I think the golds in your frames and other wall hanging would go very nicely with the red JudyG posted. You might start with just a couple of walls as it's going to be quite dark. I painted part of my bedroom a similar color--it was the color of canned chili, and my husband thought it was too dark so I changed it. I think your furniture would look wonderful with that. And with paint color, I told my husband that I'm not done with the bedroom until I say 'I LOVE IT!' You should do the same--you want to love looking at your living room.

Thank you Luke Buckle, I just love this floor. Especially knowing what was there beforehand. This house is a double brick, split level, mid century monster with vinyl - asbestos floor tiles. It is more government building than home like but has huge potential. I am trying to create a little warmth and character with these floors. The kitchen is quite contemporary but it is an outback home and the feel I am going for is organic/relaxed loft/barn conversion.... I have found it very hard to pigeon hole my style!!

I'd be inclined to move couch & armchair along wall with large recess if they will both fit. Mount TV onto flat wall opposite. You could have a low unit to house electronics, or use the one you have. Have purpose-built storage cabinet w/shelving built into smaller recess. Some of the shelving portion could be backed w/mirror to help throw light into room. Use the shelves for books, objects of art, photos etc., and the drawers or cabinet below to store things you don't want on show all the time. I also think a large area rug will ground the family room area from dining/kitchen. A neutral one perhaps or you can inject some colour. Large art pieces on wall as mentioned. A largish plant in a raised pot would add some greenery. You may find you need a floor lamp near couch & chair. Regarding the kitchen, I think you might be able to fit a narrow timber sideboard at end of island bench so you have some additional storage there. I say timber because it would warm up the coolness of kitchen. I agree undercabinet lights good idea for additional task lighting. You could either go mirror backsplash or some gorgeous tiles. As there are a several changes you want to achieve in this space, it might help to do it in stages. Storage seems to be a priority (fam rm & kitchen) and rearrangement of furniture & TV. I would tackle this first. Additional decor ie rug, art pieces on wall(s) could be addressed next. Then splashback and some additional lighting if budget allows.

Investigate a white wash which will make it lighter but still give you the movement of the woodgrain that you will see. You could leave the fireplace feature wall natural but if so, I would darken the fireplace surround so it doesn't "pop" so much. Perhaps a taupe/greige colour. Yes, curtains need to go as high as possible. This will lift the room and give it height. Looks like thought needs to be made for a better lighting plan as I see you have quite a few lamps about. Lamps are still great.. permanent ceiling/wall lighting could be improved. Other alternative is to paint everything a touch of soft white like Resene Merino. Also look at Resene Black White (coverage may be better). Both ceilings and walls. A dark ceiling feels lower than a white one.