I don't think the house needs tons of updating. The rooms shown are great neutral spaces that just need some tweaking.

I would paint the walls a warm white that would work better with the floors, cabinets and trim. I would like to see a nicer light fixture for the kitchen table area and perhaps a less busy backsplash. New banisters would be an attractive update.

The white fireplace seems too stark. I can't see the material but if it is mostly wood, I would think about a warmer paint color or gel stain.

I would spend money on nice furnishings and decor items. Pretty rugs, lamps, art, window treatments, etc.

The fireplace looks like one of those portable fireplaces - I would remove it.

Agree about repainting the gray to something else.

Change the verticals to curtains.

It looks like a great house!

The house it's self is fine. It's the current furnishings that make it look out of step. Everything hung on the walls is too high. But once you get your things in there it will feel better :)

thank you all!!! we're getting really excited!!! would you keep the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room as-is?

I would keep the wall JMO

You should live in the house for a year or so before you make a major decision like taking down the wall. It looks like there is a heating vent in the wall and it could be load-bearing so it wouldn't be a small job.

what part(s) of the exterior would you paint??

In addition to the comments so far, I would consider closing up the top of the wall between the kitchen and living room, as well as the lower wall to the left of the eating area. I would paint the wood trim throughout. I might consider professionally spraying the kitchen cabinets white. But you could wait and update the kitchen at a later time.

I keep thinking about how bright it would be with white cabinets and a funky island color!

Cream walls and wood trim, especially with your high ceilings, could look very nice. I like the look because it's not cookie cutter. When you get rid of the dreary gray I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much the house brightens up.

thank you! I love the living room layout!!

I'd look at having the stair spindles and railing stained a darker color or painted. Same with the kitchen cabinets. I'd also change the light fixtures and paint the front door a bright blue.

Simply getting rid of the gray walls will make a huge difference. I would do only that and add in your furniture, art, curtains, etc. I would not paint your cabinets, but later on I would replace the backsplash with something simple. Your stair railings are fine. Area rugs would be great, too.