I would definitely paint some of it probably the walls

Too much wood for me but I would work on the lighting first anyway because you will need much better lighting to choose paint color if you decide to go that route after improving the lighting.

Paint the ceilings and trim to white, including stair spindles. . Find a great drywall guy: Forget sin......it was over a hundred years ago, and painting the walls as they exist will give you horizontal "stripes" in a size/scale that will drive you insane It was the fore runner to ship lap : ) Love the floors! They will glow with the contrast.

I’d work with it because I love stained wood and it fits what the house is. I think it’s very charming and cozy, and it looks to be in amazing condition. I feel it could be updated in other ways. Bit I understand not everyone feels that way, and you need to do what makes you happy. :)

I’ve had this article saved a while, it might be of interest to you ... some rooms with stained wood, some painted.

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/house-tour-traditional-100-year-old-lake-house-reborn

Thanks Jinx, probably should have noted the pictures are from previous owners who are in their 80s. I think getting our furniture in there with some brighter rugs along with some can lighting will help a ton. We love the wood too, I don't think I can bring myself to paint it!

My Grandparent's house had beadboard on every wall and ceiling painted white. It was a texture but I wouldn't have called it busy.

It is so unique, I would hate to paint it.

I would try to add a lot more lighting, and some much different brighter furniture, and then re evaluate, whether you want to paint it or now, or even which part you would want to paint. It really is beautiful wood.

I would selectively paint some or all of it.

I can't believe for the second time today that I, usually quick to take paint brush to wood, am responding to posts about painting wood that none of it should be painted. It's beautiful, and particularly perfect in a lake house. Lighten up the rooms with furnishings and rugs. I bet the previous owners hated selling it! They did a cute job of furnishing it, and I love that a couple in their 80s strung the bedroom with fairly lights. :-)

Beverly's post with examples to paint it ironically convinced me one hundred percent that you should not. Between the examples of your present home's rooms and Dee's gorgeous inspirational room and the painted examples the glow of the unpainted rooms is undeniably clear to me. Work with the beauty of your home do not mass produce it with a fixer upper like "aesthetic".

I agree the examples of the painted wood rooms look unattractive. They reminds me of what my shed would look like if I painted the inside. You have a classic original lake house and the wood is in great shape. Don't paint it. You found the needle in the hay stack.

The drywall and white painted spindles mentioned up thread would be a sin. I would experiment with furnishings and accessories first. If that doesn't help enough, then look at painting. Once you paint, it will be very difficult to change your mind.

I love it. It's like a grown up tree house and very unique. As someone mentioned: try lighting, light furnishings and rugs, then reevaluate.

Inspopix...

Amy Trowman Design - Beach Houses · More Info

Amy Trowman Design - Beach Houses · More Info

Amy Trowman Design - Beach Houses · More Info

Wow! I agree with functionthelook that you found a needle in the haystack. The wood looks so beautiful, high quality, and in amazing condition. I think if you paint it might look pretty in its own way, but it will not be the drop dead gorgeous space it can be if you embrace the wood. Decorating with white/cream and other light colors and adding layers of lighting-- ceiling (I'd do some antique or reproduction antique fixtures rather than cans), lamps, maybe some wall sconces, will make a big difference.

It looks so cozy and unique. I'm so glad you're not leaning toward painting it!

Light natural colors, lighting and plants will do the trick

The pictures that decoenthusiaste attached are gorgeous and provide the solution, add more windows. Seriously, it will cut down on amount of wood inside and will give you great views.

Check out Sarah Richardson on youtube, her design life series. She just painted the inside of a ski Chalet with all pine interior. It's great for before and after...give you some food for thought. It is for sure a very personal decision and not one that can be reversed. Her color palate and style are so redundant but she is still perky and fun to watch.