What should we do with these beams?

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

We just purchased this house which is getting a huge renovation. My biggest problem right now is whether or not to leave the beams and paint them (or refinish) white. Or cover them with a drop ceiling and add recessed lighting. The wood slats in between the beams is coming down, and the wood paneling is also coming down and getting dry wall. The room is actually very bright and has a lot of natural light coming in (the front entry area is also getting changed). My next problem will be deciding on a paint color.

Sorry for the poor quality photos. Please note that the furniture/decor is not ours - this is the mls picture. My style is definitely more contemporary/clean/classic. Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

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Michelle
Original Author

13 years ago

Thank you all SOO much! I will definitely leave them as is until I figure out a proper stain.

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Comments (13)

amymdixon
13 years ago
I love the beams, I would keep and refinish either darker stain (going more modern) or paint white (to keep things clean). Once you remove the wood slats in between the beams, I think that it will help you visualize things a lot better. Good luck, it is a beautiful space!
onthefence
13 years ago
I love the beams - particularly now that the slats are going.

My initial thought would be to paint white. However - I think I'd wait until drywall was up and get a better sense of the room. Once you have the wall up that you'll be living with, I think you'll have a better sense of how you want the beams to look.

Looks like a great house!
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Judy M
13 years ago
I agree, remove the slats and drywall the wall with panelling, then re-evaluate the beams, I like them.
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Ironwood Builders
13 years ago
I think the beams work well with the fireplace. They can work well with a more contemporary interior design, just like the stone.[houzz=
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Jayme H.
13 years ago
I would also leave the beams...once the other boards are gone, it will look a lot better. You can then decide what look u like better, painted or stained differently.
feeny
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I love the beams and would keep them. What I'm not sure about (and might be tempted to paint) are the smaller wood pieces creating a ladder look between the beams (sorry I don't know the correct terminology). I might prefer to see just the wide wood beams against the white background of the ceiling. Definitely do NOT drop the ceiling. That would be a waste in so many ways.
butlera
13 years ago
Great room! I like the beams as they are and would leave them natural. :)
libradesigneye
13 years ago
Keep beams. Don't paint. You can later select stain or wash colors once you set a color story for your house.
Barbara Bruce
13 years ago
Keep them!
bleuceleste
12 years ago
Do you have any updates? I would also recommend looking at the history of midcentury modernism, Charles and Ray Eames's case study house in LA (which has more verticality in terms of windows and space, but has interesting ideas) and perhaps Richard Neutra's architecture. I wouldn't have been completely against the panelling, if the furniture and lighting were mid-century modern and low to the ground. But perhaps it's not good looking in person!
dzines02
12 years ago
I agree with Ironwood Builders!
You have a beautiful space!
I would also bulk up the mantel ... It looks small and as if it is going to float away. Should be 8-10" in thickness which will drop down a bit and give it more presence in the room.
keenplanner
12 years ago
Try painting the wood paneling before you remove it. Painted wood adds a nice texture and depth to a room that drywall can't. Ceiling, keep the big beams, remove the small strips.
Because of the fireplace, the room is always going to have a rustic feel. Go with it. Consider removing the mantel, or at least lower it by a foot. Shine a flood on the stone and leave it empty. I like the deer head as well, not sure if he belongs there, though.
This could be a really pretty, cozy room if it's done well.