definately start with the curtains and soft furnishings. Buy a rug. Look for something graphic and vibrant in black and white. You have some lovely art deco lines in the ornaments and fireplace, so if you want to go so far as changing up the furniture look for modern pieces.

Hi Julie. Your room is very likeable however yes it is very dark. But this is an easy fix. 1 paint the room all one colour except for the ceiling and cornices . White for them and the palest of green for walls , this will make the room seem bigger than it is. You don't need to change the carpet but get rid of that rug, it really does nothing for the space. Your lounges are ok but change the cushions , bring in bright gold ones and pale green and keep the ones that match the sofas, make them a bit bigger too softens the lounge. move your grans cupboard to where the tv is and move tv and unit to other side of fireplace, this evens out the area. move lounge closer to window but put lamp table in first this opens that space more, then the other lounge can be moved to make the space needed for the tv etc. I agree change the curtains to white sheers and get rid of the blind and put curtains up that can be closed to kill light at night and for warmth too, pale green blockouts to match wall. furniture is fine the way it is. also get a fire guard which is gold in colour this will break up that wall with all the dark wood and will be in keeping with this victorian room. oh and if possible change the wall sconces to gold and crystal and the light in the entrance to a gold and crystal chandelier this will make light bounce in a better way. you will find this will brighten this space but still keep the cosy feel. I've helped some friends in the past with rooms similar and I found you really have to keep the vibe of the house or the decorating doesn't work. Good luck.

oh forgot the arch, all the beautiful scroll work should be white like the ceiling and architraves. . lol

I just want to say that I think your grandma's leadlight art deco cabinet is absolutely gorgeous - and fits perfectly with your house. You have such a beautiful room there (the fireplace, the tiling - the plaster work!). I think johnena is right - work with the vibe of what you have (because there are a lot of people who would give their eye teeth to have it). Possibly you may be feeling a bit over it at the moment - but it is beautiful. So, yes, paint, change the window treatment . . . and that may be all you need . . .

So...one step at a time. First paint JUST the walls in that room in a pale green. Then remove the blinds and replace them will the heavy side curtains suggested above, to match the green walls. Love with that for a bit, then if you still find it a bit drab and dark, try painting your coffee table or TV cabinet (or both) a warm gloss white.

I would not be painting the table, cabinet or fireplace. That lounge suite is too heavy for the size of the room. I think a new lighter, single colour lounge suite would look better.

Depending on the age of the carpet I would buy a colour that contrasts with the entry tiles and give the room a fresh coat of paint.

I would remove the sconces and add some colourful artwork to the walls.

It's okay you can't repaint. You can still breathe new life into the space. Start with what you can do... and what needs doing first. It makes no sense to repaint a wall that has just been done.

So first things first remove the most out of date items... like the lace curtains. Let in the light.

Rearranging the furniture is a great way to breathe some new life into the room.Clear the nick nacks into a box and only put back those that you really love. Try throwing a sheet over the sofas to see if changing them would help. It will give you an idea of what the room could look like with different sofas... Slip covers are a great temporary way to change the look and it will give you new look until you get around to buying new sofas.

Also.... removing those blinds behind the lace curtains will let loads more light in. They are really blocking the sunshine.Instead opt for curtains that can be pulled all the way open to let the light in.