I'd probably keep the wall and furniture colours darker, but go for lighting, lighting and lighting.

Different levels and types of lighting. If there's a picture rail add led, ribbon lights to uplight and "wash" the ceiling. Low level table lights on furniture for more intimate lighting. If the ceiling is high enough, a spectacular chandelier or modern version, preferably centred over the dining table. If it isn't an open fire in the inglenook get lights in there as well. If you have artwork, wall mounted picture lights, or directional ceiling spots. If all the lighting is independently switched and with dimmers where possible, you can play around with the lighting levels to suit.

Glossy surfaces can help to bounce light around, I'd love to see pictures of the room before and after to see what you come up with

I'm afraid I can't help with colour schemes but I can help with adding daylight to your room.

Have you heard of sun tunnels? They really are ingenious things that channel daylight from your rooftop to your living space below. We can arrange through the wall sun tunnels too (I don't think they're on our website just yet). And they're not too expensive - cheaper than roof windows! Here's some more information and a link to one of our favourite products.

If you'd like some advice without the heavy sell, talk to our team on 01304 219922.

Hope that helps,
Emma

If it's a windowless area you're dealing with, Solatube Daylighting Systems sounds like they could well be your solution to wanting to brighten up the place.

Solatube Daylighting Systems are the originators of the product concept now known generically as "light pipes" and "sun tubes" etc. 25 years later, Solatube Daylighting Systems are still the world's leading brand in tubular daylighting systems.

We'd be happy to discuss this further with you
Please feel free to have a look at our profile, or better yet our website where you can also shop online

If you would like to speak directly, our phone number is 01234 241466 - you can even ask for myself.

All the best with your project.

Daniel at Solatube UK

Hi Eleanor. Do you have photos of the space? You also don't have any ideabooks set up so could you give an idea of styles that you like? I hadn't realised sun tunnels could go through walls :) but a window style mirror is great for giving the feeling of a window. As it's a dining room you can just embrace the dark or if you want something light then go for warm whites or warm neutrals. Artificial lighting will be key though.

Would love to see some pictures as am a big fan of tying old with new, so the colours would have to work with the fireplace. However, great advice from Angel Martin Interiors there, you can't go wrong with any of it.