I would not cover wood with drywall were I you, (very rarely do I recommend getting rid of wood in any way) but look at other ways of modernizing the decor, which would tie in with the wood. If you want change of the wood appearance, consider staining the wood

I completely agree with Najeebah. The wood in your home is spectacular, you have a treasure that makes your home special. Look at other ways of modernizing, or changing the feel. Paint colors, lighting, wider crown molding.

i dont care for the diagonal headwall, or above the fireplaces.

*signs permission slip to get rid of diagonal wood areas*

i think the horizontal on the stairs is sufficient to set your home apart.

i'm not sure that covering it wouldnt just make it look bulky. remove would be my choice.

Painting the wood would be a nice look, and less work than drywall/paint.

From the first photo: I'd get new light fixtures that work with the style of the home, something a bit rustic.

It would make a lot of sense to pay a designer for an hour or two of their time to help you carefully edit what to keep/not keep. I agree to save wood where it makes sense but sometimes it's done heavy handed and then its just a shrine to a past design mistake.

ohhh i have to remember that...."a shrine to a past design mistake" so very well sums that up.

IMO drywalling most of it is a great idea this was design nightmare even in the 80’s

I would take the advice of a builder/remodeler and not drywall over the wood, but remove it and then drywall/paint. If you need it - you have my permission to remove the wood :)

Good Luck!

Julie