I have a MCM ranch 1956 build . I have ahuge stone FP but no wall panelling I love the look of some wood panels but too many can be a bit much That over the counter kitchen cabinets are a reall eyesore IMO this is a 1956 ranch I did for a client . So upgrade to all new up to date kitchen so what happens when you remove that row of cabinets. Dark drapes do nothing for this style of home .

This is my LR love the windows and for sure the corner one but I have drapes but never close them with my view

I would start by a thorough clean up, remove the curtains and Prime all the existing ceiling and walls, painted trim.

Clean the wood paneling and assess your needs when you see the cleared space.

Salvage the MCM fixtures (repair as necessary) and decide the must do first list.

Making it function, kitchen, bath, first, then budget for cosmetic changes for the future.

I am guessing in California you will have access to some great vintage pieces. Great Project!!!

Our first move, when we had the money, was good wood venetian blinds for all our windows. That gives us the maximum flexibility in balancing light and privacy, and fits well with the simple lines of our not-quite MCM home.

When you have the money to redo the kitchen, take Patricia's advice. We had a similar U with the over-counter cabinets, and they are really a pain. You don't get the benefits of either a closed kitchen or an open kitchen. Kitchens are worth a complete redo, because modern cabinets options offer so much more functionality.

For sure no more wood please and ventioan blinds are so dated there are tons of options for heat and UV control I use solar shades on my windows in the winter but in the summer the sun is blocked form beating in the widows with huge overhangs and high sun

Venetian Blinds????? Good Grief. To be more authentic, these MCM houses were built at the same time vertical blinds were created and are more appropriate to this design if you wish to go the blind route which would be so much less expensive than drapery panels.

Remove the upper cabinets in the kitchen under those soffits. The passthru is so narrow.

Need a better view of the kitchen, to suggest what to do in there.

For the living room, I’d paint the paneling and replace those wood doors, for fresh white ones

This is a really great project!! So much potential! 🤍🤍