I agree. I wouldn't ruin something so unique.

If you only select light furnishings for the home, like slipcovered sofas and chairs, jute rugs, etc you'll go a long way to brightening the interior. I also think that getting some upgraded lighting solutions can make any place look better

I could personally never live or relax in a place that dark with all the wood. With the beautiful wood ceilings and floors, I would paint all the walls. That would keep the character and help you appreciate all the wood you would still have.

Long Dune Lane, Truro · More Info

I think it’s kind of cool and quirky as a vacation house. Agree that light colored fabric slipcovers, etc, would brighten the interior. Hope that there are no small children on that catwalk!

BeverlyFLADeziner - I completely agree about not ruining it! My gut tells me to leave it 95% alone and focus on good lighting, decor, and some kitchen updates (counters, appliances...) I absolutely LOVE the inspiration photos. This is exactly the type of look I'd like to achieve if I move forward with the house. Modern and light furnishings/art look spectacular with the wood backdrop. And those examples really illustrate that.

calidesign - The white walls definitely lighten things up! What do you think of BeverlyFLADeziner's photos? The contrast between the light and dark, old and new, rough and smooth, is really nice.

flopsycat1 - Agree, I'm starting to be able to visualize it. And no small children (or any children actually!)

It's your home so you have to go with what you like, but no amount of light furnishings or accessories could make me like those dark spaces. I'd paint the walls in every one of those inspiration photos!

I love it too! but see updated great lighting, so when you turn them on it really lights up the room.

Black leather sofa's, multi color area rugs with a touch of black. Great art with a light background with a touch of black. Cream colored blinds, no need for drapes.

Just my opinion but I agree with Beverly, brighten it without painting & lots of area rugs! So cool! Can you show a picture of the outside, just curious?

Start with lighting and decor. Then if you still think it feels too dark, paint walls slowly (one at a time). But of course you can have a cute vacation home with this place!

I have a house on a lake in a suburb and we have left our knotty pine. Lots of designers have suggested painting it and I just can’t stand it looking like every other urban farmhouse. Idk just my opinion!

Are there any areas that perhaps you could add or put in larger windows, sliders? If you look at Beverly's inspiration photos you will see that is a common thread among them. I think that will really help brighten the place up with keeping the rest 95% intact.

Great suggestions, all!

mrsdeano - If I choose this house, I definitely wouldn't want it to make it look like every other urban farmhouse out there. Definitely not my thing! My family had a house on the cape when I was a kid that had knotty pine everywhere, so I guess I just have a nostalgic fondness for it.

tedbixby - Absolutely, was thinking the same thing. It needs larger windows for sure. There's a deck off the back (that needs to be rebuilt) and it would be great to have a wall of windows/sliders there.

RedRyder - I agree that lighting would make a huge impact. Especially to brighten up the cavernous ceiling.

Regarding the shingled ceiling. I agree it's super odd. That said, I don't hate it. Could it work?

I had a similar home and had white couches and cowhide rugs, was fabulous. Love knotty pine. the one thing I would change is the shingle ceiling. We had wood ceilings in living room. Great lighting will make all the difference along with updated furniture. I have also see where the window and door trim are painted white. Really updates the look. I couldn't attached the photo but if you search on house for white trim in knotty pine room examples will come up.

Though not pine walls still can go in different directions...

The most beautiful hotels in France? | Cabin interiors, Interior design rustic, · More Info

Log Cabin Makeover Ideas - Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure · More Info

The most beautiful hotels in France? | Cabin interiors, Interior design rustic, · More Info

Light/ white background on large art. Skylights. Possibly enlarge a window or two. I might update the hardware—doorknobs, cabinet pulls, etc, so that you start to signal a more contemporary look. You can lighten this up without painting the wood. Have fun... it’s a vacation house, after all.

I would buy that house. I love the bedrooms, especially the cozy one under the eaves.

I would not paint but maybe try bleaching the wood so it's lighter. Hate to hide the wood with paint!!

Something to try in future if you find it's just too much of a good thing. But also would be fun to embrace the era the home is from and just go hog wild artsy! So many random fun things would look amazing here that would never work in a 'safe' 'normal' house. :)

If you have little ones, you’ll have to make that second floor more safe. The railings are too far apart. I think the suggestion of light colored furniture (and the cowhide rug!) are accurate for getting the place lighter without painting all the marvelous wood.

That's a lot of knotty pine! don't like the shingles on the wall ..I would paint the brick to lighten it up to start with

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! Lots to consider.

Keep us posted on what your decision is.

I think it's FAB, especially for a holiday home. Seriously, who wants a house that looks like their first home?

The thing I don't like is the furniture.... It RUINS the fun.

Go "hippy" IMO rather than "smart". The current term is BOHO? I'd prolly put a hint of tie-dye or batik on cushions, bedspreads, or something to go along with the '60's fun. Leather butterfly chairs? I like the Holstein rug: Ikea has those.

I think we all love this house

I have a house with a large, wide, double-sided brick fireplace and wood ceiling. The ceiling and walls are painted a DunnEdwards’ Cameo. The floors are oak. That gave me a clean backdrop for the den and living room which include the fireplace. Rugs, art and furniture in any style will transform a space from “cabin” to something of the 60’s or any era.

Just sharing an update, sadly someone else got the house. I'm really hoping the new owner won't gut reno it. So, the search continues!

Oh no! Send them a link to our conversation! 😂