After completion of the foyer renovation, hubby and I have been wondering “what’s next” on the project list.
While we’re still having warm weather, we’ve been working on the outside, doing a long overdue patio renovation, as well as landscaping and painting. But on days that the temperatures have soared into triple digits, or it’s raining, we aren’t working outdoors and needed an inside room to focus on.
The room that we chose is behind these double doors in the foyer. It’s the study/office.
The study is where I write my blog posts, edit photos, pay bills, and stay on top of my online shop, so I spend quite a bit of time in there. I don’t find this room very inspiring, so it definitely needs updating!
Here is the study as you would see it today.
It has a few random pieces of furniture stored in there at the moment, along with a desk and computer where I’m able to do my work. But other than that, there hasn’t been any updating to it since we moved in.
This old french provincial buffet is actually in the process of being painted with a new finish and I’ll share more of that when it’s completed.
The study has gorgeous parquet floors, and built in bookcases.
The walls are all paneled and there are two beautiful lead glass windows looking out to the front lawn.
We’re definitely covering the popcorn ceiling and the light fixture will have to be moved {it’s not centered in the room}.
The chandelier is a beautiful french piece, but it’s too small for the space and some of the light sockets are broken, so I’m going to replace it with something a bit larger. I’ll use this chandy in another room after it is repaired.
We’ve already removed the electrical baseboard heating unit that ran along one wall after we installed central gas heat. Fortunately, we had salvaged some of the original baseboard trim from another room, so we will be able to fill in what was missing when the heating unit was removed.
There will be different furniture in there, some new pieces, and a few that are undergoing a makeover, but they will all have a “french flavor”.
Here’s my dilemma….I would love to paint the paneled walls for a more updated look. Maybe in a gray, or creamy white…..but I’m on the fence.
I feel like so many of the beautiful details of this room are lost in all of this dark stain, it all just runs together. And the stain color has an almost “orangey” look to it, discoloring whatever is in the room.
I would love a lighter feel to the room, something that’s not so dated. I’m in love with the white paneled walls that we added to the foyer. They brought so much light into the space. But when I walk into this room, it’s a little depressing.
So, I’m asking for your thoughts…..what’s your opinion on painting the paneled walls in the study?
I’ve spend some time on Pinterest getting inspiration and these are some images that I’ve pinned.
I love the look of this white paneling, it has such a light, bright look, and provides such a wonderful backdrop for furnishings and accessories.
via Provident Home Design
This paneling looks as though it’s painted in a gray wash….beautiful.
via SheerLuxe
Gilded accents….wow! Gorgeous! It definitely brings out the details in the panels.
via Lonny
I’m not sure what was done to achieve this look, but I love it.
via Tracery Interiors
The contrast between the white and black paneling is striking.
via Pinterest
I love the look of these paneled walls painted in a soft gray. If I do paint the paneling, I would definitely lean toward this color.
via BelgianPearls
A dark charcoal gray….stunning!
via Luxe Interiors
So, what do you think? Paint the paneling? Don’t paint the paneling?
And if I do paint, what color?
I know ya’ll have an opinion, so let me have it!
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Cheers,
Cindy
Charcoal grey!!! My office is similar, and I have decided to paint it Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (lacquer finish).
Cindy,
First, let me say, your blog is therapeutic for me! Everything about it! Your styling, colors, religious pieces so carefully styled into your decor, your fur babies, just everything! I could go on and on! When I need a “pick-me-up”, I turn on some classical music, light my favorite, fragranced candles, get my favorite cup of tea and settle down with your blog! I found it fairly recently and believe me when I tell you it blesses me!
Your study is gorgeous! When I saw that you were going to do a “makeover” I certainly understood your desire to get rid of the “orange” tones of the wood but thought how very beautiful it would look if you could lighten it to a natural, blonde tone and “pickle” it just as you did your kitchen ceiling! The beautiful grain of the wood would still show through but the palate would be more suitable to your current styling of all you have currently remodeled! I could also see some gilding and your signature “grill” work in pieces of furniture strategically placed! However, I am confident that whatever you decide to do will be stunning! I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Thank you for sharing your ideas, techniques, creativity and beautiful home with those of us trying to make our own homes our sanctuary!
