I agree with Zephyrmation, you should have many puzzles. Leave out mazes and sliding puzzles, as they are frustrating. Also, including the character in the room might help the bland atmosphere you have created.
So, you know how Galileo proved the angle to get the most distance from a cannon was 45 degrees? Of course you don't... Well anyway, I got farther with 10 degrees. Damn those kitten-eating plants!