It's a beautiful room! When you say 'office/formal' room, can you tell us more about the formal part? Do you have painted wood or trim in any other rooms?

Do you LIKE the wood as it is? I do, although I'd like to see one or more area rugs like great Orientals in the room, probably over hardwood. They could also be used to set off various areas, such as the 'office' in one part of the room, and the 'formal' in another area.

Do you already have furniture that you plan to use in the room? If yes, showing us that may help people give you ideas on whether to paint some of it or not.

What is the overall size of the room?

I think it's gorgeous! I would not touch the woodwork.

Thanks for your comment. We just moved in and I haven't bought anything for this room yet. I thought it would be a great idea to get some creative inputs before I start this project. I plan to buy an executive desk and put it in such a way that the book shelf is in the background. I also plan to get some seating (sofa / upholstered chairs) and a coffee table for visitors. It's a big room - maybe 10 x 8 ft.

Does it look too dated ? any ideas to spruce it up ?

It's a lot of wood, but I think that's what will make your office look like a cozy library. I can't imagine painting or restaining all that! From the pictures (and it could be the lighting) the upper wall/ceiling paint could be more fresh. You could put some beautiful pillows on the side benches, a gorgeous rug, and of course, however you stage the shelves will convey your personality.

The window shutters might look a little dated? See how the room looks without them.

It's a beautiful room. I think I would replace the ceiling light. The shadows it's casting on the ceiling would bother me.

A great oriental, some good leather furniture and some wonderful curtains (and books in all those bookcases, not "gee gaws") and it will be a wonderful room. I'd also consider having an antique brass finder for the fireplace.

I like that room a lot. Books, a large area rug (oriental is possible), a sitting area and a nice desk .. I wouldn't paint the wood. Some art to fit the mood.

Love the room and all the wood. The only place I think there is a little too much wood is the shutters. I'd soften the windows with fabric shades and a coordinating or matching fabric for the window seats. Ditto to a big oriental rug.

Great ideas.. Thanks!! I agree, I'm planning not to paint the panels since that also seems to be a unanimous decision :) I'm planning to rip off that old carpet and put in hardwood. Fabric shades and co-ordinating window seating sounds like a fantastic idea. I love the antique fireplace cover idea. Any good sites for that ? I love chesterfield sofas too. I have a oriental rug in maroon, but that might make the room darker. Will have to look for a lighter rug...

How about a blue velvet chesterfield, or the whole English leather look?

Or Green

Oh the great things you could do with the ceiling!!! Paint it your favorite color, have a mural painted or do wall paper. Hang a fabulous light fixture and quality drapes. Then, beautiful rugs and original art over the fireplace. Great room with endless options.

What are some colors you are thinking of? What is your style?

NSM, that first picture is yummy with the books & that color velvet!

Beautiful room! I hope you keep us updated with your choices.