Just from what you've written here, you've shown that you have a basic of understanding of your renovation design goals: to do what you can to open up living spaces, and to choose materials that pull together your chosen color palette. 

it was a huge headache, but we were successful, and afterward, the house was spotless. in the house you're working on, i'd say, it wouldn't be difficult, since it's not full of personal items. but diatomaceous earth only works if the bugs make physical contact with it. we used ourselves as bait, sleeping on air mattresses in the center of the living room, but it was not ideal, especially with a baby. another thing to consider is that breathing it in can be harmful to your lungs and dries your skin out(it also dried out my rugs and floor a little, but, i wanted to cover all my bases). be sure to get the food grade stuff, wear masks when puffing it around, and only puff small amounts(we used a condiment bottle- for mustard or ketchup). another way to lure them through the de is with heat and carbon dioxide(because we generate heat and carbon dioxide)- you could use candles, but be careful leaving them unattended if you are not staying at home through this process. i wish you the best of luck. bed bugs are no fun.

I generally put them on color coded key rings to organize everything. 

I would also agree that everyone brings their own lens to the world (and economics) which colors their behavior and advice.  

New flooring, lighting, paint (light gray is a nice color), is that a full wall in the back of the picture?

I use Shaw Kitteredge (color Fog)...see below.  

then do that, go grab the nearest GC you can find, a dust mask, a notebook and your smart phone, and go take some pictures and notes.Do your DD.

Add a garden bed with mulch and some colored flowers.

(i.e paint the cabinets white get new stainless steal knobs,  paint the walsl _____ color, white trim?

What is a good size for the post card and should it be in color?