Your space is quite roomy at almost 23 feet by 16 feet 5 inches. It would help us to see all four walls. Is this going to be an area where you will eat as well as watch TV? I would put in some recessed lighting: (I like the idea of painting the ceiling a light blue or yellow.) You need to have table lamps and or floor lamps as well. If those are light fixtures on the beam, I would remove them and repair the beam. Would you husband be open to staining the beams darker? Something like this: A fireplace mantel like the one in the Crisp photo would finish off the fireplace. With yellow and cream, you could go with warm colors, browns reds and oranges or blues and green.

A cool, modern graphic designed runner, new door knobs and a few updated ceiling lights are a great start and easy fix to brighten and update your hallway. Have fun! {PRODUCT LINKS: http://www.atgstores.com/runners/safavieh-dhu554c-21-dhurries-runner-brown-ivory_g1461183.html http://www.atgstores.com/semi-flush-ceiling-lights/vaxcel-cr-cfu130nb-3-light-carlisle-semi-flush-ceiling-light-noble-bronze_g756367.html http://www.atgstores.com/indoor-door-handles/first-watch-security-1140-indoor-glass-knob-set_g806090.html

Thank you all so much many of you suggested darkening the ceiling and leaving the beams the way it is to avoid too much work. What color did you guys had in mind?? isn't a lighter color suppose to open the room? Talianko and Hyde Evans and Shauna? ( I preferably will love a rustic lighter wood look, and the beams but does sound like a mission to get it done as sanding varnish on the ceiling might take me forever but if I get brave enough I might do it Sstar. Brio I do so want those curtains gone they are shocking :)you haven't seen the outdated blue couch yet... but I have to decide in the colors of the walls first :) I am inclined to have a rustic look for furniture... more like farm style and I also like wash off colors...my next vibrant color that i want to add is yolk yellow ( don't roll your eyes that will be in a cushions or a vase a picture) I am very impressed with all your answers and thank you all so much for taking the time to help a girl out :)

Cooler tones and ample lighting are two ways to make a space feel larger. Furniture pieces with slim legs and details that are lifted off of the floor a few more inches, give an airy, spacious look. You might also consider incorporating reflective surfaces such as a mirror to catch light, or a polished lighting fixture to draw the eye upward. Hope this helps--good luck!