Can you tell me what would be the easiest way to freshen up your home? I moved into this house last summer and it is really dark. I don't know whether to paint or to get new curtains or what. It has plenty of nice windows, it just stays dark.
Get some nice shear drapes that emit light better than heavy or dark colored drapes. Place some wall sconces around the place, preferably near corners, so the light can add dimension and height.
Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do, especially if it's not a exposure issue. You didn't mention, what do you have on your floors?