Gold Leaf ceilings,,,

You can ""update" and freshen without painting wood and hopping on the latest fad bandwagon. Some ideation of wood is always going to be around and a skilled and versatile "pro" is going to know how to work with it and create eclectic interiors that incorporate the historic elements and will know how to choose modern elements which are in sync with the old, Given the value of your house and the wood (have you priced architectural salvage lately) it would be worth seeking out such a person.

I see the doors are oak but what about the panels, what kind of wood is that? Maybe just a simple matter of switching to a a more contemporary stain color (lots of lovely grays, gray-browns, chars, etc.) Modern finishes dont yellow so youll keep rich true color and never get the dreaded orangey look.

Whatever you do, if you paint please dont do white but instead choose a muted mid or dark neutral. White does not mesh with the historic style and white paint gets in the pores of open grain wood like oak and pretty much ruins it (grays/browns in the grain can be possibly refinished over). Besides, dining rooms are supposed to be dark and moody and look fantastic by candlelight!

Of course you can do whatever you want (goes without saying) but you gotta know, f you ask for opinions on a public forum - you WILL get them! The more you can get your modern elements in sync with the historic the better the results - otherwise you get something that looks and feels cobbled together and awkward and at its worst impact house values. Around here, the houses in most demand are old, full of character and have been maintained/updated but keeping historic elements intact. The ones that sit forever with price reductions are the seriously FUBAR ones that I think (as a potential buyer) are alost worst than the neglected ones because it would take so much to undo it and start over.

Paint ceiling very white or I photoshopped woodlawn blue, french pleat white linen curtains, blue and white ginger jars and bowls and a grass cloth rug.

There are several photos for this updated Tudor:

Updated Tudor · More Info

Another house:

Foyers · More Info

This one also has several photos:

Eclectic Modern Tudor Dining Room · More Info

Several photos for this one too:

Montclair Tudor Update · More Info

What all of these seem to have in common is a large budget for design!

Click on more info and then the other photos for the projects.

Tudor Reimagined · More Info

Westwood Hills English Tudor Renovation · More Info

For more search "updated Tudor home" under Houzz Photos

"What all of these seem to have in common is a large budget for design"

Or, I would say - somebody who knows what they are doing and loves color and color relationships. That could very well be a first year art student! Someone with fresh eyes who hasnt been staring at Houzz and HGTV for the last twenty years. No doubt the furniture and decorative elements in the pics above are $$$ but creative use of substitutes can get you to the same or similar place.

Oh one other thing your pics have in common - woodwork darker than walls, even the lightest one. This is what I mean by new, but still very much in sync with original architectural design.

Before even considering painting I would get :

- a new larger dining table that fits the room better

- more curated tablescaping

- a luxe light colored rug (maybe creams and champagne tones)

- and lush light colored silk draperies

and the would re-evaluate

Don't paint!!! Use more modern ligting and furniture. Here is an updated home that did just that.

Wallboard over the panelling would be a reversible change. Wallboard can be easily primed and painted. The window frames and doors could stay natural wood. Five of the six sides of the room (ceiling and four walls), or roughly 80% of the surfaces, would be painted, the floor would remain natural.

Couple of ideas.

1. If budget permitted, could strip panelling and restain lighter. (No matter what you decide to do, I’d paint ceiling a pure white, get a huge chandelier to help detract from its texture (or address). Suggest traditional decor.

2. If painting, I would go fairly dark. Suggest non traditional decor.

3. Use a lighter paint color, but leave one wall. Suggest eclectic decor.

Thanks all. Sadly, I know the history. Know the story. It's not all that interesting and sadly I don't appreciate the style. It is a lot of a lot all over. Interesting details, if there were only a few, but they are every, every where.

So many people are going to say don't paint, but over it. This is an old dark Tudor. Not my style at all and here I am. Was thinking about a dark/steel blue or black. Slate floors surround. But that will be in the tens of thousands of dollars to remove.

I don't know how much clearer the OP can make her opinion known. She doesn't like the Tudor appearance. She doesn't care that all of you tradtionalists like it or want to save it. She clearly has her own reasons for purchasing it and wanting to update it. So please, stop w/all the wood shaming and posting pictures of ornate (and expensivly designed) tudor room decor.

