Here is the other wall, where the pellet stove is located. (don't know how to post more than one picture at a time)

I'll also post a pic of the current wall color-these pics were taken about 8 years ago.

We do like the current wall color, and want to get something to complement it if we do paint the brick. So, again, I'd be open to suggestions.

I really dislike the very yellow wainscotting and trim, but in combination with the red wood ceiling-it's just way too much color. We're going to replace the floors with a dark stained wood to match the rest of the house. Thus another reason to brighten up that room. There are two sliders, one on the East (short) wall and on the North long wall opposite the long brick wall. Our TV also hangs on that wall, in the area where the TV in the photo of the pellet stove pic is.

If the brick is a realistic texture (hard to tell from the pic) try painting it and see if it looks like real painted brick - hey you don't have much to lose you can take it down afterwards if it looks terrible!

prime that plastic brick first with a good primer, and paint away. You have nothing to lose. We had face brick that was quite red in the kitchen area and yellow face brick in the living area at the opposite end of an open concept house we lived in. Didn't go at all! I painted it all and it melted into the background, make the whole area tie together nicely. I think you will like it painted. worth a try. at least there is the alternative of taking it down if it doesn't work. best wishes

Try the Glidden Gripper Primer, that stuff can work miracles. I say paint and report back.

I don't know how you could whitewash the ceiling without a complete sand down, and that would be a huge PITA with the v-notch paneling. I think painting is a better option. I have a lot of that paneling in my house, too, some unsealed and I'll be whitewashing that ceiling when I finish my sitting room.

I say paint the ceiling a warm cream tone, it will still look like wood but nice and clean. Then use the same tone or one shade darker on the paint strip to do the fireplace so they work together. You'll then have the basis for a nice coastal feeling. It's a no fail solution and you'll be surprised how much you love it.

Yes a primer made for glossy surfaces like Glidden Gripper or SW ProBlock.

I agree paint the wall and the ceiling a warm white (I loveBM mascarpone - warm but not yellowy). It will freshen the whole place! Taking down a few of the most obvious western items such as the horns and lasso will tone down the theme decor a lot.

Paint everything. The ceiling. Both bricks. The wainscotting and the trim around the windows. Paint it all a brighter white. It will give the whole room a fresh start and be better for resale. Which is your aim, correct? Or is one of you keeping the house?

I would paint the ceiling white....use the Gripper stuff or we use Liquid Sandpaper...ask the paint store what sort of primer/gripper you should use. I would paint the false brick the same color as the walls..I believe you said you love the greenish color you have. I would paint the wainscoating the same as your walls. Woodwork around baseboard and door can stay the wood color. After you have all of your western things out and all painted, it will look like a different room.

Not looking at resale-looking to just upscale and refreshen. I'm in need of a change in my environment!

I was reticent to paint the wainscotting, but frankly, it is such a yellowy color, I might just do it.

When we first bought this place, I was all about color-all the rooms were so color drenched and it all looked great, but lately-I fantasize about everything being white...even the furniture! Never gonna happen in a house with four dogs and four cats!

But this room is one that really needs refreshing. It's so dark, lamps just do not bring in enough light and it's open to the north and the east, so it really doesn't get much natural light except early in the day. I think a visit to the paint store for chips and samples will do me a world of good. I plan to do some major updating come Labor Day-my DD's wedding will be done and I should be healed up enough to start on the projects thru the fall.

I would paint all the wainscoting, ceiling and trim a creamy white and the brick wall the green that's in there already, which you like. This will brighten it up and give you tht cottage feel.

I'm all for painting that fake brick paneling and think it would look really nice. I would also paint the trim and wainscoting. However, I must be the voice of dissent. I REALLY like your ceiling as is. I'm understanding that it is real wood, and I think it adds a lot of character. I would at least do everything else first and if you still dislike it, then paint it.

Did you see what this blogger did with her faux bricks ?

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2012/03/tutorial-how-to-paint-brick-to-make-it.html

Did you see what she did in part 1?

Here is a link that might be useful: faux brick panels

I like what the blogger did with her white faux bricks, except for the white oopsie spots. If I were you I would be tempted to just rip it out. However, trying the paint first makes the most sense. It really needs to go, either via camouflage or total removal.

If you go for the coastal cottage look, you probably won't want brick. I just don't think of brick when I think of that look, although I do think of beadboard. Maybe rip out the "brickette" and cover it with beadboard and paint it, although now that I think about it, it won't work with your other paneling. Never mind.

I am really loving the painted brick in the bloggers inspiration pix. That panelling is exactly what we have on that wall.

I guess coastal cottage isn't exact-my living room has a coastal 'vibe' to it, but I want to transition that to a more traditional feel and bring that vibe to the back of the house. I could live with this for my family room! I am a really good faux painter, so I think I could pull this off-and if I can't, well, total repaint! Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Paint everything in basic clean fresh white -- and really change the whole feeling of the room. Always great to have a change! :)

Yes -- you could leave the ceiling until the very last stage --and then decide .... but even painting the ceiling in white will complete the whole fresh look!

I know you said you don't want to paint the wainscoting, but I think that should be your first project. The color of it really doesn't go with other colors very well. Paint the wainscoting, trim and ceiling white, then figure out the wall color & brick last.

I love the ceiling in your inspiration picture, but not the brick.