That wood panelling is gorgeous! Wood panelling does look really good painted white and provides a ton of light/open canvas to add great furnishings. Here are some great before and after examples:


http://www.designsponge.com/2013/03/before-after-sarahs-real-world-makeover.html


http://blog.saudahsaleem.com/2012/03/wood-paneling-saying-goodbye-to-60s70s.html


You could also paint the trim pieces and the flat recessed boards with different colors and make it pop. Or, you could paint just the trim or recessed pieces and leave the alternating plane as natural wood--this could be really great with your dining room because you already have the recessed plane above the wood panelling white. Think coffered ceilings:


https://www.houzz.com/photos/coffered-ceiling-design-ideas-phbr0lbl-bl~l_88078


Another option would be to refinish the wood. If you go this path, I would suggest using tung oil so that the natural beauty and color tones of the wood are pulled out.

I think I'd keep it as is. The wood looks nice. The darker color creates a moody environment. I would change the chandelier, paint the plaster walls (and perhaps ceiling) a color, remove the lacy panels from the French doors, add a light colored area rug under the table.

I don't think if you paint the panelling white you will lose the charm of the room. If you add thicker crown molding, period chandelier, and decorate accordingly, you will still have a period room, but refreshed. Suggesting the white due to the variations in wood tone of the walls, floor, table and chairs and think the white would mean one less wood to work with. It's such a personal choice though. The paint color in the first picture is a custom finish (white with grey) second picture is by Benjamin Moore called 1192 Sweet Romance. [houzz=];[houzz=]

Hi---lovely space---really like your furniture. I think the paneling and trim stained a deep gray with a hint of cornflower blue would look fabulous and fit with the period. Keep the floors as is-they're gorgeous. Upper wall, a warm off-white, check SW's Simple White and BM's White Dove. Ceiling fixture---a touch of rustic and a bit of sparkle. Rug---cowhide with organic/curves/circular shapes to balance linear architecture and table. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
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before you make a commitment to painting the paneling (which is difficult to take back) pick a color and paint above the paneling and the do a light tint of color on the ceiling and see if that updates the room for you. colorful accents staged around the room then take a picture and study that to see what you think.

Don't paint. Good god, no. Add a ceiling medallion, change the chandelier to something more modern, do a fun paper or color on the walls, put some large modern art and a mirror in the walls and you're done. If you want to do something w more color, paint the ceiling that color, too. But don't paint that beautiful woodwork.

Yes, no paint---Stain it instead... CheerS!

Take a look at your idea books, do you have any natural stained wood in the photos you gravitate toward? That should answer your question.

I like the direction that Natalie is moving in above--and I like the Black Residence kitchen--but keep in mind that staining wood is not nearly as easy once its been varnished. You'll have a better success potential, and you'll get a similar feeling, if you paint and glaze. Just remember, prep, prep, prep. Many amazing moldings and panels have been ruined by poorly trained painters. For this kind of high quality paneling, you'll need a fine finisher to properly apply which ever finish you choose.

Good luck! -- Justin

I would leave the panelling the way it is. I love how your dining table is much more updated. For me the looks works. Love the cat. Add color with art and drapes

Get bright art and fabulous lamps