I agree with jbantick - it's actually fine - though if you've got concrete ceilings downlights wont work. See if you can run some LED strip lights under the overhead cabinets - they're great for task lighting and adding atmosphere of an evening - just get them to put the switch as a separate switch on the gang plate. I'd be tempted to go with white shutters or large blade blinds. I'd definitely be changing the window trims (to a warm white) and if you're determined to look at changing the walls I'd think about looking at half tint of the colour that's there now or in a slightly more malted tint. Deluxe have some great colours and if you're leaning towards lighter colours (including white) - just make sure to check the colours with paint pot testers on a large piece of cardboard and use white paper under/beside it when comparing colours, also make sure that you see the samples in all lights and at several times during the day as the colours can drastically change. Your floor tiles are lovely, I wouldn't cover them up with vinyl floorboards. The tiles are super easy to clean (if you've not got one already, invest in a steam cleaner - they'll keep your tiles looking amazing and they don't use chemicals).

I agree with Jan -- a lot is personal , and your lifestyles . You say neutral colours , so a wheat type colour for the carpet is a good middle of the road choice , but maybe not practical with kids who like crayons and facepainting and stripping down motorbikes haha . So in that case , maybe a burgundy or mid blue or similar 'solid' colour may suit better ( burgundy may tie in more with the exterior tones ) , but is still sort of neutral , but what about furniture and linen and artwork -- if you have royal blue or fluro green drawers and a brown chair and sunshine yellow duvet/dooner cover , and the room is for someone older than 4 , then burgundy carpet mightn't be the go haha . The existing wall colour works with most things , you can add artwork or posters or sports or academic certificates -- maybe back to front , but I'd sort out everything else ( carpet , furniture , etc ) before deciding on a wall colour , unless sticking to the existing or similar colour .

Hi there, If you want to keep it very soft and light then Terrace White a great choice. If stark is your concern its a great opportunity to add some more interest with colour/depth. Colour wise, something to compliment the terracotta but sits well with grey could be Dulux Snow Season Quarter or Subdue Half. Darker you could try Wet clay or match the darkest colour in the marble vein. Please check paint samples first.

Nothing like a coat of paint to freshen things up. I’d be wary of doing old gutters white. They may have imperfections that white would highlight. And you’d need to be careful to get a white that worked with the terracotta roof (with its lovely patina) anything too stark would look unflattering.