Yes take it down

Paint it but keep it. Panelling in traffic ways protects the walls from dings and gouges. Nice doors.

I would certainly keep it and paint it. Some people go out of their way to add character and you already have it. The problem I have run into is if you have dark stained trim. I personally would paint it all out cream except the doors and stairs. I have a room with some paneling and had a hard time with color as it is all original wood trim which I just could not bring my self to paint over. I think the paneling should work well with the trim.

Agree entirely with the painters...the blue on the walls is not helping; and if you take down the little shelf bit you will have a much cleamer line.

Definately paint it out-I'd keep the blue and paint the paneling a crisp white for a really airy, fresh look that will add an illusion of more space. Use a paint that is easily cleanable to, as the paneling is in high traffic areas that could get dirty easily.

We are going to be painting out this cathedral ceiling in a similar way to update and add freshness