The chair behind the sofa is just there temporarily.

I think the walls are fabulous as is. People pay huge bucks for that look. But if you're tired of it, they would still look gorgeous painted off-white. I just don't see how you could lose... except it's easy to go to paint and a real bear to strip all the paint to go back to wood. Will you also be painting the ceiling beams white? All that white will really brighten up the room and probably lift your mood right with it.

I was going to say those walls are gorgeous. What about painting the brickwork instead? That'd freshen it up.

The woodwork is stunning... I would never paint it.

I might suggest, however, that you need a splash of cooler color in the room. You have so much red/orange/gold/brown, that the room is all one temperature.

A nice splash of green somewhere would help add some contrasting freshness and variety.

I think if you used a flash they would not be blurry and it would give a better idea of the true colors of the room. JMHO

Thank you all very your complimentary comments. My camera automatically used a flash when taking the pictures. I may have been shaky and that is why they are blurry. Will probably rethink my intent to change after the wonderful comments. I do love the woodwork, but thought I wanted a lighter look. But, even though the pictures are blurry, I do like the current look.

I love the walls just the way they are...Please don't paint them.

I love your room! The wood is gorgeous. I agree with the person who suggested you paint the brick work. I think it would lighten the room, and painted brick is very French country. A nice buttercream color would be gorgeous. If you really feel like you want to lighten the walls, you might think about liming them. there are a lot of pictures of limed walls in decorating books on France-- Provence especially, and you would still have the bare wood look, but it would be lighter. I have limed some walls with a liming wax, and then I have cheated by watering down an ivory paint and making a sort of glaze out of it. you can buy pre-made glaze or you can add glue to the water and make your own. It's a bit of work, though. You should test an area first, because if the wood is dark the glaze sometimes takes on a grey color instead of bleached lime look.

that being said, I love the color- it is that pecan color you see in France a lot. Good luck!

I would cry if I bought a house with that beautiful wood painted. And then I'd drive myself mad trying to strip it.

Please don't paint it. :)

Maybe breezy white sheer curtains, better lighting...a lighter rug and a few light accessories perhaps...could help brighten it up while preserving the wood.

I agree - gorgeous wood!!!!

Wasn't it mrsrose that painted her wood wall panels?

I agree! I'd paint the furniture and mantel and even the brick before I'd paint the walls! But bottom line it is your
home not ours!

I wouldn't paint it if it were mine. I just don't want to argue with you if you're set on it. It's gorgeous as it is -- is it oak? I wouldn't paint the brick either because it's not ugly. It's warm and looks fine with its surroundings.

The furniture pieces you have in there are also very nice, as are your paintings. I can't see your window treatments very well, but from what I can make out maybe if you need a change that's a place to start?

As everyone has said, you're room is lovely and I don't see it needing much improvment. You have furniture and art that you obviously have an eye for and are drawn to. One suggestion I have is to replace the valances you have with a drapery panel drawn to the side on either side of your fireplace. Or a relaxed roman shade in a linen fabric. I would move the mirror above your fireplace to hang vertically above the table behind the sofa. It would reflect light from the window around the room. Is the settee in the same room as the rest of the furniture? Another picture taken farther back would give a better idea of the room and furniture placement. The furniture certainly gives a french feel, but if it is all in one room, I would lighten it a bit by perhaps putting some pieces in other rooms. Right now it feels a little cramped, but that might just be the camera angle. If you are able to post more pics, that would be great.

I'm usually the first to suggest painting paneling because
I love light and bright but this time I will have to say not to paint.
Can't believe I'm saying this!

The wood is beautiful and makes for such a rich look.
Your furniture and paintings and wood paneling is a look so many people strive to achieve .

Sometime, we can just empty a room out except for heavy furniture.
Take out everything else and start all over and maybe even buy a few new pretties.

Then go back in and make magic with what you have in different places.
Even "borrow" from other rooms.
Its amazing what rearranging can do .

I'm in the process of painting my paneling. If I had your style of paneling, I'd leave it alone. Wanna trade????

Robbi

OMG--I LOVE THE WOOD AND BRICK of your room...beautiful--my tastes run to the more casual shabby chic--a little french country thrown in--a dab of whimsy--all the while thinking comfort, comfort.. in saying that, with your furnishings I would lighten up what you have--think the window treatment would be a good start. Again, enjoy the room--the bones are breathtaking...
Susan

Brick is coming back in the newer homes we have been seeing while trying to find a new nest and that wood is gorgeous. No, I would leave as is. I would not paint the paneling and I have no idea what was meant by "painting the furniture" but that would NEVER be an option to me to paint good furniture. I think once spring gets here and you can go outside, you will find your home more inviting and quite the beautiful respite. It's dark and dreary and we are all tired of our homes. Spring makes them look better.

Have you considered using picture lamps above your paintings? Another idea is to use can lamps on the floor or in the ceiling angled to light the walls and paintings which actually would lightened and highlight the beautiful wood paneling.

Sky

You advice is so important to me. I truly appreciate your comments. I am overwhelmed at the advice not to paint. I actually love the look created, but thought others would think it to dark. I guess I should just go with my "gut" instinct and go with what I like.

I cannot thank you all enough for you for your advice and comments. I welcome all advice. Thank you so very, very much.