Beautiful home. Could the tree blocking natural light be trimmed by a pro?

@suezbell thanks! That's a good point. The code are strict with trimming a tree, but I will look into more details.

can you add skylights or solatubes, or is there another floor above?

the floor is beautiful. paint all walls soft white and go from there.

of course you can naturally brighten by getting lighter rugs, furniture and finishes. example, whiter countertops and having the cabinets painted a lighter color.

You could remove a bit of "traditional" vibe by painting the entire ceiling white ... getting rid of that stripe that matches the wall color.

Not a pro. I actually like it "as is" but it could be a bit less formal/traditional room without that trim feature being as noticeable. Perhaps the pros can chime in on that.

@User Yes there is another floor above. Thanks for the suggestions, I will go from there. :)

If you were to paint the entire ceiling white, it could reflect light directed upward, potentially brightening the room considerably.

Take a look at each of the four corners of the room and see if the room could benefit from having a light -- perhaps a very plain floor lamp -- in each corner that directs light upward.

If you use the light weight lamps, you may need to add weights to the bottom of the lamp if you have pets or children that might bump into it.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-71-Inch-Floor-Lamp-Gold-with-White-Plastic-Shade/476774376?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227086741988&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=199476738708&wl4=pla-323845386391&wl5=9057403&wl6=&wl7=9011020&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=476774376&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzMGNBhCyARIsANpUkzM0Pe8COj5VjDHtQGhgizwgJhLDOfMB_Oat_3w0sU3A2yhOswgQZEsaAs-kEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You could have the floors sanded and refinished to another color.

@suezbell You are the pro! That is a great idea. Thank you so much :)

@porkchop_z5b_MIWill refinish decrease the value of the floor? If refinish, what color do you recommend?

Very much like the floors as is. Would not refinish them -- would reduce resale value if didn't turn out well. You could add a single, larger room rug in the living room to define the sitting area.

Definitely white ceiling brings some light in room, but I am afraid that floor will be brighter as well.

Once you have rugs down there will be less floor visible. I would not touch the trees outside the window in the room facing north. That view is wonderful.

You bought formal on formal on formal. Embrace or gut..those are your options.

Those look like Brazilian Cherry floors. I'm not sure how much you're going to be able to change them by refinishing, but ask a flooring professional. Or buy lots of area rugs! Change your paint colors to be more white and less yellow.

examples of transitional furnishings in traditional homes with warm toned floors. the floor color is absolutely not a problem. simply paint and replace fireplace granite, and the living room could look great.

@User I like the pictures you shared with me. Thanks for the ideas. :)

@Celery. Visualization, Rendering images Wow I like the paint! The wall with less yellow tone looks better! What kind of white color do you recommend? I heard benjamin moore is a good brand, not sure which color fit.

@Celery. Visualization, Rendering images I may try to use rug to cover part of the floor.

@User Really appreciated that you shared so much experience with me. Thanks a million!

Paint walls and ceiling white, add a couple of large chandeliers to brighten ceiling area. Use light colored rugs and couches.

I think your house is beautiful, and that view with the trees? Who can see anything else lol.

Seriously, I do think whitening up the paint on the walls, and using an area rug or two is all you need. Those floors are gorgeous. I know, I know, they are not the pale pale white oak that is on trend now (and I do love them as well) but this is so nice.

Honestly, the only room that I am not loving is the kitchen. Im not sure what makes the most sense there either, but I would consider changing the backsplash and maybe adding a runner rug or two.

That's the only part that I think change would be way better.

@salonva totally agree with you. I also don't like the kitchen color. Now I am thinking make the cabinets and stone white.

I like your floors and think they add a lot of character. Work with them, not against them and you'll be fine. Think about a very pale sage to see if that works out in some of your spaces. Could be great or could be horrid.

I too live in a house set right in the trees, and the green can change things as far as color tones. I had a lot of problems trying to figure out what colors would work because of the green reflections. Be prepared to make a lot of paint sample boards.

New counters and backsplash and paint should help the kitchen immensely.

Just to reflect on one comment above that you may have Brazilian cherry floors. I think it’s likely American cherry (which I have), which is a different product and not as deep burgundy red. But either way, refinishing will likely not help for long. American cherry darkens with light over time, FYI. I agree with comments above that it won’t be so noticeable once you have furniture and rugs.

@ngcurt thanks for pointing that out. Actually I don't know what wood it is. Yeah I hope with rugs and furniture the entire room may look bright. :)