How about BM sea salt for the walls. I think a lake house should be light and airy. There is definitely too much furniture and too many tchokes in the room. Less is more. (Retired teacher also, and aren't we lucky to have pensions in this day and age).

Are you going for any particular style here? I think you can head toward shabby chic cottage pretty easily. How many do you need to seat when you have company? Could you see putting some of your furniture on CraigsList? I think I'd say goodbye to the beige wing and the little footstool with it. I'm sure your leggy desk would bring some cash. Would you consider hanging the TV on the wall above the stair well? That way you could orient your furniture perpendicular to dual focal points. If there is a closet or cabinetry behind that wall, the TV gear can go in there. Your double front doors open to see the back of that little dresser style credenza. Why not put the sofa there and the two black chairs at the stairwell with that little tray-topped table between them? Don't forget you can get slipcovers for the wing chairs to take them to more of a cottage feeling. Replace the rug with a much larger one that works with the white furniture pieces and gives you a more cottage feeling. How about wide black and white stripes? Black and white should be taken throughout the house and it will look really nice with white walls or with Sea Salt if you want a hint of pale gray green color. A pop of bright color in each room will keep it from feeling "boring!" If you want to continue to use some beige, consider wool sisal looking rugs.

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You might find room for the desk and wing in a bedroom.