Hi Crissy, I'd wondered about that but was concerned the colours would be too cool so that room wouldn't look cosy. I'll head to my local paint shop and check out some colours in that range, thanks for your advice.

Hi Cloudpants, Thanks for the link I've had a look and it's certainly interesting. Something to consider

Could I paint the ceiling, window frames, fire mantle, skirting boards white, the walls a light grey and the timber lining boards a dark grey. do I paint the top timber trim of the timber lining boards the same colour as the lining boards, or the same colour as all the other timber trims so white?

Hi Crissy, Thanks for the tip, I will certainly post the final result.

As Crissy said, I think you need to consider the furniture as well. If you have a light/white sofa then deeper colours on the walls can be cosy without appearing heavy. Your ideabooks have lots of pictures with light coloured walls with warmth added by the furniture.... I've seen a similar sized pinky/purple painted sitting room transformed with fresh white trims/ceiling and dulux white duck on walls. It is a warm griege with a green undertone and gives a nice contrast to trims. Use the same white on the panelling as for the trims - I would aim to not make the walls too 'busy' so as not to draw too much attention to the boundaries of the room.

To make the room bigger don't have too greater contrast between the timber panels and the walls.

I agree a mirror over the fireplace will make the room bigger.

Don't totally dismiss a richer tone as there are times when a small room is best made cosy with a warm colour that appears to enclose you.

Consider your furniture- avoid heavy furniture in the room.

There are some lovely lighter warm green and yellow tones out there at present - look at Resene colours.

What about a couple of different shades of lemon on walls & timber boards, with white used for all the framing. Keep it light, fresh and uncluttered