gorgeous ceiling. I would not paint those. ( you can always cover the wood w/drywall and preserve it for later)

Do you have any idea how much that wood would cost today, and how much money it would take to do those ceilings??

tens of thousands. please, don't paint it. to cover it w/drywall would be less than 10K. (for the main rooms) someday someone will appreciate that wood underneath.

i mean, is this really what you want?? over that beautiful wood? if you like this, just cover the wood w/cheap planks and paint those white.

Black slate, polished cement, terra cotta tile, gray large format tile, french oak, white oak, red oak, white or gray terrazzo, are just examples of the flooring you could use.

some pics

you could do the beams darker if you lke.

also too, once you paint the walls and get your floors in, those ceilings would look so much better. the white on white isn't doing anything for that wood

i'd redo the stairway to something a bit more updated. that too will have a huge impact, along w/the painting the fireplace or retiling over it

The ceiling of your home would be the buying point for me the minute I saw it.

Don't paint the ceiling. If you like a light floor with it, there are some beautiful white or black porcelain tiles that would work, or slate would be another one of my choices. Both work for a farmhouse look. I would go Modern Farmhouse with this home.

Wow, Beth thank you so much for taking the time to share those examples. I dont have a design background so I really appreciate someone who can help me visualize the space better, and present some really interesting options

And you make a really good point with the wood. It is very beautiful, and theres no turning back afted you paint it. I think we were trying to fit a sqaure peg in a round hole.

see this type of stairway? w/the wood ceiling and dark beams? stunning.

put your money toward the stairs and the brick fireplace first. then the flooring and wall color. then your furniture.

look at how amazing the black looks next to the wood. that brick fireplace could be a showpiece if you do it right.

paint the brick or do something liek this w/the fireplace

oak flooring

wood cabs w/natural wood floors and white quartz

Hire a designer who is familiar w/modern/mid century types of designs. (sorry, but the farmhouse style is a trend and really isn't suited for this type of home. you should have bought a farmhouse!)

I bet after you do all of that, you will gaze up at those ceilings and smile. and so will everyone else who walks in that gorgeous home.

I saw an espresso/charcoal tall fp somewhere that was an awful tower. I think you could leave it as it is now, or minor change. Concrete floor acid dyed, whatever they do, could make a difference [is yours wall to wall carpeting?]

Would urban bronze, black stair posts help? Brick ain't so bad, and all wood stain ceilings... where's photoshop at? :)

I would just aim for a very light wood floor, so that you don't feel like you're inside a cigar box. But that ceiling is... wow! gorgeous.

If you decide on tiles, think about adding under floor heat while you're at it.

Let Beth's advice guide you. Your house is going to be amazing!

The redwood ceilings are just too nice to cover up. So, would definitely advise against painting. Not sure about the flooring although will say that will the ceilings being such a strong element a very neutral flooring would probably be best so as not to compete. Even though you ceilings are gorgeous the wood window, door, etc. trim isn't as attractive. Those I might suggest painting white. Good luck!

Hey B,

What did you end up doing with your beautiful home? I am in a similar situation but in a 1955 more cabin style house and need help with kitchen cabinet ideas. I think I have the floor figured out. It’s two years later but thought I would check!