I would recommend putting one or two solatubes in if it is a single storey house. That will make a huge difference.

Thank you. I'll suggest it to hubby :)

It is such a beautiful room. I'd go slowly with the paint, as Sarah Shiel suggests. Perhaps it would be best to see first what effect a solatube and a BIG light rug will have. And of course lighter furniture will look gorgeous in there.

Thanks Sarah and Rina :)

There's little roofspace, so we were thinking of a large, modern "industrial" light pendant perhaps.

I'm hoping lighter/neutral coloured furniture and rug will help.

I don't mind the job of preparation and painting, as both hubby and I find it a rewarding task, but it's always good to get opinions from others, who see the room with "fresh eyes" before we take the task on.

Thank you for your advice :)

The addition of some large mirrors may help throw around the available light.

I like the ceiling and beams. If painting, I'd be tempted to do just the walls. More comfortable work!

Paint a few large boards in various whites and move them around the room. See how they work with the south eastern light.

Thanks dohraime. A large mirror is a good suggestion.

Thanks chrissiestaples. Love this pic! Feeling very inspired with these great responses :)

Will do :)

Hi Vicki,

Definitely paint the timber! As the owner of a 70's house that had pine cladding everywhere, I can assure you painting it all white makes a massive difference. Like you I had to do undercoats of Zinsser, but it's well worth the effort.

When you're selecting a colour to paint it all, be aware that there is a big difference in brightness/ light even between white and pale yellow paint. Natural White is a great, neutral white colour. Do a test patch first though, because Natural White looked really dirty at my house which is very similar architecturally to yours - I ended up using Dulux 'Fair Bianca'.

White walls and ceilings will make the room much brighter and more friendly until you have the funding to take your next steps.

All the best,

Sophie

Winston Design Collaboration

Thank you so much Sophie! I was alternating between Dulux Natural White and Fair Bianca. So you've been a great help. I will get two small sample pots of each when I head to Bunnings tomorrow.

I started with samples of Berkshire White and Stowe White painted on large card, but they looked too "dingy" in certain light.

Thanks again :)