Second hand shops are great for finds ala 'cheap chic'. Staying w/a light color pallete for the big pieces allows you to play w/color accents and change at your whim.
This dining room has appeal as it looks as it evolved over time. Nothing is matchy matchy. The open chairs create the airy feeling in the room. The refined and industrial chairs lend to a Parisianne apartment vibe.
A white sterile bath doesn't have to be boring. Investing in a colorful rug (instead of tiles as shown) and keeping the other elements simple will make a bold statement.
Heard you got a great floral, bold rug. Think about layering it on top of a jute, sisal or sea grass larger rug to create the appropriate size for your living room. See how the rug below is the diva in the room and everything else is neutral background to the focal point of the rug.