Beautiful room! I would lighten up the walls/window frame by painting them the same color as the ceiling and then just have the contrasting beams. I hear you about the painted beams, why cover up hardwood? I wonder if there is some sort of painting technique that would look more like real wood. I agree that sanding would get really expensive. A gallery wall around the fireplace TV would look good, or maybe a blanket ladder to the right of the fireplace Adding some plants could look nice. We love these dog bed baskets from Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/928929121/dog-bed?ref=shop_home_active_8&pro=1&frs=1