Since your windows match the trim, is it possible there is a middle way that would unify everything? If you painted the backs of the bookcases white but left the cabinets sides and shelves wood, then you might paint the paneled wainscot but leave the trim and windows natural . . . you would want to select a very creamy white or a very taupe white . .

I think you could do what you said samantha. but perhaps after painting trims and wall apnelling white, you should choose a nice colour for the wall.

Or paint shelf trim and wallpaper the back of the shelves to freshen it up? Some visual ideas:

Thank you for the suggestions! My husband refuses to paint the bookcases, or let me paper them, so that is not an option.

There is a grass cloth wall paper above the wall paneling that will be removed. I looking at eithrr painting all the trim -including windows, paneling, etc. - decorators white, to match the trim in most of the house and painting the upper walls a greige color to tie into the bookcases. Or, leaving the paneling and trim it's current color and painting the upper walls a creamy white.

We are planning on renovating in a few years and having the paneling removed and rebuilding the built ins, but can't afford to do that at this time.

I would paint the trims, book cases, book cases all white. Then I would add an accent color in the center or some other type of wall application to make it a bit more interesting.

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