Here are more pictures. Main door is exactly opposite the big opening. Forgive my ignorance, as I wasn't aware they are not called french windows. Since there is not much space between the main door and the big windows, I don't want to stuff it with furniture. Also, since we like big spaces, we would like to keep it as simple as possible. Anyway, my main concern right now is whether the bamboo blinds will work for these big windows, or they will give a stuffed look as soon one enters?

You don't have to give up your beloved pink. Pink, brown and grey are doable. I googled pink and grey living room and saw some great pictures. Maybe get a large carpet that pulls out the pink (must match the same shade of pink). Then place your beautiful little pink and cream Kashmir(?) carpet over it. Also pull that same pink into sofa pillows. And a similar pink and brown Tablecloth for the dining table will pull the colours together. Just need to make sure all the pinks are the same shade with small accents/border of the same brown and grey from the sofa. Solid colours or subtle designs will be easier to coordinate than bold dramatic prints. These 2 are not the right shade of pink but you get the idea, I hope. Carpets with tone on tone pattern. A dusty rose on one wall would be nice too.

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

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.