Dont get rid of the beams! I would advise changing from carpet to a wooden floor (not laminated) and make sure it's waxed.

Remove that Frosted Glass (wall?). Is it a low wall?

Also, if your budget isn't constraint and the planning structure of the building doesnt conflict. Invest in changing the window into a bay or a design that allows for more light to get through.

Do you have a photo of the fire place? Is it antique?

I wouldn't use any ceiling lights then. I assume it's probably the height of one of our rooms so I would try buying lower furniture, hang art higher than normal and take the curtain pole just below the ceiling. Create interest on the floor with a lovely rug etc to divert the eye downwards rather than up. The glass ŵall does appear to be blocking light so I think removal will help. You can also try various paint effects to trick the eye with the ceiling although some contradict! I personally would just keep ceiling and ŵall colour fairly similar so there isn't an obvious divide between ceiling and ŵall. You can also try vertical stripes on the walls or curtains if that's something you like

ps the large mirror, if hung portrait, should hopefully make the ceiling feel higher

What is the condition of the walls? Dated Wallpaper? Smooth Concrete? Brick? Stoney?

Yes, it should help. You can always try a floor standing mirror on the ŵall opposite the fire, it will still bounce light. I assume you'll be putting a sofa there so found a pic to show what it would look like!

Painting the walls chalky white will always help, particularly the wall opposite the window to bounce the light back. I agree with minnie that lighter or whitewashed wooden floors would help enormously in making it feel much more airy. A deep pile woollen rug would also be gorgeous. Using a palette of pale neutral colours will help it feel light and cosy.

A mirror opposite the window would be good - could you not mount one above the tv? Consider mirror topped coffee table/side tables as well to not only visually minimise the furniture but again reflect light.

Jim Lawrence sell an excellent selection of stylish wall lights - getting some more put in - especially double arm ones will help lift the general light levels in the room.

Another small trick is to paint the inside edges of the wooden window frames/cills in a glossy white to bounce light into the room.

Love the idea of the double fronted stove - this place is going to feel so lovely and cosy in the winter. Don't forget to have some warm blankets over sofa arms and a chestnut roasting pan nearby for the full cottage experience!

Does the fire place have a chimney? If so perhaps removing it would provide more space for rooms upstairs?

Paint everything in shades of white. Especially the beams! We hesitated in painting our beams for 10years. We finally took the plunge last summer and wished we had done it years ago. The painted beams make the ceilings appear much higher and are less oppressive. Also, a slightly darker shade of white between the beams will enhance them and give an illusion of even more height.

.Whitewashed floors, pale rug, large mirror, chalk paint. I agree with most of what has been said so far.

Hi Rachel. Have a look at these colours. I like slaked lime and whitening but they're all good http://www.littlegreene.com/paint/colour/white-paint/warm-white-paint

^ If you do paint the beams. Dont use the same colour as the photo above.

Go for a more Ivory or Cream white.

minnie101 I love the pics you've posted - right up my street!

Hi Rachel. I don't im afraid but have a look at loaf as they will have something very similar http://loaf.com/products/sofas