I believe both Ralph Lauren and Martha Stewart sell powder additives to paint that would add some sparkle. I don't think you want gold, but something that will reflect the light. I don't think you want to use a high gloss paint on the ceiling, as that shows every flaw in the surface. What's the height of the ceiling? The higher the ceiling, the shinier the surface can be. (Harder to see the flaws from far away). I think you may have to resign yourself to having a dark room, if those are the only windows, and decorate accordingly. Lots and lots of lamps, uplighting (cans on the floor), and if you can afford it, have an electrician come in and put can lights in the ceiling, positioned so that they flood some light on the walls. Interesting room. I agree to keep, and not paint, the wood.

start with painting the ceiling in a soft warm shade of white. really, so much will depend on what you have to put into this space. you can lighten up the feel of this space with the elements you put into it.....add a large soft shade neutral area rug...perhaps something with a texture in the weave, but a mostly solid color will not compete with the pattern and wood grain. long straight non-sheer light or white curtain panels from high and wide mounted decorative rods will give the illusion of larger windows and will allow in as much natural light as possible. make sure upholstered pieces have no skirt along the bottom...showing a sofa's feet will keep things light. adding any heavy pieces of furniture and deep dark colors will give this space a dark pub-like feel...keep pieces light. have fun! :)

Lights in ceiling a good idea. Would wall sconces be a good idea?

Ceiling height is 8'. The interior shutters on two windows make drapes tricky. I plan to put light furniture off floor to keep cleaning of lots of dog hair easier. I also have two large bright paintings to hang.

Paint door, ceiling, can u leave curtains off paint shutters and leave open so natural light comes in? I also love wood, I live in log house. Used to have those fluffy country curtains, but have taken all down and have very simple or no window treatments. Like it better.

I'm not sure that sparkle paint would really have the effect you want. Don't start there. Sparkle paint doesn't go with rustic wood and would ruin the look of your room.

I agree with the comment on sparkle paint...especially since you love the natural wood. I have a 1920's farm house with all the natural woodwork and it was pretty nice but I've painted it a soft glossy white and really shows off the woodwork so much better. I understand your feelings, I was really into antiques etc., but I would go ahead and paint...it would feel so clean and cheerful. Think about how you want the room to feel...not sentimental over woodwork.

A light ceiling- off white or cream and painting the door will help a lot, along with some furniture and art. I would not paint the wood either!

If you have shutters, you don't need curtains. If you want to keep the shutters, but want a feminine look add sheers. I would paint the front door and ceiling, but not the wood. Use a large solid color rug that has a weave that is dog friendly. Furniture that is med to light color with pillows with design to complement your art would brighten and moderize your room. I am jealous, wishing that was my room! Good luck

Any suggestions on product to use on the old cypress wood?

Remove curtains. Paint ceiling white. Choose a color from the stained glass to paint the door. Paint the door.

Completely agree with the soft warm white ceiling. The space would brighten up immediately. We have 3 large black dogs who shed a ton and large area rugs - if it's low pile and you have a really good vacuum, it isn't that bad. I wouldn't strip the wood and put on a new coat - the patina looks awesome in the photos.

Mirrors would help draw reflect light as well, maybe opposite the window if you don't have blinding light at any time of day. (Could go above a couch on the left side.)

You could also swap out the light fixture to a chandelier that cast light up toward the white of the ceiling. Additional lighting would be awesome as well, but I think that sconces would damage the walls... I think I'd probably go with floor /table lamps.

If it's a living room, you could go with cream or white leather furniture and bring more dimension to the room with pillows, knickknacks, throws, etc to pull in more color as well.

Lovely, lovely place by the way. :)

If you put sconces in, they will dictate your furniture arrangement and probably be un-removable, since you'll never find more paneling that matches.

I personally would paint the ceiling cream and all the trim and shutters a shade darker cream and the door in a soft aged aqua

Go with lighter furniture and lighter artwork that ties the brown and cream and aqua together.

One more question: I hope you folks who responded see this. What about putting a tin ceiling-look wall paper on the ceiling and painting it a light cream color? Would that be too much texture with the wood walls? (I do plan to paint the door blue as several folks suggested.)

I feel like you have enough going on with the wood. I would just paint the ceiling light cream as you planned but without the textured wallpaper.

I agreed with painting the ceiling white until I saw er612's rendering. It looks like such a disconnect to me. I think I would go with lots of white accessories and furniture and colourful art first and see if that does it for you.

I would strongly recommend against painting any of that beautiful old wood since that will be irrevocable.

I would go with the suggestion for a light rug, sheer white curtains where appropriate, light-colored upholstery and high wattage lighting and go from there.

I used turquoise as a door color in a wooden room with a white ceiling, yet it was an eggshell finish on the ceiling and not a gloss. It was stunning. Also if you keep a ceiling fan in the room, please change it to all white

That wood is BEAUTIFUL! Paint your ceiling white, hang white or light colored curtians (ceiling to floor to elongate the window) add a light colored rug to the space and keep the furniture light in tone and you're all set!

I would get rid of the stained glass in the door. It’s dark and probably doesn’t let any light in

This is a five year old post, folks. Perhaps the OP will give us an update.

I recently sold the house, but here is a photo of the finished living/dining room. I painted ceiling white, added down lights and an adjustable track light. I never painted the door.