I wouldn't paint, but it is not up to us. What do you like? You are going to get response from both "camps."

I agree with whynottry it-- the wood trim is very cool and very unique and modern looking. I would focus on updating some of the country style furnishings!

True, this is usually an emotional subject so handymam is right, you need to decide about what to paint and what "character" is to you. Giving the walls a solid treatment or even vertical stripes will help them appear higher and more modern. This may sound really nuts but I've watched a number of episodes of Property Brothers on Netflix recently and they've tackled updating a number of older homes on there. It might give you some insight to what you want for your home as well.

Your woodwork is beautiful as is.

Do you have any rugs down? I cannot tell, but they would break up some of the wood for you, too.

The rug I have down is an off white one. The couches in the living room are grey/white patterned and new last year...The pattern is more of a modern paisley print...of which I tried to replicate for an accent wall in the dining room you can see form the living room. I'm wondering if I could use just a barely off white for the walls? paint/refinish the dining room table and get a new light fixture (something more modern) above the table? I just feel a little stuck! We've made great progress since moving in two years ago...the walls were red and dark brown and the ceilings were yellow..yikes! Thanks for any ideas!!

Can you show us some more pics?

I'll have to take some soon when it's light during the day...I think that would help see it all in the best light...when I can I'll add some!

Terrific!!

That wood work is gorgeous! Look to wall color, fabric, rugs, pillows etc to lighten up your home! Those are the things you can change out when you get antsy! Your home has stood since early 1900's! Perhaps! Leave that woodwork for another generation! Best of luck!

Thanks miacometlady! I loved the wood work when we first came through the house...I think antsy is the right word...that's totally what I am with the entire space right now!

I think you have a good plan for your home and would love to see more pics, just because I love this space!

IF IF IF you wanted to, I am wondering about painting the wood across the top of each wall....not sure what to call it, as it is not a chair rail. But I could see having that not be the same wood and calling attention to the line running across the wall might work?

I'm afraid painting the woodwork would take away all the character you say you love. There are other ways to brighten. Paint, fabrics, and lighting, lighting, lighting.

I was thinking about that too abbyjean. I think I'd be more inclined to just take that down and have a drywaller patch the area then paint the wall. Stick the wood in the attic in case you or the next buyer decides they want it. :D

Orrrr....you could lower that to the level of a chair rail. that would work too.

keep the wood, it's lovely.

Go for it! Paint it white!

See...lol...handymam was right. Or are you just stirring up trouble roxyfrugos?...hehehe

White-painted molding is so bland -- the paint takes so much away from the character, and it can never be undone. If you want more bright, modern flair in your house, I'd suggest different styling. The darkest element by far is the floor, not the trim -- look at big, light, modern area rugs. You could change out the chandelier to something more bold and modern -- that is quite a traditional fixture. Bold, light art could brighten up that dark wall paper or a modern wallpaper of any kind could totally change the room. Get one with a white background, and that'll be a lot brighter too. You might consider light/modern curtains. Those dining room chairs are dark and very traditional and could be swapped.

I'd just start changing things that are easy to change or change back and see if you can't get what you want that way.

so peculiar... to fall in love with a butterfly but then want to re-arrange the wings. acquaintances bought an old house in a historic new england town and then proceeded to rip the stuffing out of it, obliterating every bit of charm. they might rather have stuck with a mcmansion built in the corn fields near by.

folks can do what they like with their homes, thats what buying means. but peculiar, never the less.

Painting the woodwork is something that would be practically impossible to undo, should you or a future owner want the home in original condition. Also, if you do replace the dining room light, please at least keep it - for the same reason.

The molding near the top of the wall is called picture rail - you hang pictures from it using hooks and wire.

Lightening up the paint on the walls will help. We added new lighting to our home it made a huge difference brightening up our living room/ dining room.

I always regretted painting the wood trim around my windows in my dining room. Should've stained it! Live and learn! Don't paint that wood! Take down the heavy curtains and maybe paint the table and chairs.

LOVE the woodwork!!! I think paint is in now, but woodwork like yours is timeless and to be treasured! Can't wait to see more pictures. You have a lovely home!

I say white it will give it more
Modern fresh look

I think that white is the way to go in this case. Check out 'Decorators White' by Benjamin Moore!

You can't undo paint very easily. The wood is very much a part of the house's character. We have been working on a 1908 home and love the woodwork they didn't paint. It is one of the reason's people are attracted to these types of homes.