Well, I'll be in the minority. I Love Love Love wood. Real wood. So, I would keep the wood as is and find a beautiful warm color for the walls. You have a beautiful space to work with. Take your time and get a feel for it. The colors and accessories will come in time.

a)FUNCTION .... how do you really want to use the room -- TV? reading? card games?

b)FEEL ... how do want the room to "feel" -- warm? cozy? cool? sophisticated?

c)QUALITIES ... how does the room work now? Too dark? Too light? ((lamps? window treatments?)) Storage?? ((bookshelves for reading and books; CD storage?))

start a decorating notebook for this room! First -- find a notebook or binder with some of those plastic sleeves .... to hold photos and samples etc. Take photos of the room -- print them and stash them in the notebook. Decorating any room can really be the case where a picture can actually say a thousand words!! Just having a photo can truly help a buying decision .....

Now -- measure everything. Measure the room, windows, doors -- and mark on a basic diagram where the outlets and TV cables are located .... put these in the notebook. Never ever trust your memory to pull these exact measurements out of thin air ..... especially during stressful decisions .....

Next -- Research and Development Phase. Start by looking through magazines and books. What kinds of decor and rooms really appeal to you?? Check out websites like Pottery Barn -- just to look through their room photos and print photos to keep in your notebook. When you find pages in a magazine that you like -- buy it -- and rip out those pages and stash them in the plastic sleeves. Makes notes on ANYTHING that works for your taste -- a wall color, a table, a lamp -- an artwork.

Look for an inspiration piece or pieces -- maybe an area rug? artwork? pottery? etc. for colors .....

NOW -- start to cruise through stores -- both online and IRL -- and look for items. Carry the notebook with you everywhere -- you never know where a great bargain or deal might pop up! Those measurements and ideas will save you so much time, steps -- and even tears!

I would start with an area rug to warm up the tile. First decde on what look you like. Traditional? Contemporary? Use Teacat's great suggestions with a file for pictures. Start with a great fabric or area rug you love. Colors for walls can come from that. Everything else will follow. Another great suggestion is to find an inspiration pic and use that for the look you want.

I like the wood in your room, but think that the red wall color is competing with it rather than enhancing it. I would paint a nice warm beige, green or gold.

Whatever you paint the walls, I would paint the ceiling in the lightest shade from the same strip. It would compliment the beams.

I just received the two newest Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel catalogues and for what it is worth, most of the wood is medium stained wood like yours. So what you think may appear dated is probably just a bit ahead of it times!

Repaint the walls. That will help immensely.
Diane

Great room!!! I love the wood look too. I think a muted gold would look nice with wood or creme color maybe antique white. Just my two cents.

I'd get rid of that red asap...also, invest in a new ceiling fan/light fixture. The one you have peeking out now (I can't see the fan but the globes on the light are the ruffle-edge) is not what I'd choose for a warm, welcoming FR. Good luck!
Susan

Thank you so much! Lots of great suggestions!

As for style and function, this room will be used as a casual TV room/den (we have a separate more formal living area). We would like to try to work with the wood rather than stain or paint, and the tone of the wood seems to require more warm colors, so we are thinking warm, casual, cozy den. We like a simple and uncluttered space with clean lines. With the wood tone, we're trying to avoid looking too country, but maybe a fresh and modern rustic look a la Pottery Barn is ok.

This room is dark, so we want to lighten up the wall color. I like the idea of golds, beige, cream and antique white as suggested above... thoughts?

Our other main question is what color wood should we bring in for the TV stand, coffee/end tables, etc? We currently have a cherry color coffee table, and it seems to really clash with the wood trim color, so we're wondering what wood colors would work instead.

I like the suggestions of starting with fabric or a rug... I think, though, that it would help us immensely to pick a color and get a different color on the wall. We're having a hard time seeing past the RED.

Thanks again!

SW Moderate White might be a good starting point until you get the rugs, fabrics, etc. It will give you a clean slate to work with to help you visualize a little better. It's the least expensive fix too!

A white "clean slate" look is a great idea. You'll have to prime anyway, so maybe a high-grade tinted primer to start?

I like the wood too. I'd paint the walls and ceiling the same color and maybe bring in some painted furniture for contrast.

It's going to be a great space!

The wood in your room reminds me of our basement.
Excuse the mess.This is Sherwin Williams Ivoire in a windowless room. Gives a very warm sunny feel.

This is a gorgeous room! I definitely agree to painting the walls a lighter color. You mentioned a sage sofa, so consider accenting with blue, it is a complimentary color. I suggest espresso or black furniture pieces to act as a contrast to the existing wood trim. Rich browns and black are just beautiful accent colors, besides it will give it the modern look you so desire.