Blessings to you…
Connie
Oh my goodness, Connie, you humble me with your kind words. You, dear friend, are a blessing to me! I can’t tell you how much your comments mean to me. Thank you, thank you.
I think a limed treatment would be stunning and cut the orange. Betty Lou Phillips shows a very rich treatment in one of her books and there are some gorgeous examples on Pinterest. If you are afraid of too much wood, lay a light colored oriental rug on the floor to brighten up the space. IMHO, painting it white or grey is just more of the same. Your home does have good bones and lovely architectural details. This room is where you find your inspiration. Let it sing.
Thank you Donna!
Love the gray you said you would use if painting and by all means, paint!! Maybe use a dark gray/charcoal for the bookcases? I cannot wait to see what you come up with. I enjoy following the journey.
Thank you so much Debbie!
Cindy, I’ve recently started following you. I want to compliment you on your home. You make every room beautiful without breaking the bank. I’m looking forward to seeing your choices for the office. I can see why you purchased the home. All the detail in the office alone would be expensive to duplicate. Your touch will definitely bring it up to date.
Thank you so much Dana!
Paint! As you say the room is heavy feeling! Can’t wait to see the afters!
Thanks Vicki!
Cindy I love that room!! I would definitely be painting the paneling…I recently noticed an instagram account called WeatherWash. Check it out. It has that grey stained look that might look really pretty. I love the greyish look rather than a bright white for your office. Can’t wait to see what you decide, I know it will be beautiful.
Thank you Amy! I’m going to check out WeatherWash!!
Don’t paint – remember the white and grass will go out of style.
DARE to be different. Add your gray with everything in the room
BUT the woods.
Thank you so much Nan!
I’m on the “Paint the Paneling” bandwagon!! It’ll be gorgeous, light and a wonderful place to work from 🙂
Thank you Ann!
My favorite is the Sheer Luxe the gray wash is gorgeous and adds texture and movement to the walls. Since it is in a room you do a lot of creative things I think that would be inspirational. Maybe go darker on the ceiling. Seems as if that room can handle it, it looks very bright in there. Can’t wait to see what you choose!
Thanks Jackie!
Cindy, I like the look of the gray, but maybe you should try a gray stain on the paneling, sort of like the whitewashing done several years ago.
Thish
Thanks Trish!
Hi Cindy,
You have many great ideas and options for the study. I would claim that as my own space and make it more feminine. Paint away in a color you love. And then add the gold brushed accents. Love the idea of some embellishments on the panels. Or how about mini murals or florals on the panels that are slightly worn? Oh I can see it now…YOU are a lucky woman.
Thank you so much Jennifer!
I love the idea of painting the paneling. My first thought, when I saw the pictures, was to do something complimentary to your entry not matching. Another thought I had was to do something to the backs of the bookcases (a linen or wallpaper or paint or stencil). Can’t wait to see what you do. It’s going to be fabulous when completed!
Thank you Nancy!
You have been given so many great ideas! First, let me tell you this is my first visit to your blog and after having a wee look around, I have no doubt you will make the right choice!! Your home is absolutely lovely! I am in the camp that believes wood certainly can (and should) be painted in the right circumstance. After all, it is simply a building material!! However, if you do like the wood, but just not the tone, I would agree with stripping off a small area to see what lies beneath. Liming wax can give wood a beautiful aged patina. Amy Howard at Home has an awesome line of all kinds of paint and finishes, from paint, to waxes, to gilding. If you haven’t seen her product line, I would suggest you take at all the possibilities! If you are leaning towards paint, I think a pale gray or white would certainly pop against those gorgeous floors and lighten up the space as well!
Thank you so much Maureen!
Definitely paint the paneling! I’m sure whatever color you decide on will be gorgeous! I love every one of your inspiration photos. So hard to decide which I love better.
Thank you Sandy!
