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Home Decorating Design Dilemma

1959 Wood Paneling Update Help

3 years ago

Hi I’m buying a 1959 ranch style house in Austin. It has some wood paneling in the back living space. I like the retro mid century modern look, but I’m afraid the wood paneling would be too much. I’m hoping when I update the floors it looks more modern. I’d love any tips and thoughts.

Please disregard the mess.

The Current owner is still cleaning it out

Comments (10)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
If the paneling is wood that's in good condition you can paint it and make a big difference.
John Hubbard
Original Author
3 years ago
Those before and after pictures are amazing @beverlyfladeziner. The paneling is still in a great condition, so I’d love to keep it without painting it. I feel like it adds so much character. I just wish there was some way to update the look of the room, while keeping the mid century character.
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I agree with the Cooks Kitchen. We had a very similar problem. We had a paneled vaulted ceiling, painted white, in a bedroom. There was no insulation in the ceiling...just the wood paneling, then roof paper and then composite shingles. We never had a leak but we would get mold/mildew (it was grey in color) on the ceiling. This room was on the shady side (not sure if that made a difference) of our one story house, not near any bathrooms or laundry. This mold/mildew would build up over time. Every year I would wipe the ceiling with bleach (we had wood-looking linoleum so I didn’t have to worry about bleaching carpet ) . We finally put in a heater with the vents high up in the wall. This ventilation helped a bit but still had to bleach the ceiling every couple years. We are in the process of remodeling this side of the house. Hopefully the insulation will make the difference. In the meantime maybe try a dehumidifier or heater or some fans. Good luck.
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First of all, look at your first picture, it makes your paint appear yellowish. Other pictures show it as a light aqua, or lt green, either of those two colors go great with your cabinets and floors. Your cabinets look to be in good condition, and your floor is beautiful.. Now, what I am seeing wrong with your kitchen, and quite possibly your other rooms is. Light bulbs. Your light bulbs are yellowish, and thats why the paint in the first picture shows so yellowish. Those light bulbs are changing the colors of your wood cabinets and floors. Before you make any decision on anything, replace your light bulbs. Led bulbs, that are daylight type, and have 4000, or 5,000k (cool bulbs), will change the entire look of your kitchen. If you have yellowish in your other rooms too, well, then change them too. Dont even try to pick a paint color without proper light bulbs. You just will not be happy.
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User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I love nice paneling, and if you lean your decor in a more MCM direction (or regular ol' modern or contemporary), it can look really cool. It looks busy in a room with a lot of stuff in it (as it is now), but I think this room could look great. I love the warmth and textural contrast it provides.
John Hubbard
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks @kpkowski! That looks amazing. I especially like the last one
rnonwheels
3 years ago
I would keep the end wall and paint out the rest if you really want to keep some.
PRO
Sorell Interiors
3 years ago
Definitely keep the paneling the way it is. With updated flooring and MCM furnishings, it can look great. It has a lot of potential.
decoenthusiaste
3 years ago
If you decide to paint some or all of it, here's the routine. Clean with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate,) rinse, let dry, lightly sand, tack off sanding dust, prime with 2 coats KILZ or Zinzer, paint with 2 coats of your chosen color. I prefer a satin myself.
John Hubbard
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the painting tips!
User
3 years ago
You might need to use some wood filler on nail holes. So glad you aren't painting it and get the appeal of nice paneling!

We have lovely (really!) 60s paneling on one wall of our dining room, and when we bought our house, everyone would comment about how we should paint it. NO! Our house is mid century, leaning modern. Now that we've decorated it, those same people "get" it. Painted paneling doesn't always look appropriate in every style of home.
John Hubbard
Original Author
3 years ago
I agree. It can add a fun depth and warmth. I was going to go with a lighter wood flooring. With new lighting/curtains I’m hoping the space will feel brighter and less cave like.

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