"Nursing home" Lol. Not quite, but I see what you mean.

It's certainly a great room with the bay window and its lovely stained glass, nice proportions and other period features.

Yes it could probably do with some 'updating' but I feel your sofa is actually really good looking and comfy(?), maybe not 'trendy' but classic so I would definitely consider keeping that.

That sofa is divine! Definitely some pops of colour and perhaps some modern metallic hints might give it an updated feel, as would paint, like you suggested. Maybe some fun prints, too? You're not far off!

I do notice a lot of different 'whites' going on with the fireplace, built in cabinet, shelves, radiator all being a different shade.

This may well contribute to that nursing home or 'rental' feel.

Someone (Resh) has just finished a period living area in F and B green smoke and it looks fabulous. You could search green smoke and select the advice section to see.
And I like your sofa and think when you pick a darker colour for your walls it will all look fab.

That sofa is beautiful and the curtains look lovely and glam. I can't quite see the pattern though. I suspect it is the wall colour that is making it feel a bit 'meh'! I would be brave and go much darker on the walls, to make your accessories pop out a bit. Some inspirations - https://pin.it/e27gi7xpzir7om , https://pin.it/5aoc45j5dexv2y , https://pin.it/3z33nfksv6srnm , https://pin.it/vgpkt5z6motx6x ,

It's a lovely room and I think the sofa, rug and chandelier are great.

I agree that dark blue/grey or blue/green walls would do a lot to make the room a bit younger. Inchrya Blue, Hague Blue, Railings jump to mind. I'd also paint the built in cabinet and shelving that colour.

I would find the fluffy cushion a new home elsewhere in the house, it doesn't quite seem to go, and get a new cushion or two reflecting the new scheme. Maybe a deep blue/grey or blue/green linen in a rectangle shapr.

Personally I would swap the mirror and painting as then the mirror ties in with the chandelier iyswim.

Thanks everyone. Feel I've been a bit harsh on the sofa now . Ed you're spot on with all the shades of white. All done at different times and there's so much awful gloss on the woodwork it looks yellow. Need to replace shelves and cabinets. Anglian, I do like the copper thing going on so will def bear that in mind.
Colourhappy, love the dirty pink idea. Would have to get that passed hubby. Emily thank you - that is exactly the colour I was thinking of (and what a place Resh has!! ).
Thanks Hazel, love those pins. Just the look I'd like. Minipie thank you, will try swapping tonight. We originally had the mirror over the fire but it looked too heavy. Will try again with a different wall colour though.
Thanks all. I have some enthusiasm for a big change now! X

What a lovely, elegant room. I think the style and the colour of your sofa is great.

Thank you oldmanaudi. I hope you still think so after I’ve ‘updated’ it

Happy to give your sofa a new home ;). Seriously love it!

Lol thanks Jen! Feel bad I've put a fluffy caterpillar on it now! What was I thinking!

Wow I love your room and your sofa is beautiful. Definitely needs some lovely bright cushions. I’m not brave when it comes to changing wall colour but love to accessorise with colour. My sofa below which is not grand like yours but similar biscuit colour. I’m in to bluey cushions at the mo but equally I love rich blues or rich pink and plum colours. Best of luck whatever you do to enhance your lovely room

what a lovely room and I especially love your artwork over the fireplace.

is get rid of the curtains and try some blinds e.g. fitted ones that you can pull up rather than down. That would lighten up that area. lovely room

and more art around the walls

Thank you Sam and Angela for your great suggestions. Hitting the shops next week! X

Love the sofa! Lots of great ideas from folks about the paint colours. My choice would be to ditch the glass topped table, very dated and ‘Abigail’s Party’ and also the artwork not helping and replace with something more worn and characterful. The reason you feel it looks like an old folks home is just lack of character so try and mix up old with new, different levels of lighting help, get a couple of fab lamps. Let us see your final pic and good luck!

I'd probably go for some colour on the walls. It's somewhat dark from the photos, maybe a darker colour like stiffkey blue, but maybe not on all walls.

Some great colour ideas here and I agree with the comment about swapping the art work and mirror around after you have painted and then dress the mantle. If you're keeping the longer glasss table I would try it in the right hand alcove under the shelves with a lamp, plant etc on and move the smaller one next to the end of the sofa near to the bay window. Perhaps a lovely big footstool/pouffee in the bay with a tall plant next to it would dress the room and be easily moveable because I bet that fab bay is where you put a Christmas tree.

I really think you don't have a lot to do to make it look less 'nursing home' Definitely dark paint - I like the Hague Blue idea. It would work well with the gold tones. I would get rid of some of the fluffy stuff.

A cast iron or column radiator in a dark colour in the window would make the room look less institutional. A black or anthracite finish would tie in with the fireplace surround.

It needs plants ( I'd go big tree types rather than small table top one). And the things on the bay window are too small for the space.
It's not for everyone but if you're feeling really brave you could knock the plaster off your chimney breast. It costs nothing and will look awesome, in a shabby chic/industrial/why did I listen to a random on the Internet way.

These comments are great! Diana - love your comment on the table Luckily it's just an Ikea table I attacked with spray paint some years ago so more than ready to ditch it! Definitely thinking plants, lamps and maybe a chair with small table under the window. Jules you're right about the Christmas tree - I'm getting it earlier each year to spend more time with it! Sam I love the brick look (and am thinking of including it in the new kitchen - if we ever get around to doing it). Thank you randoms on the internet! Was thinking of getting rid of the shelves and built in cupboard and putting a 'cool' cabinet for the to go on one side and a small table with picture above it the other? Will def put a mirror above the fireplace. Won't be the one in the room now as that's too big - it will be relegated to the landing .
Thanks all! X