Hi Cindy,
I only just now discovered your blog. I am blown away! Your home is beyond beautiful and everything you have done is gorgeous beyond belief. I will chime in on the color selection for the library and say go for the gray wash. That room is and will be even more magnificent once painted a lighter color. I can’t wait to see what you choose!
Thank you Elizabeth!
If you are like me, you’ll do what is in your heart; regardless of opinions of others. I’m sure that a grey would be the best solution for your paneling. I have painted wood paneling many times and have really loved the look (and have even painted the 200 year old wooden beams and pink brick in our great room.) The paint lightened up everything and seven years later, I still love the look. I do not, however, think that the gold outline on the wood would be something I would want for an office, as it might look too fancy. However, if the gold design was on other wood in the house, it might tie all rooms together. You have good taste, so you’ll know what will look best.
Thank you Shirley!
Stain it with a beautiful grey wash this way you will not lose your wood grain and it would lighten the walls up.
Thank you Vivian!
The grey wash wood look like a beautiful idea.That way you could still see the wood grain show through.
Well, I’m going to be different. I love the richness of the wooden paneling. To me, it would be a shame to cover up all that beauty, but you have to do what makes YOU happy. I agree painting would bring in more light.
Thank you Florence!
Beautiful Home, I have finished this summer the lower part of the hutch in white it looks like a twin of oyur, still have not figure where to put it, lack of wall space, but its there!
Thank you so much!
You convinced me it needs paint by your photos. You’d be good on a debate team. I’m not much of a gray fan, so I like the lighter creamy tones. But whatever you choose will be fabulous because every time you’ve shown us a “before” project, I’ve always thought there was no hope . . . but then you work your magic, and I’m loving it! Can’t wait to see how this goes!
Lol, thanks Leslie Anne! I’m still on the fence, but I dream about it every night, so hopefully I will make a decision soon!
It looks like I am going to agree with the majority, I say paint. I think it would be far easier than to stripe off the shellac or varnish, sand and restain. Plus by painting it will enhance the wood floors. It is a beautiful room.
Thank you Debra!
My vote is for you to paint away!!! White or light gray to lighten things up a bit! I can’t wait to see what you do! It’s a beautiful room with great bones!
Thank you so much Delilah!
Everything you do is with beauty, style & grace Cindy! Looking forward to keeping up with all your projects!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Kelly!
Yes, PAINT!! Think the dark charcoal is stunning and would bring drama to the room. The color is still in keeping with your colours.
Thank you Teresa! Love the charcoal!
I love the guilded accents. Your home is very elegant and I think, no matter what color you paint, that would be the perfect touch
Thank you Pam!
It’s a beautiful room! Though, I’d paint it a soft white. 🙂
Thank you Patti!
I say yes to painting the paneling. I can’t wait to see the new finish on your dresser.
Thank you Lisa!
I would do a pale grey…but whatever you choose I’m sure that it will be stunning!
Yes, a pale grey is in the running! Thanks for commenting Janet!
Definitely paint the walls. I am partial to black and white or dark gray. Gray would be more consistent with your overall beautiful look. ♥♥♥ Your home is gorgeous!
Thank you Joan!
Paint!!!!
Lol, thank you Mildred!
As always, I end up thinking: Let there be white! Especially with the wood floors. But anyway you go will end up beautiful.
Thank you so much!
Paint it. I love the white or the light grey. The color will depend on what you do to the floor. If you leave it as is, your grey will need a green undertone. If you will darken the floor (gel stain will work great) you can use a blue undertone for the grey not to appear blue next to the “orangey” wood. My last home was full of paneled walls and had a wood ceiling as well. We painted a tried and true light grey (used throughout another home) that turned blue next to the wood ceiling. After trying several greys, we went with BM’s Dove White and it was the brightness we needed to lighten up the house next to the wood ceilings.
Looking forward to seeing what you pick.
Thanks so much Danielle!
Limed Gray like this *swoons* http://thedecorologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Limed-wood-wall-Veranda-magazine-via-interiorandgardendesign.jpg
Thanks Vanna! I will check it out!
I love your house. I vote for painting a light color
Thank you Kim!
I would definitely paint the paneling! I think the soft grey is lovely!
Thank you Gerri!
