Photos?

photo didn't show up inside the post.

I just tried to repost the picture

If you’re torn about it, and think it’s beautiful, don’t paint it just because someone else thinks it’s outdated. That’s their opinion.

If you’re making a bunch of other changes, and it won’t work, then consider. Otherwise, enjoy things you love in your house. :)

^^ What Jinx said.

Oak paneling can look fresh. I think it depends on the look you are going for. I would remove ALL the molding except for the vertical ones. Including the molding on the mantle legs and maybe even the top strip. Then you can get it refinished to a look you want. Many different options besides paint. Stain, whitewash, ceruse, etc. Then clean, paint, tile or ? the brick to go with your look. That said, the paneling does have a strong pattern so it might be tricky. But really in the end it depends on your design aesthetic. Someone could photo shop the photo to give you a visual. And many photos on google for oak paneling.

I would get rid of the designer and keep the oak. Its beautiful.

I would keep the oak and update everything else starting with the fireplace insert and mantle. Smooth the ceiling texture and replace the carpet. After new furnishings go in, if you still think you might like to paint the oak, it can happen last.

I think that it is fine.

Amen to cat-ky

I would not do straight paint. The wood grain can be a nice background for a room. See the examples below. This could be accomplished with an 'antiquing method' of applying the paint with an over-glaze.

I’m looking at older homes with very similar paneling. I love yours and I hope you keep it!

That's a heavy grain and very likely to show through paint anyway. I recently saw someone on You Tube sand and bleach (with household bleach) a heavily grained table. Turned out great, but I think sunlight outdoors helped the process. Here's a link to the topic on YT.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bleached+furniture+before+and+after

I like the wood.

‘School of Gaines.’ LOLOL

That’s a beautiful wall of wood. Your designer wants you to change everything she can convince you to change. More money in her pocket.

To me dated seems to be whatever the youngest generation of homeowners grew up with. They want to make their own statement. Anything that was really popular when their parents decorated / built their homes is taboo.

The best way to create a dated look is to follow the current trend. In 10-15 years it will be dated.

The only ways to get something truly timeless are

1. Pick a style that is well past it's prime. Victorian, Craftsman, Victorian, MCM. Once it is classic it can't be dated.

Or

2. Pick what you love, stick to your personal aesthetic and make your home your own. Build your home color palette from the colors you love. Pick furniture based on what functions well for the way you live and makes your comfortable.

If you love the look of the wood wall why paint it? Yes the current trend is to paint everything, but wood is becoming more popular again.

I wonder if the shiny finish could be toned down and made a bit more matte. I know that the initial finish coats on my floor were very shiny because they are harder and this was topped with a flatter more satiny finish. Maybe you could do this here.

The wood is beautiful. Please do some research about what look and feel you want and see how you can work with what makes your home unique.

You certainly could paint the walls if that's what you want to do but you have other options if you decide to keep the oak as is. I would however consider updating your fireplace and you'll also have to consider light coloured furniture for an updated look.

Here are examples of how it could look painted or "as is".

Oak what? If this is actully realoak then I garee keep it but you need to know if this is real wood or just oak look panels. IMO there is a huge difference so check it out . The removal of the trim will allow a peek on the edge of the panels and that will tell the story . I have to agree those square trim pieces in the middle are awful so those need to go for sure . Carefully rremove the end trim piec on one side and check out the panel for sure. I hate oak but so much of this depends on the quality and your style .I think your style form what I see can easily support the pannelling but what are you planning for the floors ? My other question is why did you hire an ID at all?

I love the oak. What about maybe painting the mantle only?