We recently moved and I love the bones of this house, but I can't figure out what the house wants to be. I don't even know what to search when trying to find inspiration - high ceilings? open floor plan? It's on a lake, so sand is an issue. I was hoping to refinish the floors a lighter color, but after asking in the flooring forums, sounds like that's not a good idea. I am spinning trying to even find a starting point as it all flows together - Any ideas to update, lighten and cozy up the space (paint, lighting, etc), with the current flooring, would be so appreciated. NOTE: We are having the stair railing replaced in a couple of weeks - will be white oak with black, horizontal steel spindles. Also, the back splash in the kitchen is stone, so maybe not ideal to paint.

TIA!

Stacey