Cindy ~
I am the odd ball here, but my first thought was what a neat study !! I guess I have been to the Biltmore to many times hehe, plus I like English tradition. I am sure what ever you decide will look lovely!! Looking forward to the finish dresser, and hoping you will post step by step !!
Good weekend to You !
Paula
Thank you Paula! Have a great weekend!
Cindy, I look forward to reading your posts in the evening. I too LOVE your house and decor. You are a huge inspiration in my decor choices. I think painting will be gorgeous! I can’t wait to follow along and anxiously await the reveal! Beautiful room! Thank you for your great blog, it’s my favorite!
-Vicki
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Vicki!
You asked, so I will give my opinion, which will obviously differ from others, and perhaps from yours as well. I would paint the room. As it is, it is too much wood, (in my opinion) which is masculine, and as you say, it also has an orange undertone. But I am not a fan of black or charcoal walls. Dark colors are risky. They can seem gloomy, and you may find that you tire of it rather quickly. Based on your other postings, you do not strike me as someone who would prefer a graphic look. (“To thine own self be true.” William Shakespeare) I noticed that the windows in that room are not particularly large, and the French doors do not have glass in them, so the amount of light that you have coming in is probably not enough to carry off a dark color without seeming depressive. I love the inspiration picture courtesy of viaBelgianPearls because it is warm and inviting, and to me it looks the most French. (Aside from the example with the gold accents, which I also like.) Since you spend a lot of time in that room, it should reflect what you truly enjoy (colors, pictures, textures,) but since it’s also at the front of the house, it should have something a little bit special too, like a yummy rug and an interesting drapery treatment. And that’s just one woman’s opinion.
Thank you Rebecca! I love all of your suggestions!
Gilded accents. Get out of that box!!!!!
Thanks Becky!
oooh, what a difficult decision! The panels really are fantastic and that floor is beautiful… but it seems like since it is all one color things get lost, as you said. I think I would opt to paint the walls. OH you know, everyone says a french pale blue, you could do it with some cream accents… then it totally reminded me of Marie Antoinette’s living room in the petit trianon with beautiful parquet floors… http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Petit_Trianon_-_Boudoir_de_la_Reine.jpg
Thank you Angelina!
Definitely paint it. The paneling is gorgeous but is too close to the color of the floor. The white paint is beautiful but might be a little too bright for a study. I vote for a soft grey or grey blue/grey green with the gold. Btw – I love your home!
Thank you so much Nadine!
I would do the light gray or French pale blue!!
Thank you Donna! Love those suggestions!
I think rather than more gray, I’d make this room dazzle at your beautiful entry with a matte black or dark charcoal paint with gold gilt highlights. Adding a fun animal print rug (think zebra, spotted leopard, etc) and creamy off white textured draperies would be both sexy and masculine. Desk, sideboard, parquet floor etc would look great “slightly” limed to keep the look light and airy. As always your projects are “over the top gorgeous”…..I can’t wait to see what makes your heart happy!!! 😉
Thank you Barbara!
I would paint, stencil then white wax
Thanks Heather!
I love the gray wash and the dark charcoal gray. I am a huge fan of white trim! Always so stunning and sets off any decor and colors.
Thank you Gail!
I say paint the paneling white. Do the white washed planks on the ceiling and leave the floor as is. You could do something different with the bookcases. I read The Pink Clutch blog and she had a similar paneled living room and went white. You can see the transformation on her blog. What a difference.
It’s sort of hard to find on her site. Here is the link. It’s not French Country style but it shows the power of paint and white. http://www.thepinkclutchblog.com/2016/05/one-room-challenge-spring-reveal.html
Thanks Nancy! I’ll check it out!
I love the gray walls the best, it looks warm and cozy and combined with the gilded gold accent is a gorgeous, elegant combination which is more French looking than black or white. Black walls are stately, but lends itself to looking more masculine and befitting of a man’s office. White is clean looking but can be stark and chalky looking and would need the right accessories to add some warmth.
Thanks Denise!
I can’t wait to see the new look after you do your magic.
Thanks Debra!
