Well because I can only see the foyer. I’ll make suggestions for the foyer.

I think every room needs to be assessed individually.

I like the oak a lot. But honestly, I don’t think it works with the flooring. Too glossy. And too light.

It doesn’t need to change now, or ever, obviously. But I’d probably change to hardwood.
Or even a black and white checkered tile.

I agree to change the spindles. Even to white painted wood. Doesn’t need to be costly…

Going up the staircase - is that mirrors? Or niches? I’d remove/ fill in whatever it is.

Super super cool space!! Sooo much potential!!
Show us more!!

🤍🤎🤍🤎

Agreed, the oak is nice as it is. The spindles are fussy, maybe something more streamlined. Are the French doors to the others rooms divided into lights or is that a treatment on the glass? Another fussy element to my eye. The spindles may be fine once the other elements align. A rug may help warm up the floor— but I look how it looks continuous in other areas. Overall, I think fairly small adjustments are all that are needed.

I think the floors look great with all the oak color. If you really have to paint something, then, please no overdone white. Black would look nice, but, for my own personal taste, I would leave it like it is. Its a beautiful house, and appears very well done.

I'd keep the oak and decorate around it. Definitely would not paint it. The foyer looks great. Congrats on your new home.

I would leave the oak also, it does suit the house.

I think that the spindles seem a bit wrong style for the other elements, so I might consider changing those if it is within budget and possible to match the wood grain and stain. I wouldn't paint them white.

It could just be my computer, but the wall paint color seems to be a bad choice with the wood. It looks rather lavender-ish to me. A warm white would show off the wood, and allow for colorful accessories, art and a lovely rug. Or perhaps a warm, pale, slightly golden or greenish tan or cream - but you don't want to echo the wood color too much.

So many great suggestions, thank you everyone! I thought I was crazy for wanting to keep the oak when every internet article mentioned painting it white so I’m happy to hear that you all think the oak should stay.

The niches have mirrors and a gold and the least we’re going to do is remove the mirror and the ledge but we’re considering closing it up.

Most of the doors are coming off (and being used elsewhere) to open up the space some more.

I’ve been thinking of what to do with the spindles as well. What do you think of metal spindles? Would it be too out of character?

I’m thinking some warm rugs across the home and some mid century modern furniture and art on the walls and changing up some light fixtures in the other rooms would be a good place to start. I’ll share some more pictures in my next comment. It really is a beautiful space and we’re in love.
Decorating feels a bit daunting but very exciting at the same time.

Having invested countless hours in stripping paint off of old oak I'd encourage you to enjoy it for what it is (it looks pretty nice from the picture) or, at the very least, if you decide to paint it, do a first coat with shellac so that when someone comes along to try to rescue it in the future they'll have a much easier time with the stripping. It won't do you any direct good, but you will accumulate many karma points.

I love that you love it. :)

It all looks so beautiful and cohesive. I wouldn’t change the spindles or flooring — Sigrid said it well. There are a lot of spindles there and painting them would make for a very busy, chaotic look. And I don’t think iron ones fit this look.

Your ideas sound great, will enjoy seeing updates.

I would suggest, that you do very little right now. Live in this beautiful house 6 months to a year, and then re evaluate. If you do things now, you may well wish you hadnt later, when its too late. You have a house that was built with high quality materials, and looks to have been maintained very well. It is unique and it is beautiful. Not all houses have to be open white boxes, like this newest boring trend.

Nothing wrong with the "oak" (are you sure it is oak?)

It fits the house, the design and colors are great. Leave it. It is the wood that makes the entire space special.

I love it; I think it is part of the home’s beauty. Congratulations on your new home… she’s a stunner!

It's a beautiful entrance. However everyone is different and if it was my house I find there's too much wood. Here are some ideas of what could be done to cut down on some of the wood...

Unless this house is a flip (which I’m not sure why you would do that. It’s lovely and well maintained!) do what YOU love! I painted my new construction all white inside to stay “on trend” and it has driven me crazy for 16 months and I’m finally adding more color.

One more thing, I wouldnt remove the doors. Those doors are beautiful and unique, and look very nice there.

Wow thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. I’ve been reading and re-reading them and they’ve made me feel so much better about with my gut on the house reno.

My husband and I have decided we’ll minimize the renos and focus on setting up the individual rooms- furnishing, light fixtures - the fun stuff!

We’re removing a lot of mirror accents in the house and as one of you suggested, and we’re going to be redoing the laundry and mud room but besides that, we will make more major changes after living in the house for a few years at least :)

Responding to some of your comments (sorry I couldn’t figure out a way to directly respond!) -

I think we’re going to keep the doors after all! We have little kids and I realized it will really help keeping them contained in the main floor 😅

Great idea in changing the spindles to a more modern wooden design but matching the stain- if we decide to change the spindles, that’s what we’ll do!

The dark blue living room in one of the pictures above is exactly what I had in mind for the formal living! ☺️

I think some rich colors, oriental rugs and mid century modern furniture is what we’ll do. We’re taking possession this month but moving only in early spring so it might be a while but I’ll post updated images.

Thanks again, everyone !