How do i decorate this depressing awkward room?

[DiyConfused]

Please help! How would you decorate this room? The same all the way through with a feature in one half, ie chimney breast/alcoves? Or do the two halves different and have a feature in both?

My dining room/living room needs a major face lift and i just don't know how to do it. The room is so depressing and it is the main family room of the house (living room is even bigger disaster) . Diagram/pics attached.

I need major inspiration, i am useless at matching colours and texture, and DP is even worse than me! It doesn't help the shape of the room, the windows & doors are east facing and the room is 22ft long so the top end of the room is very dark.

We have been in over 10 years and never decorated this room. It is currently a golden beige colour all the way through, with a matching golden flower pattern on the chimney breast and alcoves (rented and done just before we moved in). I want bright light colours to make the room brighter. The floor is a very dark wood. Unfortunately i can't afford to do the floor atm. I love bright and colourful and currently have a very vibrant multicoloured rug in front of the sofa and a watercolour print on the wall, which has pinks, blues, yellows, purples etc....

Please mumsnet give me some inspiration, I hate this house atm (it is a gorgeous house it just needs a face lift) i need one room that doesn't feel depressing

I’d do is put the table in the middle of the room and a fantastic feature light over it. You might have to move the fitting to get it central to the table but it’s so worth doing.

the two halves need to compliment one another but no need to match if you don’t want. If you’re into bold you could do vibrant wallpaper(s), or abstract shapes in different colours or even a mural.

go for vibrant if that’s what you love. Light and bright only works in rooms with good light to start with.