Hi Cindy,
I’m sure whatever you do, it will look amazing.
I think you should definetly paint it. The light grey would be my choice, but I could see the grey wash in this room. That would look stunning. I love love love the gold gilding as well. Once again, I can’t wait to see the finished look. You give me so much inspiration.
Nadia
Thank you Nadia!
Normally I would say no to painting wood, but if its just from the 70’s go for it. I love the look in the photo from SheerLuxe, and you can still see the wood grain. I don’t know if its possible to get that look with the varnish you have on there, though. Good luck!
Thanks Sheila! I think the walls would have to be stripped to the raw wood before you could get the wood grain look. I’m not sure I’m up for that! Lol!
On the Belgian pearls blog under MY Home, Greets living room wall paneling looks like it has a lite grey stain or wash and a darker glaze over it to bring out the details. Your wood looks like oak so the grain would hold the glaze and the details in the trim would stand out. I am sure whatever you do will be beautiful.
Thank you so much Jody!
I LOVE the look of the dark charcoal gray! It is so striking and sophisticated tome!!! I know whatever you choose wil be gorgeous.
Yes, that charcoal gray is stunning! Thanks Pinky!
I think painting the room would be beautiful and trust your impeccable taste. However, I think this room presents a challenge and would love to see what you could do with the wood!
Thanks Kris!
Hi Cindy, I say go for paint…..it will make the room brighter and give it a whole new feel…as to the color a creamy white sounds beautiful…but no matter what you choose to do I have faith that it will turn out gorgeous just like the rest of your home….
Wishing you a wonderful weekend~
Mari
Thanks Mari! Have a great weekend!
Maybe paint inside the framed area of the paneling, leaving the wood trim as an accent? I think that would give you the opportunity to lighten up the feel of the room yet retain some of the character of the wood features. Good luck with the decision and the work!
Thanks Kathy!
Wouldn’t I just love a gorgeous paneled room such as yours to make a beautiful, cozy place to work. I would definitely paint – without another thought. My favorite would be a soft gray, but I do also love the richness of the gilded finish. Maybe gray WITH gilded accents?
I like the way you think Carol!
Cindy, just trust your instincts. Look around your gorgeous home ; you haven’t been wrong yet. I know whatever you decide it will be wonderful
Aw, thank you Jean for your sweet comment!
I’m not one to paint such lovely woodwork, but I have to admit this is just too much wood. I rather like that pickled look and nothing more opaque than a wash.
Thank you so much for commenting Teddee Grace!
I love painted wood walls. Painted maple is very pretty. Nosy me wants to see the exterior you and hubby have been working on..
Thanks Sue! We’re working in the back yard….it was a mess! I’ll try and post about it once we get it finished….IF we get it finished!
Normally, I resist painting over beautifully grained paneling, especially with the wonderful detail you have in your walls BUT…I can’t help feel that there is too much ‘orange’ going on in that room, between the walls and the parquet floor. Before going with a flat or gloss paint though, I might try a wash on the walls – something that provides a contrast with the floor without completely obliterating the fine grain in your paneling. If you’re still not happy, you can always paint over it. As you note, stripping walls is a real pain so I’d move in increments to see which approach works better with the light in that room. Most of all, go with what makes YOU feel great when you enter the room.
Thanks Linda! Yes, there is a definite “orangey” tone in the room, which isn’t surprising since the stain is 40 years old.
Hi Cindy, I agree the paneling needs a change. You may want to try liming wax instead of painting. I love the look you get with this wax and you can see my results at this post.
http://www.nominimalisthere.com/2014/08/my-new-favorite-furniture-waxbefore.html
Thanks Sherry! I’ll take a look!
Leave it alone. I have seen many paneled & old world looks in old French photos. Not all of France is white & beige. I would be bored in all the white with no color. Color keeps people from being depressed, not white/cream/beige. France has many brick & stone walls in their homes & they aren’t white.
I agree with you completely Deborah, however, it’s the “orangey” tone to the old stain that is so unattractive. It’s not a wall that has aged with beautiful patina like the ones you speak of. It’s a 1972 wall stain that has not aged in a pretty way. Those century old brick and stone walls are fabulous and if that was what I was dealing with, it would be a no brainer. Unfortunately, it isn’t.
