Both are a lot of work. Render u would probably paint anyway I would paint brick. Change glass in the door which is otherwise fab and remove curtain. Upgrade like get for fixture.

Agree to lose the curtain & change the door glass. Maybe something less fussy, plus bigger brighter pendant lamps? Are the bricks brown or grey? Grey is a good neutral so maybe if the floor was a different colour it would refresh it all? If not, whitewashing the walls would definately lighten it all up. I guess it depends hpw mich retro vibe you want to keep.

Some great ideas, I actually like the bricks, they are a great colour, replacing glass in door, a darker stain would look great, add dark shutters at side of door, large pendants and large artwork. Could look fabulous.

You can add plaster sheeting over the brick just with cornice adhesive to attach it. VJ panels would also look good.

Hello William, I can see how this expanse of brick can make this space feel dark and very 80s in style. If you like that "style" then painting the brick may work for you, but you will still end up with walls that collect dust that are difficult to clean.

If you are after a more flat, uniform, modern, lighter wall finish that is also easier to clean, then my suggestion would be to have them solid Plastered for a more solid, resilient & permanent surface.

Hope this helps, Malcolm.

I would leave the brick and paint the stair railing in white. I would replace the floor tiles to something lighter or if that’s not in your budget have some lighter rugs over that floor. Change out the glass in the door and put a white sheer s curtain on the window or a white semi sheer blind

My suggestions are a combo. I’d update the wood darker as per Julie’s suggestion. Then I’d pick one wall. The one where the light from the skylight hits at the darkest time of the day and then plaster that wall. The light from that wall would lighten the whole area without the full cost of doing the whole space. Updated styling and fixtures would complete the look.

I like the brick and brick colour here, it is literally every other thing that is making itfeel dated - the floor tiles, the lights, the stair treads, the front door, the net curtain, the whatever? it is over the door to the right of the photo. update some of these other features and you will be suprised how nice and contemporary your brick actually looks