IMO we need a lot more info Waht is the issue with the layout ? What is her style ? Waht I see is a huge need for decluttering so we can see the spaces . IMO you choose wall color after all furniture is chosen even rugs there is ahuge need for lighting ceiling lights are only one level of lighting .The space is awesome but no way to help without more info. I do not ever like family photos in public spaces and large pieces of art are IMO always nicer than a bunch of tiny ones all scattered around. The wood wall does not work with the floor color but as I sai that gets painted later . My opinion also is just becuse you have kids does not create a need for a huge mess . Get a nic ecorner or better yet a room for the kids stuff . This is a home not a dya care I presume .

This is a nice big family space. How many kids live here?

The biggest change would be to clear up the space and neaten up the kitchen area. Realistically, that may happen only once a day while kids are small. That will make far more difference than any paint color.

For color, use a warm off white paint that contrasts just a bit with the bright white trim. A more adventurous choice would be a light sky blue.

Arrange the family photos in one group, not two or three groups. Next to the kitchen peninsula is a good place to show family photos, so add to the arrangement there, or look for a hallway area where the photos can be seen up close and personal.

Hang up the framed artwork instead of leaning it on the mantle.

To give any suggestions to improve the layout we need a floor plan showing all dimensions, location of doors, windows, entrances to the room, etc.

Painting will certainly improve what appears to be a room that's quite dark.

For the wood diagonal wall, I don't know how much work you want to put on it but it can remain as is (as shown below) but can also be painted or white washed.

Below are a few ideas although very limited because of lack of information...

Here's the look of a painted wall with diagonal wood panels which could be considered to update the look of your open concept area.

The gray paint is dreary. Painting the walls a warm white will brighten up the space a lot. I painted a tween-dream lavender room a blush color. It was such a striking change that for weeks after the paint job, which was done in the winter, my husband and I kept thinking the lights were left on in the room, as it glowed so warmly with just a little bit of weak winter sun.

I wouldn't paint the wall. If you paint the walls cream and still think the room is too dark, then I'd consider painting them.

The gray coffee table and console don't go with the feature pine wall. If you ditch that dreary paint, they won't go with anything. Paint or replace them.

The layout seems like a good one for the space. What are the problems with it?

The floors are the wrong color for the walls. The wood wall is beautiful, and I would hate to see it painted, but, since the floors look new, there really isnt anything else, that can be done, except to paint the walls. Its hard to really see anything, because of so much clutter.

Decluttered and painted white-ish on walls. Another possible idea for the wall of wood - alot of work though! - could the finish be stripped off and redone to clear? Lightening it all up...

Painting the wood wall would still leave an interesting texture in the room...

Paint walls white - except for stone and wood. A new, large rug in the sofa area will define the space better and mediate between the dark wood floors and the lighter wood wall.

The french doors keep the space from looking modern. If they don't want to replace the doors, hang curtains them so you can't see all the clutter of the adjoining room and the doors will sort of disappear.

The layout is good and the sofa is great. Mount the TV with nothing beneath or just a minimal wall hung console. Replace the coffee table with something modern and round.

Do they ever close the slider curtains? I'd remove the curtains and wood valance box.

What is on the other side of the French Doors? What do they lead to and what is the perspective of this room from that area looking through those doors? Is that the formal living room on the other side? Are the doors ever left open? Is it the dining room?

Another one bites the dust , why ask a question if you never come back to get answers or ask more questions.

It's not even the OP's house. The OP is "Helping a friend with her home..."

@patriciacolwellconsulting : I’m sorry I haven’t been able to respond quickly enough to suit your needs; there are things that come up in people’s lives that you don’t know about and, as such, do try to extend some grace.

@tracefloyd : I am, in fact, trying to help a friend.

@la_lagirl : thank you for your input! I agree

@apple_pie_order : I appreciate your input! Thank you!

@lisedv : I will definitely try to come up with a floor plan as soon as we get all the dimensions. Thank you so much for the amazing rendering!

