Heres' your last thread! https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/bedroom-for-a-bloke-dsvw-vd~4329186

I would be tempted to leave the paneling alone, especially if it is in perfect condition. Same regarding the timber picture railing (I think that's what it is). At least until your son lives with it a while and determines if the hall is too dark. Does he like the paneling as well?

Thank you Luke!
Annb, yes very reluctant to paint the panels. My son is only interested in the massive deck he will build at the back, so I'm having the fun with the front rooms.

Haha! Sounds like a happy working relationship...enjoy!

Yup, I think so too!

If the floors are a similar colour to the lighter wood trim, the dark wood paneling will contrast and it won't look too 'woody.' It's a shame to paint something that's in good nick and survived till now without being altered.

I have used white above the panelling and within the panels themselves and the doors. The frames were kept in timber.

I suggest you get the right white by doing a brush out on some wall paper and pin it onto the spaces. Try to do this where the carpet has been pulled up to give the overall effect.

Try to get a white that brings out the tones in the timber.

Art work will look better on the white walls but take care to keep the ceiling a crisper white to ensure its features are highlighted.

Every single suggestion has been so valuable. I think it will be baby steps.....whisper white paint, change light fittings, remove carpet and some contemporary decor items. Thank you again to everyone.

Must that pendant light fitting go? In Houzzers' opinions, which styles would look better in a house of this era?

Thanks for asking that rwalton, I've been looking. I think something quite contemporary, but have yet to find the perfect one. Hoping for some guidance.

Thoughts?

I would go industrial style for lighting.

Some ideas for lights

You are spot on Lizzy. "... I think it will be baby steps.....whisper white paint, change light fittings, remove carpet and some contemporary decor items." Polished floorboards are way easier to keep clean for blokes. If winters are cold, you can always roll out rugs just for winter. If the light fittings are original Deco, I'd leave them in for now but put brighter globes in. The wall panelling is a feature itself, so try living with it unadorned with pictures etc for 12 months. Once the ceilings and walls are painted, pare it all back and live with it for 12 months. It will have a minimalist but Modern Deco look. Less can be more.

I'm no help on this project - sorry - I hate dark timber so I would paint over it immediately to lighten it all up so, obviously, don't listen to me! All the best with whatever you decide to do though.

I like the Eiffel Tower look also.
Sadly there are no original light fittings.
Denisreno, I'm always in trouble for painting everything white. But I lived with dark panelled ceilings and walls for too long before I painted it all white. It can get depressing living in dark surroundings, and eventually I found I didn't even want to go into those rooms. I can't wait to tackle this house to see how it all unfolds, trying to keep a balance between original features and a house that's practical and comfortable.
Thank you for your contribution

Embrace the timber.., again with some modernising I feel it will transform.

Being it's a mans home even better!

Definitely give the ceiling and wall above timber a fresh modern white.

Keep to sleek lighting - below is from beacon lighting

If you feel the floor and timber on walls too much then some simple grey carpet runners will brighten and protect. Be sure to use anti slip mats underneath...

With all the older accessories removed just add back again sleek modern pieces like ikeas mirror below.. just be sure the mirror is not directly facing the door (bad Feng Shui)

A modern abstract black and white art and your done

Definitely get him to live with the timber first and then make a call on it later...

That is a very sophisticated entry.
What about staining/painting the floor in a grey matt or satin finish? Then adding a grey rug?

It is very classy and you could get something very similar happening... You could stain the floor and yes keep to Matt or satin....

Much appreciated.

I have these drum lights. The wood look one works with the timber panelling. Both are drum shades from Beacon which have been a neutral option for many years but I may look at updating them in the near future.

I love the timber one. Great idea. You have beautiful ceilings. I get more excited about ceilings and paint colours than anything else. I painted a bedroom today, just because, time for a change. And so I don't have to think about cooking for Xmas.

Thanks Lizzy I do love my ceilings. Glad you've got a project where you can paint etc, there are many like minded people here. I love it all....

I am team paint the frames white & pull up the carpet! It will take the entrance to another era and be timeless in years to come.

We are lucky to have these dilemmas, so absorbing! Those pane glass doors look great painted white. There are similar ones in this hallway, a bit hard to see in the picture. I think a change to the door hardware might help as well. Thanks for the pics and contribution.

I'd leave the panels as is and strip the carpet. The timber will contrast beautifully.