paint the fireplace, and maybe the drapes should be a different color. from my computer screen they look like a pinkish peach color. maybe even a subtle pattern.
or you could get rid of all drapery, and let the blinds be a nice feature. maybe trimming around then, like the last pic would help too.

Trying to visualize both the curtains and the brown window treatment is a headache! Try taking off the curtains and looking at the environment with less clutter. The brown shades are nice but perhaps too dark with existing furniture. In the end do what you think is necessary to be happy with what you have

Pay the restocking fee and reorder blinds in a MUCH lighter color. Your draperies are lovely.

Thanks all. Decorating a house is proving more stressful and harder than I thought. I don't even want any visitors as long as my house looks like this. Your ideas are great. Leaning towards returning the blinds and ordering white ones, or cellular shades.will lose about $150 ouch!!!

I plan on purchasing a baige colored couch to match the drapes and get rid of the brown.

I would return the blinds and pay the restocking fee. Is there another color you would like to bring in to your room . I notice most everything is brown/beige. Could you be afraid to try color. Would even rethink purchasing a beige soda.

Something to think about. I may not be comfortable with color combinations, but the dominant color in my prior house was brown. I need to rethink good color combinations to brighten the room.

In fact I am terrified of adding bright colors since I am afraid the colors will not match.

I think you should return the blinds and get white.

The question should be, can I live with these dark blinds and see them every day OR is the restocking fee keeping me from returning them. In the long run, you are the only one who can answer that question. If you choose to return them, the $250 spread out over the years isn't much. But if living with them is so upsetting that it depresses you, and takes over the enjoyment your beautiful home, they need to be replaced. Think of it as a learning experience and move on

Yes. If you prefer a light-filled room, the blinds need to be opened up or switched to a very light shade of white. However, these dark blinds are very good looking - especially if you removed the drapery panels. They are really too contemporary for your furniture choices and are not needed functionally or decoratively.

Place the palm in your dining room in a big beautiful pot. Where is the light coming from in there? Need a light fixture over the table. Place something bigger and more colorful on the table.

Ok, let's talk about color. Any color you use in your home does not have to be bright or crazy saturated nor do they have to match exactly - that can get boring - they just have to be in the same color family. There are millions of shades of every color and many that would be beautiful in your home. Think about moss greens, soft blues, or some shades of the reds in your fireplace [do not paint that brick!].

Do you have any art up on the walls? Could we see more pics of the other walls?

If you are thinking about replacing your dark furniture, you might think about looking for something lighter in color and less bulky. A transitional set with smaller arms & cushions, that has short legs.

Thanks Sandy and all. I add some color to the room as you suggested. I won't touch the fire place. My plan is to a add a light colored sectional sofa, get an oval shaped dining table, a chandelier for the dining- which is currently missing. Here are a few more pics of other walls as you requested and of the blinds when open.

Fire place and kitchen

Try leaving the blinds down but with the slats open. This way, the windows are dressed and not hungry looking.

One reason your spaces feel dark is because some of the wall colors are dark. If you painted them lighter, the rooms would lighten up automatically. While you are at it, paint the grille on the pass-through wall to match the wall color and use a switch plate cover that is closer to the wall color. They are interruptive as they are now.

Probably should stay away from a color for the walls for now, until you get used to living with color a little bit. Add color in baby steps to begin with - it really isn't the big bad bear you think it is! Promise!

Your space is entirely different with the blinds open and up. I can see why you are not happy with them. Have you considered replacing them with inexpensive bamboo shades under your datpes?

First step- drapes in dining room bay window are out!

IMO, definitely worth the restocking fee. Sandy hit the mark with your home needing color. You have done a great job of creating a neutral background with the subtle shifts of color on the walls. Infusing color can be as easy and cost effective as a few throw pillows, artwork and accessories for "pops" of excitement. That way, you keep the neutral foundation. Popular accent colors right now are teals, orange, greens and yellows.