@sigrid : I was thinking that the floor plan was a little crowded and wondered if there was a different way of placing the couch, tv, dining table, etc. The tv is a long distance from the couch also. I do love their wall so hopefully it doesn’t seem as dark when the other walls are painted

@jean : I love the idea of lightening the wall! Thank you for this visual; it’s super helpful!

@kendrah : I definitely agree about their slider curtains and valance box! That will be changing

@tracefloyd : the other side of the French doors is an office space that’s being used to keep their children’s board games, pet fish, books, etc. I will try to get a photo from that perspective next time I visit.

Thank you for your response. No worries about not being timely, it happens.

I was asking about the French doors because the French doors are closed in the photo and now we know why. No additional photos needed there, thank you.

Just painting out the gray walls and wood wall with white paint would modernize things a lot. Off-white like BM Swiss Coffee.

I like the wood, myself. Any way the French doors could be wood (or wood color) instead of white so they blend in instead of standing out?

I started painting the non-wood walls creamy white, but then the left wall read moss/sage green instead of gray and I rather liked that color with the warm wood, so left it as is. (Would probably paint the other end wall the creamy white as well and maybe whitewash the stone.) Otherwise just decluttering, a rug, art, pillows, a couple of plants. If a clear view into the office space isn't needed for child supervision, I might add removable privacy film to the French doors to obscure what looks like a very busy space at the moment and create more visual calm in this room.

I would not paint the wood walls,but I like the idea of refinishing them so they are lighter. Also, I may be the odd women out, but I think the fireplace is overwhelming the room and too dark. A modernization of that may really brighten the room .

debr

This could be a wonderful room, but right now there is too much going on with the architecture and layout.

First remove the dated wood paneling. Because of all the architectural features, paint the walls, ceiling and cornice the same color. I would remove the cornices altogether, as it is a traditional detail and the house is not traditional. If you insist on keeping the cornices, paint them the same color as the walls/ceiing, but in a semi gloss finish.

In order to properly advise on furniture placement, we will need a floor plan with all dimensions. First take overall dimensions of entire room. Then start in the corner and measure corner to window > window (include window frames) > window to corner, all the way around the perimeter of the room. I would be happy to do a scale drawing.

@tracefloyd : I appreciate your input! Thank you!

@simplynatural : wow! Thank you so much for the rendering; you have a great eye for this! I love the idea of painting the doors.

@djacob : Totally agree about the fireplace! I wish it was in a better location as well.

@denise : Oh my gosh, I’d be so appreciative! I will get the dimensions as soon as possible.

We have that stone on our fp and kept it but we live in a cabin.

I saw a show on HGTV where they faux sponged the whole thing in light and medium tan paint and it looked surprisingly good.

I don't like white painted stone because it looks like ice blocks to me.

If this was my cabin (I used to have a cabin in Dingman's Ferry PA and miss it so), I would lighten up the fireplace wall. Again, because of all the architectural features, it is weighting down that side of the room. Consider a soft cream paint.

The room would really look incredible by using monotones with heavy textures: the fireplace, the seating, rugs, etc. Focus on art and lighting and cozy arrangements.

Another suggestion: remove the wood valance and curtains at sliders and install blinds on each door. The curtains and valance just add another feature to the room. The purpose would be to clean up the room and modernize it, creating one focal point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0915JRBV8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?pd_rd_i=B0915BF3GJ&pd_rd_w=472qn&content-id=amzn1.sym.386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_p=386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_r=QYERFR2FXZQS3GMZ4JET&pd_rd_wg=PoVeM&pd_rd_r=afea543f-08a0-4d00-9162-756d77dc7e04&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

Here's a guess on the dimensions for your room. I might be completely off, you can correct it and I will revise. The easiest way is to measure overall first.

I think the space is quite modern but I will wait for the plan. Also so what is your friend willing to change?

The room does seems to be filled up with furnishings. The sectional seems overly large and limits layouts. The gray/green color of the walls fights with the diagonal wood siding in color and texture. In general, as other posters are saying, there seem to be too many elements/color/textures at odds with each other. It give the room a frenetic look instead of a calm look. So, would suggest simplifying as much as possible.