I'd keep floors as they are, Paint ceiling and timber above dado rail white. Keep the dark trim and timber below dado.

It is definitely pine overload. I love timber lining but it's a bit too much.

If it looks like it's lacking something once painted, look at adding some colour instead of too much white. I like Chalk USA and Natural White but choosing a white is the hardest of the lot!

Hi K, if you wish to get free advice from a professional interior designer, have a look at Milray Park Online Design Bar.

Our Design Team would be more than happy to help you find the perfect paint colours :)

Given that you really liked the timber 'cottage in the woods feel' when you first moved in I would start by just painting the ceilings in a flat white ceiling paint, live with it for a little while and see how you feel. Painting just the ceilings will break up the timber and reflect more light throughout your home. If you still find it too dark and oppressive then got for it, paint the out all the walls and the trim using colours of your choice. If you search 'painted wall panelling' on Pinterest you'll see a whole lot of variations from monochrome rooms to carefully picked out walls with one colour above the dado rail, another below and a third on the trim.

It is a bit timber overload!. Leave the floors. Pick 1 other to paint- wall or ceiling....personally, like Sammy, I'd go with ceiling. For the walls if you are really over-it, lime wash the lot maybe? OR gyprock above the dado (just to eliminate the lines and visual distration it all creates, stain below the dado a chocolate/wenge using natural timber oil. I guess the good thing about all the timber is it's maintenance free!

I would paint the ceiling a navy blue or green that is harmonious with but contrasting to the wood colour. Maybe below the dado rail the same. But white is usually a winner with wood or even a light grey.

I really like the suggestion of MB Design, that's certainly the way I'd go. I recently brightened up an outdated, dark paint job and went with Natural White - it harmonises well with antique or comtemporary furniture, especially timber and dark leather. Painting the ceilings and above the dado rail in a semi or full gloss finish will reflect the colours around it therefore not looking too stark and clinical. Happy painting!

I agree at least paint the ceiling but keep the floors. A thin limewash effect (in any colour) will brighten the walls and keep the grain if you love it

I agree paint everything except the floor, check out http://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper/fixer-upper-a-very-special-house-in-the-country-pictures they do a lot of timber houses good luck

HI - we have a similar house by the beach and chose to paint ceiling beams, all door & window frames and two walls white (which don't have windows) and are about to paint the floorboards white as well. Brightened the place up no end, and its now got a combo of a scandi-'boat' house feel. I know it won't be to everyones fast, but we love it. See work in progress photo....