I think that painting the paneling is a good start if you are on a budget. You may want to also paint the fireplace as well. Do you have thoughts about the beams? The may be a bit dark and heavy-looking. A new pendant lamp is a must as well. Good luck!

I like that ceiling! Yes the paneling really dates the space. Maybe a lighter oak stain? Are you planning on changing the brick?

IMO the pannelling shoud just go if you are replacing the flooring now is the time to do drywall to replace the pannelling,I agree the beams might be a bit heavy looking with painted walls but I actually don’t mind the fireplace and that center light really does nothing hung that high and aimed at the ceiling so if you want lighting there look into cable light it will allow lighting to be down at a level that actually lights the room I am pretty sure you need to replace all the lighting and I would suggest you go LED to save money on your bills.

Have you checked to see if there is drywall under the paneling? There is a lot of grain in that paneling that will show through the paint so it will still look like paneling. Either way, paint!

I would paint, re-face that fireplace, and change lighting fixtures for a start. I think it may have good "bones", but I would scrap everything... including those old drapes, and start fresh. Good luck, I think you will make it a pretty nice place.

Thanks for all the advice! My husband and I are taking it all in. I will check to see if there is drywall behind the paneling. We are thinking of painting the fireplace as well. I hadn't considered the beams mainly due to time frame. Hoping they are fine for now. We are looking a new lighting fixtures as the house is full of gems..ha. I will add some pictures this next week.

Since you're on a budget, I think the easiest solution would be to paint the paneling, ceiling & fireplace. I would paint the ceiling a creamy color -- not so stark white, but leave the beams the dark stain. I would install darker hardwood floors to tie in the dark ceiling beams. Also, I would add a chunky fireplace mantel -- an old barn beam would look great. Plus, replace the window coverings & light fixture.

First thing I'd do is pull off the old window treatments they are dated, dingy and probably never did look good.Something neutral that goes with the new flooring and hung from the top of the wall.

I'd be looking for a dramatic ceiling light fixture worthy of your interesting room. The paneling is clearly wood veneer sheets. It won't look good painted like the real thing can but since you are putting in new wood floors it definitely needs to be either painted or removed.

My 1970s diagonal paneled wall had drywall underneath but wasn't taped. That part is harder than putting up the dry wall in the first place.

I usually like brick and I like yours and would choose to complement it with the flooring and beams if you like the beam and brick colors together. They look okay to me but it's what it looks like in real life that counts. The mantel suits the brick, casual and rustic so leave it alone for now.

Yes those window treatments are coming down for sure. We actually get keys next week and will do further investigation. We are purchasing new furniture, but of course dealing with walls and floor are number one. I want to attach a picture of something my husband and I both like...but with having inside dog I am not good with the white---just in case he jumps on them. This house is full of needed updates but little at a time. ha. We have not picked out a floor color for wood either and not sure if I should go light or dark. I am going to attach the kitchen too---

Kathy and others...what lighting would work in living room? Any ideas...if the idea I have for design looks like the picture above with different layout of course.

Wow that kitchen is something!

Daniella, I cant really wrap my head around kitchen! So much to do, but for now I am thinking of painting the cabinets a light cream or white. The wallpaper---uggg. It will be a couple years before I give the kitchen a professional make over.

I remember that Waverly wallpaper! Your house is going to look great when it's done. Hope you share the transformation.

i promise i will! we are very excited!

I didn't paint, but I did remove that gawdawful chandelier and install a new floor.

Personally I think you should live in the house for a while to get the feel for it. I agree the rug should be removed (no one wants to live with someone elses old carpet) and replaced with hardwood. Then just paint to freshen things up.

groveraxle WOW thanks for the floor demo!

Searching here for vaulted beams chandelier came up with lots of choices. I haven't a clue what would be be best, I'd look for modern rustic in the description though.

Getting the wallpaper off would be a priority for me. If you are lucky it's vinyl coated, the vinyl peels right off and it's easy to soak and scrape the paper layer. I'd leave the floral sort of stained glass thing for a while, still sort of like that type of fixture.

Be careful, furniture really comes first. If you go for a floor you like then you may have trouble finding upholstery/rug/drapes to go with it. You might choose a floor which only looks really good with red but you really want a green sofa for instance. Suspect that's why experienced people make up sample boards!

Congratulations on your new home. Overwhelming, isn't it? I think your best bet is to concentrate on one room at a time. A paper tiger and a solution of fabric softener and warm water should make quick work of the wallpaper in your kitchen. Painting the cabinets is a big job. I think they might be okay if you just strip the wallpaper, add your flooring and leave it at that until you're ready in a few years for a full makeover. You can update the hardware fairly inexpensively. Grover's floors are perfect-a combination of light and mid range tones should complement everything quite well. I've painted your walls navy and your fireplace white to help you visualize how your inspiration photo might translate into your room.. A decorative screen for the fireplace would help dress it up as well. A light fixture will depend on what kind of look you're going for. Hope this helps!

Katinparadise WOW! This visual really helps us! We are taking this picture to our flooring guy. And I like the color on walls too. I was worried it may make it too dark but with the ceiling and floors I think this will work! And yes it sure is an overwhelming process; this site has been extremely helpful.

Glad to help Laura! I think because you have so much natural light and such a big expanse of ceiling, the blue will be beautiful in the room. Just take one room at a time and you'll get there. I hope you'll keep us updated with your progress. Good luck!

Thank you and I will upload as I go :)

What if you did white walls with navy couch. I see you like the navy and white but worried about white furniture with dogs. So if you paint the walls navy then what color sofa? So if you have white walls you could do navy sofa and maybe navy patterned curtain. That would look great. Also leave the ceiling beams they add a lot of texture and structure to the ceiling angles.

Also I would use matchstick blinds with drapes either side of window. I think a nice ceiling fan would look great on the ceiling. The ones that look like a fan leaf

I think once you paint the walls. The color of the fireplace with look great the way it is. The brick seams a nice neutral to me

From experience, a darker floor shows lots of dog hair and paw prints. When we had our paneled basement redone we just covered the paneling with drywall. It was less expensive than taking it out and then adding drywall. We're very happy with the results. We also put slate tiles over the bricks on the fireplace. Looks great! Congratulations on your new home!!

I'm not sure how to attach Houzz pics to postings, since I'm new to the posting aspect of Houzz. However, I like the bubbles brushed nickel chandelier. I think it would look great with the furniture that you like. Plus, it adds a nice contrast to the room.

I would try light hardwood (similar to the color of the stone in the fireplace) to brighten the room and contrast the dark beams on the ceiling. (Sorry if this posted twice). :) good luck with your new home.

I love the look of the darker floor with the dark beams. I think picking a neutral color from the fireplace brick and then getting it in darker (mid-tone) hue would look beautiful.

For paint color.