Medium size:

-2 Small size:

1 Large Canvas, 1 Large metal sculpture:

Thanks!!

@lobo_93 I'm loving the improvements in the space! I'm happy to help give some suggestions, commenting to save this thread!

Thank you @Melissa Smedley, yes I would appreciate your suggestions in deciding where to place the artwork to give the rooms a refreshed look. 🎨

PS: Here is all the artwork, waiting to find their place :)

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@lobo_93 Here are my artwork placement thoughts! I like the collection of colorful abstracts, and I think they would look great as the main feature in your living room/fireplace. I would add some colorful, modern shaped vases or pottery on the mantel as well to pull this together.

On the wall next to fireplace, group the remaining prints all together. They are mostly small or medium, and spread out throughout the home they loose their pull. All together in the same room as the large horizontal, they tell a really fabulous story!

For the dining room, you have the owl remaining, which is a better size. I think this wall could actually support a much large single artwork, something that makes a statement and holds the room all on it's own. I added an example picture to show you what I mean.

I hope this helps!

I say remove the boards from above the fireplace. fix the holes and paint the same color as wall on the right.

The owl art is so different than the other art, I believe it needs to be in a different room all together. alone. Or maybe it's not even your style anymore and you could let it go, idk.

Thanks, @Melissa Smedley and @justcallmepool. My goal to showcase the art better is somewhat delayed because of the holiday decorations... Now, on the idea of better showcasing the windows (and the outdoor connection), I am considering these 3 changes and would love your input:

1. Replacing blinds with something like the natural woven shades I had in my last house, which @HIwE recommended. What do you think of bamboo roller blinds to match this dark floor?

2. Adding crown molding for the LR/DR ceiling to match my first-floor home office; this should be simple, mid-century modern. What do you think?

3. Creating an archway between the LR and DR inspired by the outdoor facade. Do you have any design suggestions or inspo pics to share?

Thanks!

PS:@justcallmepool (that is an awesome handle name): I love that owl ☺️🦉

Hello Lobo,

Got your message. Would be happy to help. Can be reached at callmaeday@msn.com

Best Wishes,

MAE

lobo_93

I don't know exactly what you want to know about the crown moulding nor the archway which I cannot see in your pictures but below are my suggestions for your window treatment and french doors.

I don't know the exact size of your owl wall art but I think it seems to fit well in that area. I would place a larger centre piece (vase is from Crate & Barrel) on the dining table and a washable lighter flat weave rug by the french doors.

Thank you, @lisedv, for the mockup of the DR window/door coverings. The lighter color (including the rug) brightens up the space, making me rethink the dark bamboo I had in mind.

The crown molding is like the one in the home office (below). I'm also looking for inspiration for the archways (see floor plan below).

I see the archway on the floor plan above but what does it actually look like now? please post a picture.

Crown moulding is still popular, where did you plan on installing it? I scrolled through all your pictures above but didn't see a home office.

@lisedv, I apologize the pictures I referred to are in a different thread. Also, I do not have crown molding or arches in the LR/DR; I want to add them😉. Here’s the information:

- Crown Molding: The orange lines show where I want to add crown molding. I’m unsure how to stop the molding if I include the arches. (The picture for this is from my home office).

- Archways: The green ovals show where I want to add arches to define the LR/DR areas. I think the smaller arch (by the laundry hallway) should be simple, while the other two could match the exterior better with limestone veneer on them. The columns can’t be covered because they are different widths. I need help figuring out this design. (The picture is from my exterior).

PS (update): Here are the pics of where the arches could go (pics were taken before I removed the wall panel accent).

Were you thinking of an arch something like this in what looks like a hallway?

As to the other archway, is there a reason you want to place an arch there? I don't find your fireplace with shiplap fits with an arch decor in the room nor with the decor you have going in both dining and family room, and it would divide the 2 rooms. Of course I'm judging all of this going by pictures.

Seems like a lot of work for something that doesn't really coordinate with the decor of your rooms.

@lisedvThank you for your rendering and questions (you have helped me clarify my vision for the space). I find the LR/DR lacks interest after removing the accent walls -and the fireplace shiplap-. I want to add crown molding for texture, like in the home office, and incorporate arches to connect the indoor and outdoor designs, similar to the portico. I'm open to your thoughts on this:

Arch 1. is for architectural cohesion/ transition between exterior and interior. I would like the top of Arch 1 clad in limestone veneer to match the exterior arch. This arch will help frame the window view (inspo pic #1) and indicate a clear pathway to the LR/DR, given the 4 entryways (and 4 doors) in the hallway (pic #2).

Arch 2. is for defining the LR/DR spaces. I think an arch would help frame the DR, and I’m also bothered by the different sizes and shapes of the two columns, so the arch could disguise that.

Arch 3. is to hide the angled walls that lead to the main bedroom and laundry hallway. I believe an arch would make this transition look nicer. It would also be a good ending point for the crown molding.*

*I first thought of crown molding as a substitute for the shiplap, but now I see it as enhancing the arches. I need help figuring out how to connect these two features as well.

Thank you again, and Happy Holidays!!

@lobo_93

After reading your last comment particularly the one about having clad limestone veneer for your arch which seems quite heavy for an indoor arch.

Consequently my best advice to you is to find a designer in your area who'll be able to go on site to make recommendations.

In someone's post I just was all the arches in their house which are all in the same finish...

and this is how they made the wide one. I would have preferred a rounded top but it does have the same finish as the other arches in the house:

It looks like you know what you want. All you need now is a local contractor to come in and give you a renovation quote. The contractor most likely will have someone they work with that can draw up the plans to help get the permits for the remodel. Best wishes.