It looks like the walls are real wood? I say this because we have paneling in a vacation home and my only solution was to paint it. Wow, what a difference lightening up the space made! I’ve never whitewashed; there are white stains in the market that you can blend with other stains if you want to add a bit of color. You have lots of sanding to do— I don’t envy you.

Ive already sanded down the walls in half the room! They aren't super smooth to begin with so it hasn't been terrible! It is real wood, i just want it light and bright but to still keep the look of the grain! Do you have a picture of your before & after?

Lovely walls, left as is, would be striking with ceilings white (as is) and a striking blue on walls.

I agree its too much paneling. I am not so sure, white wash will give you the look you are after, since that is pretty rustic looking. I guess, if it doesnt, you can always paint over it. I do like the beams, etc. The flooring and the paneling kind of clash color wise. I do like the flooring. I also like your wood cabinets. Is it possible that you can remove the paneling and save the wood, and maybe have a piece of furniture made out of it, and then sheetrock the walls, and paint them.

I’m so sorry, I do not have before and after pictures. I regret it. It’s a beach house so I used a cream white paint, not a white white. We recently had our hardwood floors refinished and I did several samples using 1 or 2 parts white mixed with classic grey or weathered oak. I was so surprised the white worked so well— I didn’t expect white stain to do much at all. Go to Lowe’s or HD and pickup the small sample sizes and do tests of what you like.