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I agree with LuckyMom, I would paint them or even remove them if possible. -Michael

I am usually pretty reluctant to jump on the paint the wood bandwagon, but I agree with luckymom

paint them the windows are beautiful and they will show up

Paint them, it will freshen the look.

Before you paint it all, try just the beam(s) coming down from the ceiling, also painting the trim around the fireplace and removing those spotlights. Lower the ceiling light (assuming there will be a table there) to dining height.

Paint them!! I ❤ the room

Paint them the same color as the rest of your trim.

Are you painting the ceiling? I would paint the ceiling areas first if your are going too that will change the look of the beams especially if not painting typical white. I agree with judyg and, mmad & lucky mom they do look dated and heavy. Good Luck let us know what you decide. Changing around the fireplace will have a huge affect

What is the setting for your vacation home (beach, mountains, etc). First it depends on the total look you are trying to achieve. Personally, just looking at this empty room, I see a beautiful simple black wrought iron chandelier, bold artwork with bright colors and keep the walls white. But without knowing what your destination design is....I dare not say paint the dark rustic look of the beams. I would love to know what "your" inspiration for this beauty of a room is going to be. (Then, I will happily chime in on the painted or not painted beams).

Hi Palm, what is the condition of the wood of the beam, and what's the condition of the finish ? If the wood is in very good condition and the grains are beautiful, it's a shame to paint them -- irreversible, as you said. I would keep the natural wood look. I would not paint them, at all.

The condition of the wood and finish is okay. The house is on a marsh / golf course in a beach town.

I wouldn't paint as I like the contrast of the beams defining your interesting ceiling. The tie-in to the fireplace works well.

i would paint them black. would add a contemporary look including ALL of the trip around the fireplace too

*trim

They are certainly contradictory to your shutters, but black might do it.

Thanks for everyone's comments. We have decided to paint the beams. We will post pictures once painted.

Painted Trim

Finished Trim and Fireplace