It does look very "log cabin" ... with those oversized wrought iron barn hinges, and I'm guessing knotty pine ...

I think the only way to successfully incorporate it is to totally commit to "it's" style and go for it ... if you try to ignore it, I'm afraid it's going to stick out like a sore thumb.

... alternatively, you could take the paneling down and make the room whatever style you want ...

[houzz=][houzz=][houzz=][houzz=]

Thanks Brenda for the input. By the way, I should add that none of the furniture currently pictured is mine. I'm not keen on the log cabin look unfortunately. I'd like to remove the iron hinges & change the finish of the fireplace to something more concrete/flat. Would that help modernize/urbanize a little? Perhaps I could paint or stain the knotty pine walls but would like to keep the floors as they are.

Personally, I think you should remove all the paneling.

I would love to put a white modern set of a leather sofa and accent this amazing room also with a white carpet.

Limewash

either paint it or go with it if you go with it paint the ceiling taupe or a color and eliminate the glass coffee table and black and white chair ..paint the table and chairs a deeper color add a very a very large rug and a large sofa of a deep color good luck it will be spectacular...

Hi. Would paint it cream with cream cabinetry, grey sofas and touches of aquamarine, like curtains cushions etc . Its dark and u need a complete revqmp. Enjoy :-)

You might want to think about painting the paneling and cozy it up with a sitting area using sofa's and a large floor rug around the fireplace.. The room looks big and looks like tiny furnishings would get lost in the space. What about painting the built ins a shade or two darker or lighter the the wall paint so it stands out without looking over whelming. This would be a good start

Is it feasible to take out the wood paneling regime all-together (wall units and all) and drywall it?
The floor, however, is great.

Yes i would keep the floors theybway they r. They look fab

Always add a splash/touch of yellow as you redecorate.: feng shui. And yes, the walls/paneling have to go. It will open the room so whatever furniture you choose will melt into the space. Adding pictures to paneling codes you in: claustrophobia.

I would paint panelling on walls.

If you paint the paneling and the cabinets/shelves....it will give you a chance to see how you like the lighter look. I would keep the dark wood floor and use area rugs to start with. You can use white area rugs to test out your idea without spending a lot of money that you may later regret. Also, if you took some of the books off the shelves and put a few pieces of art in an accent of your choice....it may give more interest to the room. A nice conversational seating arrangement around the fireplace would give the room a more cozy feeling. Determine if you would like contemporary, eclectic, cozy....or what style you would be most comfortable with. Play around with accessories before making a huge investment. Here is a website with instructions on how to paint paneling. http://www.infobarrel.com/Renovating_on_a_Budget_-_How_To_Paint_Panelling

I would suggest painting the panelling as well. Make sure to prime, prime and prime before painting . They make a low oder, latex kilz primer now that works fabulous!

I've never had thia delimma but hear that paint is the best way to go. I guess it takes gallons.. I like the photo above.

Also, you don't have to paint the paneling white. You could accentuate the fire place by using a different color. Love the floors!

Is the paneling 3/4" solid wood or inexpensive 1/4" boards?

It sounds like you want to get rid of or paint the paneling but I would take it slow before taking that large of a leap. Start with a large area rug and add accent furniture pieces which will change the feel of the room. Dressing the room will take the focus off the paneling. You might consider painting the ceiling (dont faint) a medium tone...the current ceiling is too light of contrast . If you paint the wood, start with the book case and fireplace wall, it will help you decide if you want to make the full commitment. You might find with these other changes you will love the look.

I agree with other posters that the floors are beautiful. The ceiling looks quite contemporary to me so I feel the panelling and fireplace looks outdated. I don't know your style, of course, but I'd replace walls with drywall and cover fireplace with smooth tiles (keep it simple) and put in a new opening. The cost of paint and the effort involved would be a waste.

Than you so much everyone for all your suggestions! Am considering them all. I definitely am keeping the floors as they are! @lexico, to be honest I don't know myself since I haven't yet moved in and didn't examine when I visited.

what a beautiful wooden room! i would re-finish the walls with a light colored stain, perhaps a White Pine finish, and keep the tone of the floors but give it a quick polish to make the coloring a little more uniform.

I would paint the paneling something like a creamy white or light taupe color. Lots of products out there to make it easier than it used to be.

PAINT IT !! It will look awesome!!! Michelle Sica Interior Design

Paint or "wash" the walls a much, much lighter color and get rid of the tacky wrought iron Bonanza hardware. :) Crisp white painted walls would be classic with the dark wood floor. You got a lot to work with there. Best Luck! :)

We have a similar but much smaller room.....we are going to paint paneling cream color...leaving our fireplace as is since it is beautiful stone...changing hearth. We used taupe sofas with turquoise accents to lighten it up and be playful:) your room has so much potential ! I agree with large focal point rug but not white....choose a vivid color as your room is large enough to take that. Modern art over fireplace....paint ceiling light blue or green....seriously ! Good luck!

I agree with others--paint it!

If you have the budget Restoration Hardware, is the look you want. Or just look there for ideas. The Rustic industrial look is big now. A lot of store are carrying it. It's metal, burlap, reclaimed woods. You have a great start with your floors. I would use zebra prints, and cow hide for area rugs. Go contemporary on sofa like a low sleek L shape sectional. Float in room. Is this a eating area too? If so, use oversize furn in a big round reclaimed wood table. With some interesting high back chairs. Don't be afraid of color. I would paint the bookcases a light gray. To lighten up rm more.