I know I’m in the minority but painting wood to me should be illegal. Anyone who thinks you can just ‘strip it’ later has no concept of the job, besides the wood can never be brought back to the original luster. It was most likely finished with shellac. You could lose the orange tone with sanding and preserve the original beauty with no more work than you’d put into some of the painted finishes. The current ‘paint anything that doesn’t move’ craze will pass and future generations will shed many tears over the lost wood.
I agree, many things get painted today that shouldn’t be, and in a lot of cases it’s not done well. However, I have to disagree that the ‘paint anything that moves’ is a phase that will pass. Painted walls and furniture have been around for hundreds of years. The price of a piece of furniture that has retained it’s original 18th century painted finish, is astronomical. There’s nothing more beautiful to me than the old chateaus in France with their beautifully painted, paneled walls, that are centuries old. It’s just a matter of individual taste, and thankfully, we don’t all love the exact same thing…what a boring world it would be if we did! I have a few antique pieces that I would never paint because they are beautiful in their natural stained wood, but I don’t believe that just because something is originally stained, it should never be painted, if doing so will update it and make it more attractive. Our home was built in the early ’70’s, it’s not an historic home. The paneled walls were installed and stained because that was the trend at that time. The stain has taken on an “orangey” feel over the last 40 years. There’s not a lot of light that gets into the study, so it stays shadowed and dark no matter what time of the day it is, making it a bit depressing to be in there. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do as to painting it, I’m still weighing all the options. I do know that painting those paneled walls would make it a stunning, pretty room. Thank goodness it’s not illegal to paint wood….I guess I would already be in jail by now. 🙂 I appreciate your comment!
Well, you know you won’t be happy in the long run with the way it is, or you wouldn’t be considering a change. You say you already love the floors. I would strip a small spot of the finish off the paneling to see what the wood really looks like underneath. If the “orangey brown” then goes away, I would go for the look of the grey rustic washed look in the Tracey Interiors…it is right up your alley, yet something a little different. Maybe you can just stain (gray) over it then and lightly brush over it with a light color or white to get that wonderful aged look you do on a lot of your furniture pieces. Anything you choose from that list of inspirations would be great, there is not a wrong or right…just go with what your heart loves since it is your space and you spend a lot of time in there! The wood floors won’t look wonderful though with that gray look without some change of color in them, too..so I guess the question is do you really want to strip and refinish those, too? Good luck and may I say you are an inspiration to me to “get to work” on my own home, which I am now doing over…french farmhouse too!
Thank you so much Karen! Good luck on your updating!
Liming!
Thanks Pamela!
First Cindy, let me say I love your decorating style!! I always think long before painting over a classic wood look, but it seems to me in this case you must choose the floor or the walls. If you love the floor then painting the walls is a needed contrast. And I along with your other followers think a soft color would be best for your style. I love the white and dark paint colors, but they seem too bold or contemporary for your much loved style!
Thank you Anita, good points!
Hi Cindy,
Oh how about I switch houses with you? Lol
Your white foyer is beautiful. Painting the study white would have zero contrast as well as losing detail. If it were I and we had traded homes:). I would paint white ,wash with gray or a soft green (to bring tile from foyer in)and gild out the details of walls only modestly.A hint of feminie and old world. Oh the choices are all lovely,except keeping it the way it is!
Looking forward to what you do! I have loved this project and been very inspired. I am more then sure you will do it beautifully!
Thank you so much Gaylin! Lovely suggestions!
Hi there – LOVE everything you do! I also think that the gray wash on the walls would be gorgeous – and bring more attention to the beautiful floors. Please keep posting, although I must admit that I am dangerously obsessed!
Thank you for your sweet comment Alexa!
You have to paint it! Light gray would be pretty if that’s where you’re leaning. I’d personally paint it in a heavy cream with the gold gilt edging, like a Paris apt!
Thanks Jo Anne! Hmmm…that is a wonderful suggestion!
