I would definitely start with the furnishings. It's much easier to change the walls (and less expensive) than to replace furniture. Once you have the furnishings at least chosen (if not in place), then the decision on the walls will become much clearer.

I agree with the above comments. I'm not a fan of faux finishes, I think the home looks great, congrats!

Maybe paint the living room a warm aqua blue.

Agreed! Work on selecting furniture, art work, rugs, lighting and window treatments.

Agree with whynotryit. Switch out furniture to French country and repainted walls.

Thank you. Just want to add, this is not my furniture in the house, it's the current owners. By happy coincidence, as I stopped in at the neighbors house, I spied wallpaper sample books. Gorgeous stuff, luxury, high end stuff and she has an "in" with the company that loaned her the books, she can get the stuff at cost! My last experience with wall paper was watching my parents put up the wallpaper in the hallway when I was about 6, and I clearly remember wondering if this was going to result in a divorce. Anyways 40 some years later, that paper is still in the hall, but that's an entirely different discussion......

Given the antiquity of my wallpaper "experience", can anyone tell me if there are any hard or fast rules about wallpapering? What about what you can put on a wallpapered wall? I am THE complete idiot when it comes to this business of papers on walls.....

Thank you again.

I would limit wallpaper to a few distinct and special locations, a dining room, powder room, or possibly a bedroom.

Since you are not conversant in wallpapers, I would suggest consulting with a professional. Perhaps your friend that has the "in" can assist you or recommend someone for you to contact. Wallpaper and French Country are a natural fit to me but there are so many on-site decisions that need to be made, I would want expert advice from someone who can actually inspect the walls, view the paper in situ, and, ideally, has a background that would assist in making the appropriate choices.

If you were dealing with just one room and had some knowledge of working with wallpapers, I would say Houzzers would be great at helping you. However, when I find myself in a novice position, I like to work with someone who can hold my hand through the process until I feel confident in making choices on my own. You have a beautiful home and I'm sure you'll be able to make it your dream with the proper tools. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thank goodness that (almost) Hoosier cabinet is not yours...lol

The taupe color of the interior just doesn't seem country French although it is nice. When you paint, don't antique choose colors more country French like some pale yellows and blues. Even white walls with colored accents would be more in keeping.