I totally agree with you. GO NEUTRAL. Add colour thru access. I used Hog Bristle. Honestly, book a Colour Consultant thru Dulux or who ever, who will come out and give u the best advise. Dulux Consultant charge about $150, but this is refunded off the paint you purchase. So ur getting expert advise for nothing, if u purchase the paint. Money well spent. I did this and was so glad I did. She will explain where to use what paint, being 1/4, 1/2 or full strength of the chosen colour. I was going to upload photos for you of my rooms, but for some reason this page won't let me. If you would like me to send you photos thru email, I would gladly do so. ir u send ur email address. Good luck.

You can borrow wallpaper books from suppliers and compare some you like by holding the samples up to your walls. Be sure to test how well they complement each other at different times of the day under different light conditions. I know it's hard to know for absolute certain how a particular wallpaper pattern will look on a large scale, but it's a place to start. And the people at the decorator stores will be happy to advise you.

there are some interesting putty grey colours in the knots of your floorboards. I reckon it would be worth holding some paint swatches up to the boards and see if you can find one that ties in with those driftwood tones in the timber . Then order a sample pot in a half or quarter strength version of the matching colour then see how it looks. Otherwise it is so hard to go with colours people have named, as every space has different light. If you are happy with the colour of the floor boards, let them guide your choice and you can't fail (as long as not too dark). :)

@dreamer yes I was thinking a simple timber balustrade would look better than a more modern one. we are planing on putting a covered deck off the back with a similar balustrade too. @fianou Luca I love fixed upper. They were the reason we bought this house as I could see the potential. it is much harder than it looks go bring a look all together. I was contemplating painting the brick lighter like a wash but to scared to vomit incase it looks terrible and it is an expensive job to do. I was even thinking of putting shutters on the windows downstairs to give the front some texture