We had a house with a timber ceiling - it is a tricky decision. If it is a cheap display home build perhaps cover it, but if the quality is good it is a much harder decision. I think it looks good now and could be made very interesting. Also that look is "back". Make sure your lighting is very good and the heaviness will dissappear somewhat. The floor is lovely.

With future posts, put them under Design dilemmas, you will get more help quicker.

Go grey as advised above, don't paint window frames if they are metal but leave alone, plant sasanqua camelias along the side boundaries (they can be hedged) to screen out neighbours & add greenery plus colour, landscape the front. Don't do white stones as they look dirty after a while and are blinding in the sun. I'd get rid of the stones altogether. If you are a gardener, put in box hedging and some standard roses (yes, I know done to death but they are charming), or draw up something on paper first - play with shapes. A garden makes a house look good.

Cathie - are you in Australia? I can suggest some Australian paint colours that would work, but not worth the effort if you are in the USA and have different paint brands and colours. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls