Hi, I would suggest white for the bookshelve to keep it as neutral as possible for colorfull books. But I don't see a need to go with the same color for the sideboard. this can be doone in either grey or any darker color you like. Could be a nice eyecatcher. Christiane

The pillowcase gives you a good impression. For me light colours do not work as good as darker ones. The petrol (right corner) would be great. But what colour does the girls love? If it is pink you go for a darker one or purple. And it is always best to test the look first. So buy just a small sample of the colour and try. If a dark colour is too dark for you, just paint one wall and the others white.

Hello, I suggest a contemporary ceiling lamp as picture attached. This Trio Lighting is composed of 3 pendants and the glasses are handmade in Murano glass. The colors would make the room less formal. MfG Alberto www.turinadesign.com

Hello Heidrun, (I will write in English since it is my native language - so I hope it translates well for you 😊) I love the comments from the community so far about incorporating textiles - so many valid points about sound absorption! Have you considered a machine-washable area rug? Due to the practicality, this can be an excellent option for having little ones in the house without sacrificing colour. I recommend a light area rug for the living room to break up the visual weight of the dark floors. To add some personality to the space, I recommend considering furnishings that bring in colour - specifically in sage or blue tones. If, for instance, your sofa or dining chairs are sage or blue, your eyes would be drawn to the pop of colour instead of the dark floors. The walls would instantly feel less bare and act more as a complementary backdrop to the furnishings whilst keeping the space feeling open and airy. Your silver-grey USM shelving would also fit very well with coloured furnishings because it would stand out instead of blending in. For lighting 💡- don't be afraid to add a statement flush-mount lighting fixture in the living room to complete the space. Choosing a light fixture that softly directs light up toward the ceiling will add a warm and spacious feel to the room. And lastly: Consider adding colour to the kitchen to make it feel more warm and inviting. Some budget-friendly options would be to add a backsplash or paint the walls in the kitchen, which would help define this space and bring in personality. Another idea to consider is to paint the kitchen cabinetry. Adding in some form of colour in the kitchen will help bring in the warmth you are missing and develop a sense of dimension so that it doesn't look so "flat". Best of luck and please feel free to write me if you have any questions! Amanda Madu Interiors