I have a view on this having discussed it with my sister who is a home stager in the USA. Having painted my last 2 places "White Chocolate" by Craig and Rose (my OH called it posh Magnolia), following my sis's lead in using the equivalent "Inviting Ivory" (Sherwin-Williams US paint) - times have moved on. Before we moved from the "London-By-Sea" (Brighton) we were off-trend. The metropolitan-style savvy locals had bought white big-time. Nothing with any yellow undertone was permitted. Magnolia was viewed as the "Devil's Colour". Then came the grey and greige revolution. Everything neutral as long as it was grayscale. But as us folks up-north and less savvy caught on, the metro-elites moved on to new pastures. Recently I have started to spot a colour called "cashmere" - I am tempted to change my obsession - but first I need to make sure I am not committing some cardinal colour sin that I will be regretting and lusting after F&B "Clunch"!

Thanks so much for these responses! Yes string shelving would be a great idea and would add lightness to the room while keeping the style. Unfortunately the external wall is also insulated with plasterboard because of damp problems so it would be quite complicated and risky to hang anything on it. I have now bought a Brouer Mobelfabrik rosewood bookcase for the one side . After it is in place, I will have to see whether an additional piece would work for the other side But all these are good ideas as I have another room with an internal wall where primary colours and string shelving would look great Thanks for your advice!

Looking at room freshly plastered I think the walls might look best a colour the same “strength” or depth of colour as the plaster if you know what I mean?? Whether it’s a peachy dirty pink or green or dusky blue?? Looking forward to seeing how this room turns out :)

Don’t like the country look of this furniture. Aim at changing sofa for Natuzzi or Loaf - style sectional. gonna change the table for an oval tapered leg ash one. Shall I Keep - chuck - paint this bookcase (white?) ???