http://houzz.com/ideabooks/15039759 this idea book gives me much hope and courage

Paint away;)

@dclostboy thank you very very much!!

@Margo :-))))))) hehehe thank you very much!! This feedback helps a lot!!

Another photo...

Yes I would a soft white. But that's just me.

The yellow walls and warm wood trim are fighting with each other. Look at P&L Winter's Gate. It reminds me of the color of snow falling.

Thank you all so much! Monday is painting day, I am very much looking forward to it now :-)

I think you will be soooooo much happier- Post a pic after finished;)

@Margo that's a wonderful idea! I will!

I concur, paint the ceiling as it will not look so top heavy. :))

We recently painted a wood ceiling like yours, on our screened in porch, sky blue. Sounds weird but it is awesome!

@reba ooooh that actually sounds wonderful!!!

I like the wood! I would paint the walls and the trim bright white and leave the ceiling natural wood. Then replace the chandelier with some more modern and brighter lighting. I think the contrast would look nice. But I love white & wood...do what YOU like

BM has a color called "Patriotic White" that just has a tinge of blue to it. That might be pretty on the ceiling. We've done several bedroom ceilings with that and light walls.

Wood ceilings can be great in a larger or on a very tall ceiling. I say paint it too. I would.

Now I am wondering if chalk paint would look nice on the ceiling!

-- You might enjoy the look of high gloss paint on the ceiling. It would keep the character of the wood / grooves texture. You will not miss the dark ceiling but you might miss the pattern the boards make. This ceiling is a great architectural detail in the space so keep as much of it as you can.

I would paint it but not with gloss paint. It has too much shine, and if its anything like the UK gloss paint has had some harmful chemical removed so after a few weeks it turns yellowish.

I would prime and paint it in flat or low sheen white. I would also recommend scuff sanding the substrate before applying the primer. Good luck:)

Definetly paint it (can't spell tonight)

Yes I would paint it !

Soozmacrae what brand of paint are referring too?

We had a ceiling just like yours, along with the same wood on the walls. The room always felt dark and depressing. We kept it that way for quite a few years because we felt guilty about painting the wood. In our case we white washed it, and it completely transformed the room. Go for it. You won't regret it.

paint the trim, choose contrast colors for walls and replace the fixture in the ceiling.

I would leave the wood ceiling!