Cross posted here. Not sure why the need to repost but......................

sorry, previous post was to address potential condensation issue, this one is in relation to "how to finish." I just didn't want the thread to get confusing as both topics are different? Does that make it cross posting?

I am not necessarily going for full industrial look but I do want to see how the beam can stay out to fit with the new renovation.

Furniture will be replaced and most likely flooring too with new modern looking floors, I do like to see wood grains however so I might put down either maple or rustic alder flooring. Right now flooring is oak and you are right it might not go with the modern look and feel, but maple and rustic alder should blend right in.

TV will be wall mounted on the fireplace. Might change the fireplace with osburn matrix wood insert if budget allows it.

Only thing I am inclind on saving is that dining table that you see next to the hutch as it is solid wood and those thing pillered leg look appealing but that too will be refinished to match the new color scheme.

Throwing out the hutch as well or refinish it the color to match kitchen cabinets. Woman of the house wants it gone so it is most likely not staying. Will see if I can talk her into refinishing the hutch to match new kitchen cabinets, but that is going to be a task, Oh well... I believe refinishing might just not be worth it however.

Love the idea of changing the sconces to up/down enclosed wall washers didn't even think about it. Thank you so much for that.

I am not keen on carpets, but do you still recommend the carpet if the floor on the whole floor is same. Planning on putting down same wooden floor everywhere, including kitchen, dinning area and living room.

Pretty much redoing the whole main floor.

How are you addressing the wooden beam that just seems to end a foot or two before it reaches the steel beam?

That's not a beam. There was a seperating wall there that got removed, so those are just 2x4 hanging in the ceiling as a 2 feet section of that wall is still standing (not in the picture). Once that 2 feet wall section goes those 2x4 will come down and the celing will be finished flat there.

millworkman, thanks for the head's up on the double post. : < {

We used a lot of steel beam in the house we remodeled in 2002. and sold in 2016. Our painter used automobile lacquer. It had a slightly rusted look up close, but I completely loved it. The cross ties are just decorative and not structural. The surface was not "finished" beforehand. Beware, the fumes are quite toxic and the painter wore a gas mask and we stayed away for a few hours after the process. IMO, it should not look perfect.

PS, horizontal piece on the windows is painted a red (rust colored red).

PPS, get rid of the green on that wall.

haha I will. It is an old house that I bought, trying to address everything one by one.