If I had a negative emotional response about something that was "essential" to the house, some key feature that would be difficult to change without significant expense, or if it was something that really couldn't be changed successfully, I would probably not buy the house, in all honesty. I would not reject a house out of hand for having bad wallpaper or paint colors I didn't like, or even granite countertops I didn't like. But, if I didn't like the wood beamed ceilings in a house, I would probably pass on the house. Or there would have to be something so particularly perfect about it in some other way , that I could live with them (probably as is or with minor changes) .. But I don't know that there is such a shortage of houses that I would be forced into buying something I really didn't want. A modernist house is usually particularly "pushy" about what it is, and I think that is one of the reasons a lot of people don't like them. Most people are pretty vocal about hating them. (And don't seem to think this is at all insulting to the people that own them.) They are inflexible. They don't adapt as well to change as a non-commital generic-transitional kind of house. Those are actually pretty easy to remodel and redecorate and to change. No amount of crown moulding or chair rail or windows with muntins would turn the house in question into anything traditional-looking and believe me, people try to do this often. And that's where the euphemistic "do what you love" often comes into play. Because it often means "disregard the hand you were dealt". Most of "do what you love" is an outgrowth of not liking the house they are giving advice about. I know we are not talking about crown moulding and chair rail specifically here, but we are still talking about changing a Major element here in a way that will be pretty much irreversible here and Much harder to undo than restoring them would be from this starting point. It's a significant dilution of what the essence of this house is. It may absolutely be necessary. But it should be given more than a cursory "go ahead, it's yours". My delivery is pretty abrupt and to the point, but the people who get on my case about how insulting I am kind of miss the whole aspect that I don't really give advice based upon what I like or don't like as much as I give advice based upon what the existing conditions are telling me what is probably the best thing to do. I guide people through a series of choices I would never pick for myself all the time. That's really irrelevant. What is relevant is what there is already there to work with.

I personally love exposed beams!! I don't think it will look odd with just one in your case. I like the idea of putting a VERY dark stain on the wood in lieu of painting it black/dark brown--gives the room a warmer feel in my opinion. I might forego the shiplap if you do the exposed beam, only because they might be a bit too much together in a smaller area.

I agree wholeheartedly. The ceiling looks great with the floor. mid century homes are prized possessions and valued for their style, not paint. The quality of the materials and workmanship are a thing of the past. Treasure what you have. I will never understand why anyone wants to paint beautiful wood, including wood paneling. If you must have a project and a different look, cover it with a thin material using tiny, inconspicuous screws, NOT adhesive. Fabric. Formica. But not paaaaint!

Rachel - thank you - you shared great photos - I will post pictures next week after the walls and trim are painted in Dove White. I really like that black paint idea on fireplace- such a bold move but I love the white fireplaces you show which seem safer. Black happens to be in the wallpaper I am currently hanging in the foyer today. Pics attached. Changing trim and walls white all over the house is a huge transformation from my dingy dark trim and walls and I am creating a monster that is snowballing. The dining room rug looks horrible with my wallpaper so I am now in search of a new rug there and one for the family room and now I need new furniture in there as well. Suggestions are welcome from anyone - It is painted Dove white and you can see the new foyer paper with the new blue study. What about a blue or green velvet sofa with all white room. I have 2 cats and someone said that they are not as attracted to velvet. I am not painting the built-ins around fireplace just yet because I have not picked out kitchen cabinets. Maybe I can have the built-ins sprayed white or the blue??? I could also try to change the trim or molding to make them more modern and even wonder if wood shelves would look good to match my dream beams. Ripping out the built-ins and replacing will be costly unless I find some cool furniture pieces to go there. I will also hold off on the painting the fireplace so I can see what the brick looks with an all white room. My painters love me and they come back every two weeks for my next Phase of renovation. : )