Your second picture is very dark so difficult to see what colours would go. What about F&B Skimming Stone? It’s a warm neutral that goes with so many schemes.

Amy Amy,

I would probably look at wallpapers. depending on your budget a look at Arte-international. com for some great wall coverings. I would look at a bold print and possibly dark to create a mood
I think that the mutes pale shades dont give a great deal of personality.

if your budget doesn't stretch to this there are many papers on the market that have great collections.

good luck

Thank you all for your comments. Rowland - I can see the appeal in wallpapering but my partner is against it and so our options are somewhat limited. I was wondering if I should coordinate the colour scheme in both, my living and dining areas as at the moment I have two different shades even though they are pretty much only divided by an arch. I have attached a photo. Thank you for any suggestions!

I would have the same colour in both areas; would give a much more unified look. Do you really need the heavy looking net curtains in the dining room. I think you’d get a much lighter, brighter and airier feel without them, or with some other window treatment e.g. sheers you can pull back. Good luck!

Could use a grey and or abide or yellowsilver with hints of light Rose a pink l

Sorry above text was taken over by the auto correct

Could use grey with silver and hints of a light rose pink , blue or yellow

Not helpful to you but I I love your sofa, where is it from? Also your dog is v. cute :-)

Definitely unify the colours in the 2 rooms, the cleaner blue will also lighten the dining room. Change the window treatments to something lighter, maybe a pale background with a large pattern, perhaps floral if that suits your taste. Move the dining table to the centre of the room, get rid of the low plant and replace it with something taller and skinnier. Add lamps to the room for better lighting, a tall lamp in the corner plus at least 1 other. Invest in some artwork for the walls, a larger mirror and perhaps a generously proportioned print for the opposite wall. Avoid smaller pieces that will clutter and close the room in.

I would keep existing floor as it gives warmth but add a large rug to add texture and to centre and ground the table. A grey floor will further darken the room. Agree with previous comments on lighting. Which way does the dining room face? Worth thinking about size of opening between the two rooms. Could it be bigger to bring more light into the back room??

Emma - my dog thanks you for your kind words:). We've had our sofas for many years so cannot quite recall where we got them from but I believe it was one of the chain stores. Probably dfs. Shame they don't do them anymore as I would certainly recommend - absolutely comfortable and will sit many people.

Thank you for your comments, some very interesting and helpful ideas there. I'm new to decorating and have tried various things but I'm still learning. I'm grateful for your tips. I realise I won't be able to do all the things I wish I could as we have to consider comfort and privacy which are our main priorities.

P.S. Our lighting is pretty good, both rooms have large windows on opposite ends. I'm just really bad at taking photos ..

amy,

I think the grey floors can work, light walls will provide the reflectivity needed as floors do provide light, but not anywhere as important as wall surfaces.

you can use different shades of colournbetwen the two areas , so lighter and darker shades of a colour will work well. I personally like to have skrtings, archtraves and doors in the same colour as it gives a strong uniform theme.

There are paints with a metallic finish around which can give a nice finish as well as the usual F&B paints that everyone loves. check out Eico paints for a different palette of colour including some.metallics or Mylands for some great traditional paint with good colours.

good luck with your choices, we all start somewhere and I'm sure you will soon become an expert !!

best

Rowland