I definitely would not white wash the brick. Paint it a deep colour, like charcoal, something very dark. This room looks terribly dated. Are you bringing in furniture? I like convex mirrors... but thats me.

I would have the same flooring throughout the space to give it a more spacious feel.

It depends on your style but I would assume you’re attracted to mid-century modern since you bought the house. I would leave that brick and gorgeous ceiling alone.

We had paneling in our basement and den when we moved in and ended up drywalling the basement for lighting reasons but kept the paneling in the den. We hated the paneling when we first moved in but I am glad we kept it; to me it is true to the style of the house, and one room isn’t overwhelming.

if you take down those cabinets are you going to be short on storage? If so I would wait until you are in a position to re-do the entire kitchen.

From some of the comments above, I don't think I did a good job explaining my questions. We love the MCM aesthetic but we are not experts in what should be kept or changed in order to respect the era of the house. So, I guess that is the basis for my questions. Personally, I don't like that some of the bricks were painted black and white in some spots but also not sure how that can be changed and maintain the integrity of the era. If it helps I do not like the shabby chic style so wonder if the brick can be replaced with another stone to keep the era aesthetic or do I need to live with it?

The carpet will come up because I find carpets unhygienic. So my question is should I replace with hardwoods, if so what type or cork?

Would it make sense to replace some of the wood paneling with grasscloth for example?

Thank you again, everyone!

Whether to do hardwood would depend on what your plans are for the other wood in the house. with wood ceilings, beams, and paneling, I think wood floors would be overwhelming and would look at tile or stone. How much paneling is visible on the 4th wall of the living room that we don't see in the pictures? If you replace the paneling, wood floors could work.

I like the brick as it is. I also like the suspended cabinets in this setting (in most homes I would be on board with taking them out).

I am not sure you are concerned but the full address shows in one of the pics. I was able to see all of the pictures on Zillow and that it was built in 1965. Congratulations on a wonderful find with some amazing views. If you don't want us Houzzers peeking at the full listing, you might want to scrub out the address.

@Flo, I definitely see this home as mid-century. The furniture and overhead lighting from the 1980s is throwing it off.

I am wondering if they did not paint some of the bricks to make it look like reclaimed style. I think with a bit of sleuthing, it may be possible to find a way to remove the white or black paint. If the whole area had been done, that would be more difficult. I am not a fan of painting brick but in this case with the odd black and white ones, perhaps an all-over color would be another option.

I think grasscloth would look great! A site finished floor in an oak stained medium brown (similar to the beam) would a good choice.

Can you tell us your plans for the kitchen one day? Do you want the same flooring throughout or would you do a tile in that area?

With any house of a certain age,YOU have to decide what to keep "authentic" and what you just are not willing/able to live with. You've found a great house ready to be your home,not a museum, and if those bricks bug you so much,paint them or sheath them in another material. I would likely have them sheathed because painted brick would not make me happy in the space. (which I would likely turn into a Hygge-ly Skandi-treehouse mash-up very different than the current owners space) Floorwise, cork or wood...hmmm!?!! Well,for me,I would do a wood even lighter than the ceilings. Can't say I'd remove those dropdown shelves,most likely but darn,that installation is way cool. Now,the vast amount of panelling in the space would take a visit or three to help me make up my mind on how much to remove and from which walls. Certainly not all of it. In the bedrooms,if I wanted it gone,I'd likely just paint it. I think your mentions of grasscloth and cork (whether you decide to use them or not), aka,period sympathetic natural choices, reveal that this house is in the right hands. Enjoy. And maybe post more pictures as you make it yours.

Great house! I think it depends on how true to period you wish to remain. My gut tells me to whitewash all the brick the same color as the lighter portion of the ceiling. I recommend wood flooring where you want it and carpeting in the bedrooms. I also like wood flooring in the bedrooms with rugs. As for the paneled rooms...is this real wood or is it the inexpensive type? Can't tell from photos. I have been known to pickle or whitewash paneling also. Are you keeping that kitchen or will you eventually rip it out? Wish you lived in Chicago! Good luck, I wish you much happiness in your new home!

I'd get rid of the DIY paint job on those black and white bricks to make the walls more unified. I'd try getting the paint off with a heat gun rather than solvent so that you have less chance of it staining. It could just soften and bubble right off (or you could burn it off with a propane torch.

Definitely leave the beams alone.

This is going to be a big job—a few hundred thousand dollars worth. I suggest hiring a very talented interior designer to help you reimagine the property as a whole. Think big picture. Wallpaper vs paneling is small picture. ;)

I pulled up the listing. Those overhangs block a lot of view and light on your deck! The views are absolutely amazing....I wonder if there is a way to add skylights or glass in certain areas, or reconfigure the overhang part? This could be a super cool house, but will take a lot of money.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/20537-Marine-View-Dr-SW-Normandy-Park-WA-98166/48679812_zpid/

I totally see MCM here. Keep the kitchen cabinets and the beams. Look into soda or CO2 blasting the brick and the ceiling. Pull up that nasty carpet and look at polishing the concrete floor. Ditch every ugly light fixture in the place.

I'd live with the wood paneling for awhile, but my gut tells me I'd probably get rid of it eventually.

This house has incredible potential, and the views are to die for. You can sit on that deck and be in heaven when you're worn out from all the work you have to do. (I'll be right over with my crowbar and the wine.)

That's such an iconic Seattle look, I'd concentrate first on stripping out the obvious 80s stuff, like the dining room light fixture.

To me, the painted brick is the biggest eyesore. As others have suggested, try different methods to remove the black and white paint.

The kitchen area is very busy looking with the brick, countertop and floors. I like the idea about polished concrete floors, although that may be too hard on your legs.

I would remove the hanging cabinets, they block the view into the kitchen.

Personally I don't like paneling. I'd either paint or remove it.

buy this house.

i love the house but am having trouble seeing past the previous owners furnishings.

its funny how a house can be dated in two different ways (remember.. dated means you can tell when it was done. its not a pejorative unless you dont like how it looks!), the datedness of the house itself has come roaring back into style. the furnishings, not so much.

i would not do a thing before move in. place your items, live in the space, edit and replace. would love you to come back with new photos in the future.

Lucrecia, do you think there is concrete under the carpet? That would be an interesting and budget-friendly choice. I think you have received a lot of good advice. Can you please post pictures along the way?

FTR, polished concrete would be totally appropriate here, and gorgeous, but it is NOT a budget friendly choice.

@Grover, how much does it cost to polish concrete? Can it be done DIY? I would love a loft one day and this is what I want. I assumed it was a good budget option.

Twosit4me, the design movement is referred to as “mid-century modern.” It was seen as modern at the time.

Looked up the listing ..I have balcony envy !

So we didn't get the house. But will keep looking for one. Thank you, everyone, for all of your advice!

I am sorry to hear that. Been there as well.