Paint
Here's a wood modernizing method my Mom did when I was a senior in high school: bleaching. When cedar walls are too dark and heavy, you can simply lighten them by mixing up a wood bleaching solution, then applying it to the wood. You'll need to protect your hands and wear a safety mask and ensure you're working in a well-ventilated area. The lighter tone of the wood can be enhanced with bold paint on the adjoining walls.
The basement had only southern- and western-facing windows, so natural light was limited. Penfield made every color stand out and enhanced each little bit of light by painting all the walls and trim in Benjamin Moore's Super White.
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