I'm in love with the antiques I've inherited through the years. Most of them are 20s-30s era and mean a lot to me. However, I don't know how to design around them. I'm buying a new condo and I want to start from scratch.

Antiques I am working with:
-1 large painting (woods scene with the enormous gold gilded frame)
-several smaller paintings, most wood-framed
-2 table lamps with gold trim
-wood tea table
-general bric-a-brac, some gold, some silver accents (love mixing metals!)

I also have a 50s era large glass-top table with ornate metal base (painted black).

I'm in need of all new furniture in my living/dining space and I'm at a loss. I'm single in the city and I currently feel like I'm living in grandma's house. How can I work with these pieces that I've loved my entire life and still keep it fresh?

I'm thinking of painting the walls a vibrant, but light blue. Maybe SW 6502 or 6509 will match the blue sky in the main painting. I also need a new couch, area rug (over hardwood flooring), small dining set and a wood-trimmed fainting couch, because I've always wanted a fainting couch.

I don't know what colors to focus on. I'm overwhelmed. Furniture, walls, rug, etc. I loathe white walls.

Any ideas and photos are very welcome!