Paint dear Cindy, definitely paint! Since this is a room in which you spend a lot of time, it really needs to reflect you and your personality. Follow your instinct and your heart, they will never steer you wrong. I mean, look at what you have accomplished so far in that gorgeous home of yours, need I say more? This room needs to lift your spirits as soon as you walk in it, making you smile and becoming your happy place. I know that you will choose exactly what is right for you and it will be absolutely glorious no doubt, and I, for one, cannot wait to see it. Blessings dear Cindy and trust your inner voice, it is the best! xxx
Thank you sweet Lindy Lou! I find myself taking my work to another room so that I don’t stay in there often….which tells me it definitely needs changing in some way! Hope you’re doing well!
So many people are against painting “natural wood”, but it’s still wood even when painted…..so paint it! 🙂
Very true Holly! Thank you!
Hi Cindy,
Let me start by saying I love your blog and all of the great work you have done to your beautiful home,it’s truly inspirational and it has made me stop procrastinating with my own projects( I have a long list but they are coming along now thanks to you) .
My humble opinion on your study: I know its a hard decision but I would paint the panel walls,it would just fit better with the rest of your home and it would change the enclosed feeling in that room, my favorites from the rooms you listed is the Belgian pearls followed by the Sheer Luxe. I can not wait to see what you do!
Keep up the good work and please share.
Isela.
Thank you for commenting Isela!
My initial thought was, “NO, don’t paint! Fill the bookcases with books, and architectural details, put a cherry red, velvet, down sofa on a vintage oriental carpet in there with ambient lighting, and have a cozy retreat. Then, I saw the soft gray painted walls with the other neutral furnishings, and I changed my mind. The gray is lovely, and very “French” looking. Can’t wait to see what you come up with; I know it will be stunning!
Thanks Anita!
I vote paint!! With the pattern and color of the parquet flooring, I think the white that’s in your foyer, or very pale gray would look wonderful. The gilded accents are very pretty, too. Maybe not so heavy as Lonny photo. Everything you do is amazing, so whatever color/finish you choose will be stunning!!
Thanks for commenting Aamber!
Your home and the work you have put into it blows me away! As for your study, any of the soft grays would be beautiful. You could keep the floor the original stain and add a soft pretty rug.
Thanks Peggy! Love your suggestion!
While I am not a big fan of grey painted walls in a home filled with antiques, I am a huge fan of grey woodwork. I’m not sure I can put my finger on the “why” I’m not so fond of grey drywall; maybe it doesn’t feel as timeless as grey woodwork? But, the grey wash on the paneled walls is warm and elegant, as is the fabulous dark charcoal! I think one room in a home that is otherwise filled with lighter walls should be painted with rich depth. The grey wash and dark charcoal would be my two favorites, with dark charcoal coming in first. Whatever you do, it will be gorgeous. You never make a misstep. So happy to be following your blog. Can’t wait to see what you do!
Thanks Jean! Yes, I love the dark charcoal walls as well!
As I am sure you will make this room as lovely as the rest of your home. I agree the was should be painted, I am partial to white but the grays are a great choice for your home too. I love the look of painted walls with a wood floor and I think this room will be stunning when you are done. I always enjoy each post as you share your home renovations and decorations.
Thank you so much Alaina!
Hi Cindy! Another project – what fun!! I like the light grey with a wash or glaze (Sheer Luxe). Even the gold gilding would be beautiful connecting to all the gold frames in your foyer. I know that whatever you choose will be WOW!! If my husband were answering this he would say do not paint the wood!! LOL!!
Celia
Yes, I’ve had a couple of negative comments from a few men….lol, interesting. Hubby says he doesn’t care, but to paint it will just be more work. I think he has a selfish reason for that comment. Haha! Thanks for commenting Celia!
Hi Cindy, love the paneled room! Gotta paint it. The wood is pretty but too monochromatic when combined with the floor. I actually have an oak paneled library but the color is broken up with books (but I secretly want to paint it). I think whatever color works best for you will be perfect as long as it compliments your floors.Keep it all one color and it will make the room look huge. And please pack up that dresser with the settee. Hugs.