Debbie, you mentioned don't paint, work with it. I don't think she wants to. Staining over this wood would cost tens of thousands to pull off correctly. This isn't something you just 'gel stain' over. The wood would all need to be stripped, sanded and re-stained, a Herculean task to say the least. White paint, gray paint, doesn't matter. Either will get into the grain unless a particular protectant sealer is used. (but it could still be stripped and sanded off if a restorer wanted to redo it). Painting paneling is not a 'fad'. It's been happening for the better part of the last century.

Besides, dining rooms are supposed to be dark and moody and look fantastic by candlelight!

lol. This is your opinion, not fact. I personally don't care for dark and moody. Maybe OP doesn't either. I do agree w/your last paragraph that historic properties do better when their original elements remain intact. I happen to really like Tudor homes and think their bones should stay. But some people don't. It's their money and they're living there.

I think the original paneling in this tudor is stunning. as are the ceilings and floors. (it's a 6 million dollar home in LA)

However, someone along the way also painted over the wood beams and staircase. not saying I agree, but here ya go.

With that being said, Tiffany, You haven't given us any clue what 'your style' is. You haven't posted pictures of other rooms or what you plan to do w/those. Like I said earlier, you can't just do this one room willy-nilly and leave the adjoining rooms something entirely diff. It should be a chohesive mix. What that mix is, I have no idea because you haven't been very forthcoming w/info or other pictures.

The wood paneling in this house is very expensive to replicate. It would be nice for the furture if it could be preserved. If you do choose to paint the wood, please use a wood sealer. (not a poly top coat. A sanding sealer or something like a shellac) This will prevent the paint pigments from reaching too far into the grain. If there is ever a time to strip the wood back to natural, the wood sealer would make this process way easier. Plus, the paint would go on easier and the final finish look better w/a wood sealer (and the other necessary steps needed for a proper paint job. This means along with the sealer, a good sanding w/various grits, a good primer, more sanding, and the best wood trim paint you can find.)

Original trim in a tudor dining room that is the opposite of dark and moody. The windows and radiator are very much like OP's pic. obviously, painted white. trim work on the fireplace is a dark blue gray (which op likes)

another Tudor w/moody painted trim work and walls. There is even an article to go along w/it

Ornament or Crime? With Painted Woodwork, There Is No Middle Ground

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/28/style/painted-woodwork-homes.html

another paneled room done in a soft white. I don't see anything wrong w/this. the integrity of the home style is still here, with lighter walls.

another room done in a dusty blue.

Or, you could do as suggested and drywall over all the original walls.

However, until more detail from you is provided, everyone is spitting into the wind.

BTW, you mentioned slate floors. Here's a story on a tudor w/slate floors.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/kitchen-of-the-week-a-timeless-look-for-a-tudor-style-home-stsetivw-vs~130712697

maybe persuse this and see if this design better fits your taste?

Richmond Heights · More Info

I think it would look amazing white. Sorry, I said it.

I wonder if you could add a darker color to the ceiling for some drama.

If you Can't smooth out the paster by skimming it sand it then use a thick wallpaper liner underneath some great wallpaper. Paint all the moudling out white. If you can pull the small squares off where it is trying to make the moulding look like a dentil style moudling I would. t doesnt fit with the existing moulding or home at all. Also I would replace the doors with a more traditional style french door. The existing doors will not look good painted with the lead and stained glass. It appears the room is square? If so I would do as large of a round table as you can and do some very simple chairs. What style these are depends on your style which you have not shared or if you have I missed it. Cover that floor with a nice large round area rug to anchor the table. Is the chandelier new? Your style? Even if it is it is hung way too high. It would need to be lower and currently and even after painting I am not sure it is doing much for the space and you can do better.

But first elabroate on your style.

Just took a look at your idea book. You have a mix of traditional with a lot of vibrant color.

What do the ajoining spaces look like and what colors run throughout your home? Or what colors do you want to see in your home?

Tiffany- I am very intrigued by your home. I think without messing with the woods, you can create a fantastic eclectic look. Large colorful art, select drapery to create softness and hide some wood. Asian screens. Just loads of options. Just depends on the look you want. I will hunt for some inspirational photos to see how you lean. Bbl

This is just one “concept” to get some feedback so we have some direction. I put this together using large plants, a distinctive tiger sitting on black marble console to disguise radiator but keep open. Large modern art on wall where small art is in picture you posted. Then carry tropical theme to centerpiece. You could redo chair seats in a green velvet. Thoughts? I put a sisal round rug in for additional texture. Needs to have larger rug but Couldn’t find bigger size quickly! The idea is to distract the eye from all the wood with other very eye grabbing elements!