Where is TV going over firepl.? Paint mantel the same gray. Get a very long L shape left side, sec you have the room, face it too FP. Add 2 chairs swivel type in a print. A very large square coffee table, 40" I would not put table in corner like shown. Take another pic from that table. You could white wash the walls to lighten up. They look to dark. Easy to do. Google it.

I see there is cut out I think for TV? To right in pic. Instead of TV over FP. Remove shelves next to FP to left. Put TV on top of cab. Comments can go in cab. No books just a few pots in different size and color. Or any other thing you might collect. Just a few items. In opening in back add a very large should almost fill area with a painting. Oh never mind I see its a bar. Instead put a large mirror there. Stage top with wine rack, and glasses. I'm doing this on my phone and don't get the whole pic.

On other side of FP remove shelves and replace with a large oil painting, go contemporary , bold colors. Shelves just look cluttered and dated. Replace panels with a chevon print in black and white.

Paint works wonders and Hardware on cabinets.. Sand your floors and lighten it a bit. Will all make a world of difference

@travisinteriors No TV going in here, as there's already a projector screen that comes down from over the fireplace. I'll try to take more pictures from different angles when I next visit the house & post here. Moving in 3 weeks. Thanks for such detailed comments!

I love the idea of getting rid of the shelves all together! (I like the look of the sage walls in the photo below). It would look nice with your stone fireplace. Also, if you remove the trim at the top of the fireplace and do a more contemporary mantle, it would really clean up that wall. Sanding the mantle smooth and painting it the color of the hearth or the grout would make a huge impact. Also, a slate mantle would make it a little more contemporary. Nice lighting sets a mood by softening up the stone. (Remove the hanging tools, also). :0) You might consider a built in seating from the right of the fireplace all the way around to under the window. You could have cubbies for books, art pieces, etc under the seats. A nice comfy lounging chair in a contemporary print with a bright lamp would go really nice in that corner where the table is currently located. What is right above the chair on the right side of the picture? There is so much potential in that room.

I wonder if a white "wash" would give the wood a better look as well as changing the hinges. Also, anchoring the room with a large but not busy area rug will also help ground the room. The flimsy shelves don't stand up to the rest of the room so I would put a large piece of art there. Small things look smaller in a big room so remove any small clutter. A nice large sectional would be great also.

and don't put the TV over the fireplace. One focal point is enough.

You have some real positive things to work with that can't be bought like the sheer size of your room. Multipurpose it !!! You have very little wall space so eliminate as many built ins, wall nooks, etc. Even the TV behind another big wall space. That creates a problem with where do you put large case pieces & this room is going to need some pieces with height or the room will not feel multi-dimensional meaning too much low profile furniture. Painting or staining all the wood walls a light color. Use that large window as a place for either a seating group of chairs for relaxing or watching birds at your bird feeder. Place a large hanging light over the table for evenings & to give it a homey feel. My favorite would be a comfortable table & upholstered chairs for casual dining or playing games. I hate being tied to an arrangement that revolves around the television. You obviously can put 2 sofas facing each other or an L-shaped sectional sofa. You have great recessed lighting but a poor drywall job on the ceiling. I would put up tongue & groove boards painted white or a coffered ceiling to bring the ceiling down into the room. I think the rough paneled walls will fade into the background if you stain or paint them just a hint of grey/brown, then trim out all existing woodwork in white to make the wall color stand out & to contrast with your great floors. I always paint my ceilings taupe as white draws your attention up unless you make the changes I suggested. This will leave you wide open to choose your color palette for your fabrics. You will need large rugs to define your areas. One for sofas, one for under the game table & chairs, etc. I usually find an inspiration art painting & build my accent piece/upholstery from that one piece of artwork. It's easier to find fabric & paint to match artwork than to find art that matches all those other things. I can't wait to see what you do with it. Oh ... And after tearing out everything from around the fireplace, leave it alone ... It belongs there & is already natural & neutral. All it needs is accented with some cool pottery & a few books & candles.

Hi---Terrific Space!
Definitely paint or stain the paneling. I think a warm, creamy taupe paint color or a pale robin's egg blue color stain would look very nice in this room. Layered rugs for the floor... Good Luck! [houzz=][houzz=]

In your requirement you mentioned decorating and furnishing. Goodness, I'd work with what you have right now like someone earlier in the thread recommended. Go with the rustic look with your urban twist. Always start with the area rug(s). Love the idea of Restoration H/W style mixed with rustic. Agree with updating the hardware, lighting and fireplace and absolutely find some urban-ish textiles. With the right artwork and other items, it could hold you down while you survive the "post escrow empty wallet". I certainly wouldn't come in with the paint brushes until you've exhausted your ideas. Too easy a solution to paint everything, only to end up having it look like suburbia.

@bluesilk, great points made-- I'm probably going to make the smaller, less permanent changes (i.e. furniture, rugs, shelving, hardware) first while I consider the staining/painting options for the walls. As things come together the best option for the walls will probably make itself clear!

Yes, yes I couldn't agree more. The house has a heart and will lead you the right way if you listen to instinct. I hope you post the pics of the "after".

Always wise to live in a house for awhile before major decisions are made.

it's a lovely pallet to work with, and seems very large. painting or a lime wash on the paneling would be a wonderful start. I'd love to see more as you get it going!

What did you end up doing to the walls? I’d love to see a photo. The house we just bought has a very similar room that we need to update.