The picture makes it look lighter - it's actually quite a bit darker and has more of an even tone. 

Inflation in the US is so bad right now that…
- My friend received a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
- CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
- Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
- McDonald's is selling ...

Ok,here in Southern California we enjoy Medium Grey exteriors with Creamy white trim and something bold for the front door like Crimson red or darker blue.Also beige with white trim is common.Interiors should be light and bright with lighter soft grey walls with white kitchen cabinets and grey counter tops.Sandy light beige with dark cabinets for homes with beige exteriors.Bathrooms can be more colorful with light yellows or sage green or even light blue with shower tiles and toilet lid covers to match( think Bed Bath and Beyond).

I 2nd what @James Wise said, but if I were going to do it (and I was not working with load bearing walls, I would focus on the back area and hall.It really comes down to what our close in competition is getting and what their offerings are.If you see a more tidy, rain protected look getting more money without sitting on the market too long, or you don't want to offer something too downscale (looking for a little better renter--hopefully)....maybe focus on the hall and back door.Some of the things I see that can could the possible rent a little better might be, door types, a rain roof, concrete patio and trash areas, a cellular door bell on the bottom, an outdoor modern looking pigtail florescent light (day lighter), the interior hall with commercial tread covers and lighting like the sun (day lighter) as well as a sturdy metal handrail or two, and a window at the top.But as James said above--beware of spending when you don't have to (but that's your call depending on your close in competition).Good Luck!

@Rich O'Neill on a hopefully lighter note there was a line about VAT/national sales tax that made the rounds last time this got a push: "it will pass as soon as liberals realize it is a cash machine and conservatives realize it is regressive."

almost all the new constructions now have lighter stains

A few tips:- Look at their pockets for cigarettes or lighters.

The living room has two large windows that let in a lot of light so, I think, the lighter color helps.As for the other comments, It is possible that grey is a fad and will phase out.

A lighter color will make it look larger.Tips: wipe the surface down with a solution of TSP. 

For color, if there is not much light in the room go with lighter wood tone cabinets.