I think your colors are restful so I would work with those and not pop a color. Maybe some interesting artwork that had some color in it, but I think you should go for a more elegant calm look. By the way, I like the chandelier you have with the fireplace. I think I would paint the lower part of your wall the same blue as is in the top part. Then I would add some black accents in glass and lamps. Curtains that have a sheen or gold thread would be nice.

Break down the design issues into smaller pieces: furniture, storage, lighting, decorative elements and accessories. It looks like you have space for one twin but maybe two twin size beds, include a night stand with table lamp, add a tall bookshelf and dresser and a large area rug. There are a zillion wallpapers out there. I like a single, bold pattern on one wall with a matching paint color on the other three walls. Consider a large hanging round paper lantern style instead of the existing overhead light and put it on a dimmer, add a comfy chair so the two of you can read books together at bedtime.

Hi Marie. It's difficult to tell how wide the room is but a round table could work at the foot of the stairs. Dress with a large bowl and plants/flowers etc. you could also try hanging 3 chandeliers or pendants down the hall. I would also have either 2 matching consoles opposite each other by the front door or keep your existing and add some seating opposite to create symmetry. I think if you were to dress the console with bigger items it would stand out more ie ginger jars on the bottom shelf, classic urns, plants etc on the top. Once you've got the basics done and budget permits, you can add further floor standing decorative pieces, a small chair etc. I think you definitely need some tall art by the front door though or even mirrors if you're not keen to add art

A15) @Dara Cooke: If you can't afford a quartz or granite worktop from day one then I would recommend using a laminate worktop as a temporary solution. If you don't put tiles up as a backsplash then replacing the worktops can be relatively easy in a couple of years.