Thank you Gay, I was curious to know your thoughts!! Your library is beautiful! There’s just something about this room that isn’t uplifting to me….it needs a change! The bones are there….it just needs to be updated to this decade! That dresser is going through a little makeover….then I’ll pack it up for you! Hope you’re doing well!
Well, if you were going for a man’s study/library look, I’d say leave the wood as shelves and books would break up all the wood tones. Or if your floor wasn’t wood…BUT I don’t think that’s what you’re after so by all means paint! It’s just too much brown! Like a brown box! I love painted paneling. I really like the soft grey. It’s going to be beautiful no matter what you do!
Thank you Cecilia!
Loving that charcoal gray!
Hi Desi! Yes, the charcoal gray is stunning!
My husband would think it was horrible to paint the paneling. I’d be grabbing a paintbrush and getting busy. All that wood just feels too heavy for me.
I agree! It’s a little depressing.
Yes paint. I did and it made such a difference, smile now every time
I walk into that room. You will as well. Love the gray too.
Thank you Mary!
Hi Cindy! I was looking at those walls thinking the same. There’s a beauty in them but how to decrease that orangey feel. I’m a professional artist, so here’s a thought: typically on aging paintings they have a dark brownish appearance, and people don’t realize it’s the varnish, and the painting is simply in need of restoration. Happens every 50 -70 years. Old varnish removed, beauty revaled! Thus I thought of those walls. You might want to do a section first and see what’s actually under there, but my thought is the orange you are looking at is none other than aged varnish.
Thanks Rosemarie! I’m not sure what kind of wood it is. A lot of the other wood in the house is a stained maple, so that may be it. Honestly, if I’m going to do anything to the walls, it will be painting. Stripping the walls does not sound appealing to me.
Definitely paint! I love the Tracery walls, that’s my favorite as it lightens the room but also doesn’t look too bright and white. Next choice would be a soft gray, maybe even light gray on the outside and a slightly darker gray on the recessed panels. I can’t wait to see it!
Thanks Cindy!
What a fantastic room. The parkay flooring is amazing. A lot of people have been applying a glaze over their wood in kitchens to get a new look. I wonder if that could be done in this room? They gray tones on the walls look great in the pictures you’ve selected and create a calming feel to the room.
Thanks Liz!
I would go for it to. The way it is now doesn’t fit with the way the rest of your house is, which is just beautiful. I love the gray.
Thanks Deborah!
Personally I like the room from Tracery Designs. I think it is the most interesting and would add another dimension to your home. That and a gorgeous rug of course!
Thanks Ellie! I love the walls from Tracery Designs, as well!
I would paint them and love the ones above that you would consider! The wood paneled walls are beautiful but it does not give the feel of what you are wanting. I would go for it :)!
Thank you Tammy!
Cindy, definitely paint. Have you looked at Segreto Finishes by Leslie Sinclair. She has a blog and she had a couple books out. You can look at more finished walls like these.
Thanks Kim! Yes, love Segreto Finishes. I have one of their books, I will have to get it back out and look at it.
I definitely would go with the softer Grey walls. On my screen it looks like it leans toward green. It’s very warm and inviting. The white looks a little chalky to me. I love every choice you make so I have no doubt you will chose a beautiful color. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to express my opinion.
Thank you Susie!
I too would be on the fence. Suggestion: Try a soft gray ‘wash’ of color to lighten it up. Granted, this would be time consuming, but, the wood beautiful wood grain would show through. If then you aren’t completely sold, go ahead and paint. It’s worth a try. Blessings.
Thanks for the suggestion Debra!
Hi Cindy – I really enjoy your blog. I’m all for painting paneling and wood in general. If someone wants wood later, they can always strip the paint and restore the wood. I love the dark gray but I’m sure you’ll make the right choice for the color if you decide to paint. Your home is lovely.
Thank you Anne! I’m definitely leaning toward a gray. I appreciate your suggestion!
I love the painted paneling, I like the lighter gray or a gray wash, it goes the best with your french feel.
Thanks Lisa!
Paint, paint, paint!!
Lol, thanks Jeanne!