We did it and absolutely loved it but this wood looks in much better shape – ours was 80s orangey wood trim. I have a neighbor that did not and was going to do some blue walls that she thought would look gorgeous with the wood, haven’t seen it yet though,

I think just painting the ceiling moulding the ceiling color would make a huge difference. Try that first. I NEVER like moulding that is not white but somehow I like yours.

I would look for a creamy white and paint your walls ,not the trim which is beautiful and makes your home unique. A creamy color would be a softer contrast against the wood. Try different whites and see what you think.

All great advice! @threers By my eye, the walls appear to be a creamy white already, but I’m horrible at seeing nuances in color. How would you describe the current wall color as compared to the creamy color you are referring to?

gotego, that woodwork is gorgeous and it would be a sin to paint it!

By cream, look at the first picture you posted. The lamp shade is more of a cream color in the picture and the walls appear bright white.

I am not a fan of the thin wood strip along the ceiling. If it is not original, I would think about painting it or getting rid of it.

Omg no lol.

I would start with a little more color on the walls and maybe paint the crown moulding the same as ceiling or walls to eliminate the stripe at ceiling level. Then, as others have suggested, live with it for a while. Your wood appears to be in good condition and is lovely. Paint over old stained wood has a tendency to chip or peel, regardless of prep work. This might not be the case in your home, but has been in several homes in my neighborhood.

Love the woodwork, especially the dr built in. Agree the ceiling molding could be painted out white. I also like painted trim, but i think yours is part of the charm of the apartment, so unless you really dislike it, I’d try to live with it for a while and see if it grows on you.

On my screen your walls look to be a bright white. I am thinking of a white such as BM White Down. I have BM Swiss Coffee in my living room and it too is a warm white. Look on line for "warm white paints" and you will see dozens of warm whites. The surest way to get the right color for your rooms is to go to a paint store ( I always use BM) and ask for a warm white. ask the salesperson to explain the differences to you , take home way too many samples, look at them at night, in the morning, next to your trim, next to the window.....all around the room. Buy some samples and paint them on the walls randomly...see what looks good to you. Yes this takes time but I promise you will be happy with the result. Did this answer your question?

@threers Yes! Thank you!

Good luck in your new home. It is lovely now and will be a happy place to live.

I love your woodwork. In my mind, white would make it seem less nice.