Sorry posting from my phone and didn’t realize I can’t go back and edit . Floors will be a warm oak

Fireplace being replaced with rectangular electric insert and frame tv above

IMO modern and wainscoting not in the same place and anything you put on the wall that splits the height will only make the ceiling feel lower . I suggest you apint the walls and ceiling the same color it gives the illusion of higher walls

I think paneling on the lower part of the walls will be choppy looking with low ceilings, so just paint it all the same color. You're right - that will expand the space. Color drenching is "in," so you could paint the whole room a dark teal if that appeals to you. Everyone doesn't like the same thing, so that has to be your call. It could be stunning or overpowering. You (and other members of your household if there are any) are the only person whose opinion matters. You can always start by painting one wall the dark color to see if you love it or hate it before going further. Keep in mind that any color on all walls and the ceiling will look more intense than you think it will when you look at a paint chip.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting and @kandrewspa thank you both. I am of the same opinion. Your replies help me reaffirm my thoughts. The person helping me has a great eye and really wants to put the paneling up . I typically like a more traditional look - so it appeals to me but then I try to keep going back to "modern coastal" AND 8ft ceilings! . I LOVE color drenching but unfortunately it would be too much for my husband. I think I may look at making the fireplace wall an accent all. Thanks again!

One of the most welcoming rooms I saw on a rainy March week in Scotland had light yellow walls. The overall effect was sunny despite the rain, cheerful and comfortable. The photo below has the same quality of light, warmth and welcome.

Lattingtown, NY · More Info

@apple_pie_order it is lovely! And it's where my confusion comes in because I do love that look as well! But our room has much lower ceilings and we are going for a modern look. throughout the house.

Thanks for info. Have you tried the houzz.uk site? There may be more appropriate inspiration photos there, given the geographical differences in housing.

Some photos of dark and moody rooms are photographed with extra temporary professional lighting and then photoshopped to make them convey moodiness without gloominess. Using several very large (one meter) foamcore panels that you paint in dark moody colors may give you a clear idea of how the colors will look without having to paint the whole room. A change of color over dark paint can require three coats of high-hide primer to undo, hence, the foamcore test boards can save time and money.

Please post an update when you are ready.

Yes ! I will try to get her to put up the foam boards I have tried the Houzz.ie site but not uk ! Thanks for the idea ! You are so right about the geographical differences! I do think the paneling could work even with modern coastal with a. Nod to Irish culture. It’s those darn ceilings and then the smallness of the house that has me worried

White and beige is very nice.

https://www.homebunch.com/beach-house-coastal-paint-color-ideas/

Just posting an update - we ended up going more modern- rustic to pull in a cozier Irish feel we did paneling on top . Still awaiting more furniture but couldn’t be happier !