Ohmy! You look like you have an adorable place in a great location. Just let me live near water (in my car!) and I'd be happy.

Our deck cover makes our great room darker also. I'm not sure what to suggest as your walls are already a light color. You could use another lamp...but where? II've moved your furniture around and around in my head and if it weren't for the tv (TV's cause more problems.....) I could think of a couple arrangenents. Help!

Here are a few recommendations...When you can replace the rug, a lighter area rug would lighten up the space (the dark one is absorbing too much light). The size looks right but the furniture needs to be snugged up...6-8 feet apart....this will enlarge the space, also. A smaller table between the chairs would be more proportionate to the space and also enlarge it. Your window treatments are dark and heavy...maybe opt for a lighter/airy fabric to lighten and brighten...omit valances and use a longer rod so you are using more wall than window. It will trick the eye to create the effect of a larger window plus lets in more light. A very light yellow beige on the walls would warm up the space and reflect light. Hope that helps.

Thank you Brooke Enos, your suggestions are perfect! I was leaning towards BM Weston Flax or Philadelphia Cream, both light yellow beiges. We don't need the curtains for privacy so the lighter curtains will work as well. Will definitely try the furniture "snugging". Jansgirl: did not realize the significance of only having 1 room for living-that the tv becomes a focal point no matter where it is placed. The tv is too big to put over the fireplace and as we bought it immediately prior to our move, my husband says no new tv. I am fine without a tv at all but the rest of the family would object!