Totally depends on how else you are styling the room, what kind of furniture you are using, and whether it is a working fireplace. Do you want to keep the wood burning stove insert?

You are right! I started a long-winded explanation and made myself tired :). I plan to remove the bulky woodstove and replace with an insert. I love the vibe overall, but the wood is not great close up, the brick is not pretty. I'm wavering between keeping the wood natural or painting OR removing and starting over? Seems a shame. I love vintage and love to keep some original details. Will be putting light wood over the tile- if I keep the wood around the fireplace I will be careful to find tones that work together. I'm torn between trying to just update and totally starting over!

I would get rid of the popcorn ceiling (if that is what is up there) and get some hanging lights similar to this photo to replace the ceiling lights. Also something complementary to replace what appears to be a dining room light and the ceiling fan. Lots of different choices on Amazon.

Then find a nice area rug to cover some of the saltillo tile for a seating area. I don't think you will be able to cover the tile with wood because it is so uneven so you would have to remove it but if it were me I'd work with it. It goes with the house and would look really nice with the right area rug. If you want to keep the flavor of the house I would leave the wood and brick fireplace. I think it looks nice. Probably a fresh coat of paint in a really white color for the walls and ceiling.

Thanks for more info. What I would do doesn't matter because this isn't an era I love. But what you should do is leave the brick and wood as is. You like this vintage look (my god, can a look from my childhood already be called vintage?!?), so you should keep it. True that it is a shame to tear down something if you can work with it.

I think your new wood floors over the tile and a new coat of paint will really make this space come alive. If after a few years you are not loving the fireplace as much as you hoped, then try a total remodel of it.

@Good Light Properties is this your home or just something you are flipping? If this is your house you need to decide on a color scheme for this room based on a whole house color scheme. If it's not your house, leave it alone and let the next owner decide on decor. Make sure the utilities are all safe and up to date.

Either way, I would not put light wood over the tile. Wood looks cheap in comparison because there is a fireplace.

If it is your house, I would remove the tile, install electric radiant heating and a beautiful stone floor.

I would remove the brick and wood paneling since you say the paneling is poor quality, and replace it with matching stone and a contemporary paneling.

I'd install a stunning contemporary chandelier and sconces flanking the fireplace.

I would cover the fireplace wall in a contemporary wallpaper. I would wrap the wallpaper around the corner into the bar area then stop.

I would replace the bar area with a mirrored back wall and ceiling-hung glass shelves. I'd cover the bar peninsula with paneling matching what is over the fireplace. I'd replace the counter with heated stone if it also is worn.

I would replace the window treatments with ceiling to floor draperies and install top-down shades.

Need to know more for more "what would I do".

And hey... I'm just throwing out ideas. I'm not saying they are the best. It's good exercise for me and maybe will inspire you. A lot depends on your budget, family, etc. Have fun!

I need a lot more info . Are you keeping the floors ? Are you keeping the bar? A FP is a big deal in a space so it needs tp reflect your style and work with all the other elements in the space .I too would like to know if this is your home or you are selling.

Thanks All! I really just wanted to expand my thinking hearing what others would do if it were their choice. This project is tricky because it is part home/part flip: I intend to keep it as a primary for 2 years then sell. My taste is lowest priority, I need to ground my plans in a flip mentality. It’s a whole-house reno, everything is getting done! popcorn definitely coming down! I think my hesitation is because it is not ultimately my home, and this is a new factor in design for me.

Ah, the most important piece of info. This is a flip! Completely redo that fireplace wall. Good-bye bricks and wood. They can stay in the 1970's. You will seriously limit your pool of potential buyers with that wall, unless .you A.) live in an area where real estate is so hot alway that it is expected that anyone is going to gut a property, but I presume if that were the case you wouldn't need to "flip" it. or B.) you don't live in one of these areas and are willing to lower the price accordingly.

To me the style of the home is rustic and I would keep it that. The paneling on the fireplace is supposed to be rustic, as is the brick, beams and floor. Otherwise your looking at a lot of $s to change the style to be standard 'flip'.

At minimum I would redo the diagonal wood. The rest wouldn't put me off. I would be thrilled with the wood stove insert.

The diagonal wood is my favorite part. I feel like it goes with the vaulted ceilings.

My father diy’d a fireplace wall in the 70’s just like that and I loved it! Still love the look. It seems more practical to keep it and update the insert. I’m sure there are a lot of potential buyers that would also appreciate it.

I like the wood and the style is in now. I'd consider painting the bricks and possibly pickling the wood (see the pic below from Nestingwithgrace). I'm not crazy about bar areas so I'd probably remove that and use the space for something else. I like the pendants you're looking at but would also consider a modern ceiling fan. Add a large neutral rug and furnishings with simple lines to go with it. If anything I'd change out the flooring.

@emily Thanks! Great suggestions. What did you use to do those edits? I really need a good simple app to try out ideas. I tried the SW paint app and it didn't work out so well! The bar area is going more towards functional kitchenette, as I will be living in this part of the house while I own it as a semi-private studio. Whatever I do to the fireplace I will carry into that area. Definitely flooring, definitely new fixtures. Sure wish I could afford to do wood on the ceiling- love that. Thanks!

@Hellogardener oh cool! I haven't been able to find anything on Pinterest like this- modern chevron wood installations of course but not original. If you happen to have a pic please share! Old wood can be so tricky- it's totally back but not EXACTLY like this, so trying to figure out the best compromise. Thanks!

I use Sherwin Williams visualizer to change out the color - on my computer not my phone. Then I use Publisher to put in things like pictures. Nothing fancy but it's helps see things together.

What I would do is change the title of the post to - What would you do if you were trying to flip this house?

I'd keep/restore the wood and paint/stain the brick. Then hang nice art there. Good luck!