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The Old House Design Dilemma living room

would you remove this (mahogany?) wood paneling?

2 years ago

Under contract for a custom built 1974 home. The "den" is entirely clad in what appears to be real wood, high quality wood paneling (maybe mahogany). It unfortunately makes the home (otherwise all white) look dark and a bit dated. Due to other renovations we are removing at least one wall of it that you can't see in this picture (the 4th wall) to renovate the kitchen. Would it look strange to remove the 'short' walls (with the horizontal windows) of paneling but keep two slanted "taller" walls with paneling or should we remove it all? My preference is not to paint it over, because I think either we keep or we drywall like the rest of the home. I attached a picture of the foyer where there is no paneling but similar angles.

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PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

2 years ago

I think I would need a lot more info as to what exactly you are planning for style . I see no reason here to not keep the slanted walls but I would need a lot more info and IMO you need an interior designer to help with this . Are those windows staying oor being changed /Looks to be an interesting home so get some really good help to not messit up.

Comments (12)

Money Pit
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. We are hoping not to touch the interior too much. We want to lighten up the den visually (removing the bookcase and clutter should help). My issue with wood paneling is that other elements often seem to disappear unless you choose your furnishings intentionally to stand out. But I guess I can play on the computer with removing part of it and keeping some. On the other hand if we removed all of it, the house would be consistent and look less 1970s and more 'second half 20th century modern"
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tartanmeup
2 years ago
You haven't bought the house yet? On my screen, the panelling is not ugly and the two rooms you posted don't look dark and dreary. I would live in the house a while before committing to removing walls and extensive renos. Agree with Patricia: a reputable pro could steer you properly and save you money. FWIW, panelling is showing up again in upscale interiors and seeing such elements as inherently "dated" can be a bit design-myopic.
ashtonchic
2 years ago
What is the style of the home's exterior. Is it MCM? I would look online for interiors for whatever style the house is. I really like the foyer look and would lean toward drywall in the den. If keeping some of the paneling, I would keep it on the short walls and remove on the long walls. It really soaks up the light. What direction do the windows face? Also, the flooring is different in foyer. Maybe a pro could be a help with coordinating a whole house look.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I too would like to see the extreior but honestly I am not married to having interiors match exterior styles .I just think this a fabulous space and should be totally thought out before touching anything. My first suggestion is to address the lighting change all bulbs in both installed and additional lighting to LED bulbs 4000K that mimics daylight and them makes everything look fresh and makes choosing any other items much easier since the colors will stay true at all times of the day.
Money Pit thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Circus Peanut
2 years ago
Depending on your location, that mahogany paneling could be quite valuable as part of the house — I know someone with an Eichler in the Bay Area and having the original paneling in good condition is apparently a big selling point. I quite like it, but totally understand the urge to lighten things up if you live somewhere with a darker/colder climate.
Money Pit thanked Circus Peanut
mmartinlozano
2 years ago
The paneling looks great.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
2 years ago
Oh, hell no! It's perfect for the style of the house. If you don't like it, sell the house to someone who appreciates mid-century styling and buy a different house.
partim
2 years ago
I would not remove the panelling on the window walls. If you really don't like it, remove it all. From your photos it is very attractive and suits the style of the house to a tee. So I would leave it if it were mine.
partim
2 years ago
On the other hand if we removed all of it, the house would be consistent and look less 1970s and more 'second half 20th century modern"

The house doesn't need to be consistent i.e. all the walls the same. Panelling was almost always done on some walls only.

The panelling, windows and angled walls make the house look very mid century modern, a look that was very "in" in the 1960's and early 1970's, then was "out" for awhile, and for a few years now has been very "in". (My stylish 32 year old son is furnishing his house with Scandinavian style, both real 1960's and reproduction.)

So by removing the panelling you are making the house more 1980 -2010, when this look was 'out". I wouldn't do that.
tartanmeup
2 years ago
Seeing as this thread was refreshed, I'd love to know if @Money Pit ended up buying this house.
Liz
2 years ago
LEAVE IT!!!

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