Hi Danielle. Are your parents literally looking to change everything then?? I can see your mum likes greys and inky blues, which way does the room face? Rather than use the darker paints on the half walls, which I think divides the room, consider using on the fireplace ŵall ( do you have a pic of this?) and under the stairs. I'd keep the other room light for reading.As they have a separate living room, I'd reduce seating, a small 2/3 sofa under the window but pulled away from the ŵall. Full length curtains could look good here but it depends if there's room when the sofa is pulled away, maybe check when you have measurements and go for a slimmer table. I'd keep the curtains light to tie in with ŵall colour. Where the other sofa is have an accent chair in the corner with a floor lamp behind. Where the mirror is I'd put a low wide bookcase with matching table lamps and a mirror over the top. I'd also go for a smaller patterned rug as its hiding the lovely floor. I agree re the porch door but it's letting a lot of light in, maybe they can cover with cardboard and assess the impact! Are there any pendant lights at all? I'd go for an extending dining table so they can accommodate more guests, it looks as if they could pop the extra (smaller) dining chairs in corners? It doesn't look as if full length curtains would hang properly unless the rad was moved? Perhaps a vase of faux flows on the dining table ( good quality!). The art looks good but I don't think the ones next to the window work so would look at some of the positions and maybe create gallery walls. design wise maybe modern English country?? Add the pattern and accent colour in their accessories, soft furnishings. It looks a lovely room though

Yes, pictures are helpful to draw people in. Dark would be fine - if on a darker wall. How about sticking with the grey of sofa, dark grey theme and then have the two longer walls to work the proportions and add some light. Pic attached. Alternatively, pic attached, you could do all light neutral walls but then crate a different effect with ceiling to floor dark panel curtains to add luxury and add the darker end wall effect! Just ideas. All the best and I hope the advice keeps coming! :)

Because the sofas are big heavy and dark I agree that you need to lighten up this room. I wouldn't have additional furniture because I think it looks full already but I might swap your little table lamp for a standard lamp to you have a light that is the same height as the TV. I also think your mirror is undersized, it should hang portrait to make the room seem taller - a round mirror would also work. I would get a white dining table. The mahogany trunk seems to obscure the view of the fireplace- perhaps a lower table should be better. I would also get an oversized houseplant. I don't mind the fireplace. I think you can put any colour on the walls and I don't think it has to be neutral but you should replace the curtains with much paler-perhaps even white. I think one of the reasons for replacing the curtains is the now slightly dated pattern. Perhaps put pattern in art or cushions so it can be changed more regularly. I like the rug but it does dictate your decorating choices- could it go in another room? If it can I think that your instinct is right that a large pale textured rug would be comfy and visually break up the dark tones of the sofas and floor. Lastly I would add a throw and a couple of cushions to make the sofas less imposing, add pattern and break up their darkness.

hi Carolina, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me and love your ideas. I should have added more detail but you managed to visualize the layout quite closely. Actually, no door in dining area , only access thru sitting room. Love the area rug and have Macys one which will work perfectly - might pull a greyish -blue color from rug for walls maybe similar to the example you provided. Also have two mid-century style floor lamps which I can use. I really like the idea of a mural as the Wow - only concern is that radiator is on that wall. Do you think I could work around that somehow? Shelving will work perfectly - I was thinking something from Ikea or JLewis. Agree that blind is better and like curtains on patio door side. I am really hooked on the mural suggestion . Thanks and I will post a updated photo to show you the final result when we get everything done -hopefully by Dec. -especially now that I have something to show 'the main man'. I am really excited about getting this going!!!Regards eithne