Rectangular living room dark room how can I make it brighter and large

I painted the ceiling a bright white satin to increase light reflectivity. I added several table lamps on timers so their on when I come home at night, Opened the room up from the kitchen about 12' to living room, 6' is doorway and 6' is a counter.

Keep the furniture to a minimum and select smaller pieces will increase the visual space. Avoid clutter.

If the walls are dark, put light colored art work on them.

I use a couple floor spots to brighten dark corners or a standing lamp.

Light paint, overhead lighting if there is none. Light colored curtains.

Make sure lamps are large enough and on high enough tables. For window treatments, just toppers up to the ceiling (in a color to match your furniture), with long white sheers to the floor. Floor to ceiling window treatments can make the ceiling seem taller.

At one time I owned a very small antique shop with two rather large windows. This was near a very popular restaurant. I remember being very aware of lighting at night for passersby from the restaurant, I lit the shop way in the back but with soft lights. In a way it is the same thing in one's home. Lighting is so important. We have two dark rooms at the front of our house. Well they are never going to be larger than they are and probably never lighter either. I do not like overhead lights, but on darker days, even in the summer I make sure corners are all lit. That will make the room(s) seem larger. Darker spaces are not necessarily duller spaces. We have lots of art work, book cases, shutters on windows (these are great for light control as they are so flexible.) One of our rooms is 15 X 15 and the other smaller, but each room has at least 4 lamps in it. I don't think smaller and fewer things make spaces look lighter or larger, but I would keep walls light colored.

Light colored paint, light colored fabrics, lighting and mirrors placed opposite the windows.

Light colors on the walls,bright color accessories,light window treatments,decorative mirrors and lighting