I’m not a fan of wood trim. It just doesn’t make sense to me as a design feature.

But first I want address the kitchen. Do what you like in there as this house is not open concept. I love white kitchen and it won’t be out of place if you get rid of all the trim.

I would: paint all the trim white. I would leave the wainscoting and refurbish it, basically to placate the husband. For me, though it would be painted white. Then, I would bring in hardwood flooring. Above the wainscoting can be any color you desire.

I would address the railing. Update it somehow. That would be a whole other post.

Thanks for the response. Wood floors aren’t an option because we have a puppy and two very young kids. We are doing a tile that looks like marble.

The railing is coming down and a wall is going up in its spot.

I think the wall replacing the railing will need wainscot like the others to fit in. A good woodworker who can ID the type of wood already in place would likely be able to match the wood and the stain. Its a big job to paint all of it and the remainder of the house will still be unchanged. I think it looks so stark because the walls are so white. Consider warming the wall color. Do you have upholstered furniture for these spaces? Paint should be selected to work with your fabrics and textiles, so show us what you're putting in here and we can help you take the simpler route, preserve the beautiful wood, and save a lot of time/money. As is, I find the wood to be timeless and traditional, just find the right paint for the walls to enhance it.

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I wouldn't completely disregard wood floors unless you live in a tropical climate where tile is the norm. I have three boys, a large dog and live on a farm, and we love our wood floors! They are much softer underfoot than tile and much easier on kids knees and heads when they fall.

The wood looks quite nice. I think you can still do a white kitchen if you keep the wood as it is. Perhaps you could do a wood island or wood countertops on the island to bring in the warm tones?

Wowee; that's a lot of wood trim. A little over the top, even for it's day, but beautiful wood. I agree that white in the kitchen will be just fine. Do remove and patch the pass through to the dining room, which makes no sense so close to the door. You've purchased a traditional home, so I presume that's your style. I wouldn't paint the wainscotting. Instead, I'd paint the crown molding. And try to replace the dining room railing with something. Iron? Steel? I'll see if I can find anything.

A metal railing idea.

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I would definitely do the white kitchen. I’d rethink white marble floors though. Like someone said...hard on the feet and legs, plus that’s a lot of white! There are many comfortable, durable and beautiful laminate wood floors (I agree about real wood and puppies. Our wood floor got scratched up the first week it was down.) I’d paint the wood wainscoting but I know my husband would disagree- vehemently! Everything’s a compromise, isn’t it?! However, it really depends on your furnishings. Do you have a lot of large wood pieces, such as bookcases, media or china cabinets? What finish are they? It may all be too much or even clash. It is a beautiful home. Congrats!

as for the white kitchen idea, no, it won't look out of place.

for the other rooms, I'd prob paint the crown white, remove those corbels and the twisted spindles, and this hideous boob light!:

the molding pieces around the door/window? not really appropriate to the style home.

Ditto the wood columns (are they necessary for support? ) and all the cross beams.

I don't mind the wainscot, but it all depends on the style you'll be doing w/this room. There's a lot going on. I'm sure the previous owners had the type of furniture that went w/all this ornate wood trim. do you??

This isn't a craftsman or victorian, or old english cottage, so I wouldn't be upset about removing or painting any of it.

if you paint all the wood white, including the all of the trim, and paint the walls a darker color (other than white) I think it would look fresh. I'd still remove the dated elements like the banister and spindles and corbels

do a little bit first and see how you like the look. you can always paint all of the paneling/wainscot down the road. (if you do, apply a coat of Shellac over the wood. if anyone decides they want to go back to the wood, it's easier to remove the paint since the shellac will act like a barrier between the two.

you said you're putting down tile that looks like marble?? in these rooms? why?

I do love the wood, but it's a bit much and the wall color is all wrong. I agree with everyone else - paint the crown, remove the post if possible and that ceiling piece and change out the railings . That alone will make a huge difference in the space. You could also do something different with the fireplace,

And you will be fine with a white kitchen.

If you find in time that you dislike the wood wainscot - paint of stain it then . I would not do that right away because like you said - you can't go back.

Way too dominant and does not allow you to decorate with ease. I would definitely paint the wood, it will look fantastic. Just figure out how to minimize color transitions.

You might consider the new ceramic tile that really looks like wood and wears even better! Many styles. My sister just used it throughout her large home with 4 dogs! Beautiful and easy to maintain.