Looks like you may already have a little bit of color blocking going on, but I'd increase the contrast between the shades of paint. Do you have access to the original paint chip card? Paint two of the walls in question in two different shades from that same card. Consult with the paint source for the complimentary color to accent the third wall. I think the middle wall to the right of the stairs would be the one I'd accent. Then add a large piece of colorful abstract art to that wall. Here's a quick tutorial on color blocking. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/building-with-blocks-of-color-stsetivw-vs~639

Your white walls are too stark for your wood trim. Softer whites and other tints might warm up the room. Lots of Houzz discussion lately on best paint colors for rooms with wood trim. Here's a classic Houzz article about some great colors that work with wood trim like yours: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-terrific-paint-color-matches-for-wood-details-stsetivw-vs~9025200 Here's a Google link that comes up with the search: "paint colors for wood trim" http://www.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=best+paint+colors+wood+trim&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ei=wtHIVPT-OcyYNtWehLAN&ved=0CC0QsAQ Additionally, like the others, add some lighter pillows to your couch--or a couple cozy throws--based on colors in your rug. A large round glass coffee table would showcase your beautiful rug as well. You could add accessories on the coffee table in colors from the rug. Yes, hanging plants in each window.

No. High gloss laminates as easier to wipe. Just imagine your car in white or black. Is it anymore harder to maintain a white than a black? If you are talking matt finish then yes white will show dust and marks instantly

I have a few suggestions. Hope these will help. Go for a wooden sofa set. I know many people nowadays tend to go for fabric sofa sets and sectionals, but i fee that wooden sofas never go out of style. Also, you can change the upholstery colour any time if you want a more colourful look or a colourful slip cover (you can get a local uphostery guy to custom stitch one) which can be washed easily. Go for sleek furnitures that are not heavy. You can also add a few accent furniture pieces like an accent chair if the space allows for it. There are couple of things to note when you bring in colour. Choose one primary colour and maximum two secondary colours. See these links to [pep up your space[(https://www.houzz.in/magazine/is-your-living-room-too-brown-here-are-8-ways-to-pep-it-up-stsetivw-vs~101141558) and liven it. After you choose your colours, pick your decor. Add dashes of these colours through cushions, vases, flowers, paintings, figurines, curtains, carpets and other decor pieces. If you have a favourite painting, pick your accent colours from them. Or if you like the colours in a particular cushion covers, the other pieces can be colour matched. Always hang your paintings at eye level. I noticed that your hang your frames quite high up. Place them around 57 - 60 inches from the floor. Hope I could help