Hi there

I would agree that your gut was right to freshen up with the white and lighter colours. With the dark furniture the darker features on the walls will make the space seem smaller than it is. You may find that with the lighter walls the dark furniture works ok.

The kitchen will give you an opportunity to set the tone for the house, so a traditional feel with classic finishes (stone etc) will serve the space well.

Stay away from glass splash backs or high gloss to avoid a modern clash.

Good luck and enjoy your renovation.

Hi Lorraine, What a great house! I love what you've done so far. If you decide that your dark furniture isn't working for you've got a few options: (1) strip it back and bleach with Oxalic Acid then either wax it or clear varnish (2) strip any varnish off and white wash it (3) paint it. You could also try light neutral décor pieces (vases etc) to boost light and put mirrors on walls opposite windows that will bounce light around your home.

Your brown lounge you can lighten up with light cushions (soft whites, creams, pale greens work wonders and don't be afraid of mixing whites and creams) OR instead of getting a new lounge, have it re-covered - if you're handy with a sewing machine or a relative is, try this - canvas style fabrics in a raw cream/white colour can look fantastic (my Mum was the queen of this - it was a bit of work but saved a fortune - and she could take the covers off and wash them when she wanted to).

To boost the feel and light in your home, go for warm white globes/lighting in your home - it makes a huge difference.

When you come to curtains/blinds - dress the walls around the window rather than the window - it'll make your windows look bigger and make sure that you don't miss out on any available light.

For your kitchen avoid the modern look and head to soft whites, warm whites - French provincial and traditional looks would work well and keep your colour pallet a warm light neutral colour.

Enjoy the journey!

Hi Lorraine, I think you have proven already the answer to your question. The newly painted room with the white just looks so fresh compared to the brown. It also enhances the period features IMO way more than the brown will ever do including visually lightening he space. Your home has very beautiful bones & potential for you to make it yours now without destroying it's inherent beauty.

Good luck with the renovations & try to get a clear picture in your mind of what you are trying to achieve without being a slave to the past but respecting it ;))

Thank you all for your great advice and direction-

i am relieved to hear that I won't be "destroying" the character and simply embracing it and bringing in a fresh look - thank you. We have since today completed the bedroom

jts the smallest guest room but here is a pic of how it looks complete. Thanks again for all your advice - I am going to listen to the gutt with the rest of the Reno! Thanks - Lorraine X

Lovely Lorraine! Have fun with your new home & getting to know what inspires you to keep loving your cottage while getting the best out of it's traditional beauty in your own way. It would also be great if you can keep us posted with the updates as they happen!

Louie T ;))

Congratulations Lorraine, the completed rooms look beautiful - light, bright & fresh. You have updated the feeling of the space, whilst honouring and emphasising the beautiful heritage features. All the best with the remainder of the house.