Inspirational pictures. I clipped items from some of these rooms.

You can take this in many directions. What strikes you?

Not trying to be less than forthcoming. Just been really, busy with a full time job and kids and activities. Essentially the rest of the home is white. Large wood beams in living room. Multi color slate floors throughout. Thank you all for your ideas. They are helpful.

With whites in the rest of the home, a few large plants might be your unifying element. Best of luck. It’s an amazing home and it will be even better as you make it your own. 😊

Re "Thank you all for your ideas." You're welcome! I think (hope) that people posting understand that a) you will get opinions, often strong/passionate and b) the conversation takes on a life of its own and responses are for other posters and readers as much as for the OP. In fact the range of opinion is the beauty of this forum IMHO - everyone is going to come at it from a different angle. Otherwise - might as well just talk to a local color consultant and call it a day.

Now back to your DR. Since you have white throughout rest of the house - do you mean walls or wood, or both? That says to me - have this room be its own unique place that contrasts with the whiteness/lightness of the other rooms but no, it certainly does NOT have to be the same tired old brown! You want color to flow throughout a house, but contrast in lights/darks is actually a good thing. I would let the unique stained glass be your guide - what best works with, accentuates and brings out its beauty .... and the rest will follow.

First thing I would do is remove those doors and store them. I don't care what era they are from, ugly is ugly. Next I'd paint walls and ceiling a creamy white. Leave the texture on the ceiling. Floors will look much better after the paneling in painted.

The dining room with the muted green also looks fabulous!

I revised my original comments with a third idea, if interested. Good luck.

As you consider options, think about painting the ceiling a nice but distinctive color.

I guess I am another 'don't paint it' but not because it is somehow sacred, but because it looks cool and dining rooms should be dark! I would lower the chandelier and paint the ceiling gold, probably hang some drapes. Can be a beautiful sexy room- think New York club.

The dining set and light fixture are clashing with the style of the room. The light fixture is insufficient to light the space, as well. I'd put in a very bright warm LED simple fixture with a large Japanese lantern style globe over it, I've seen this done and it fills the area with a beautiful soft, warm light. You can paint the woodwork if you want to but if you are going to paint it a dark color, what's the point?

I don't mind the dark as much as I'm over the tremendous amount of dark wood in the home. Just (unfortunately) not my style. Love the suggestion for the lighting. Thank you.

I suggest you formulate a overall plan for the room so in the end it is cohesive. Lighting is very key to this room. But, everything needs to sing together. Are you keeping the dining set? How would you describe your style? Would this room be better designed as a flex space? Do you use it at least 4 times a month? If not, what other needs do you have for better utilizing this space?

I'm more modern, like some bold too and lighting is key to good space. We actually use it quite often but thinking about making it a cozy comfortable space, too.

Flo Mangan. Those spaces you sent me sit well and good in my heart and inspire me. Thank you.

Re "You can paint the woodwork if you want to but if you are going to paint it a dark color, what's the point?" Well, the point is it's a DIFFERENT dark color - evoking different mood, feeling, sensation, and opening up different possibilities for color palettes and choices of furnishings. Gotta say, that question was a bit of a head scratcher.

They're both going to make the room dark and gloomy if you ask me. It's a lot of work to go to to acheive the same effect.

Some visual with modern vibe

or

I've had a couple of glasses of wine, so I'm just going to say it - people who paint over original 1920's woodwork are the same as people who pay for a custom paintjob with flames and what not on a vintage Porsche. It can look good, it can make a definite style statement and it's definitely one's choice to do what they want with their property, but it's still defacing something that can't be reclaimed later on. I think you have LOTS of options to express your style in your dining room without doing something as largely irreversible as painting over original millwork. I purchased my home and most of the original detailing was remuddled out in the 1990's - I got a bargain because of it - but attempting to put it all back in the original style is extremely costly. I see far too many of these in Los Angeles, and it breaks my heart - there are so many people who will come after you and curse your name for painting that woodwork. You certainly don't have to live your life for those people, but why not look for a modern home that suits your style? Why erase something that is almost impossible to replace?

If you truly are a baller, pay the big bucks to have that wood sanded and refinished in a lighter stain that's more in line with your style.

Also, if you don't want those doors, I will seriously purchase them from you. They are amazing. Not kidding - just don't tell my husband.

You're probably in a part of the world that has these types of vintage homes in abundance, so I totally get it. It's just here they are almost extinct at this point (blame high property values and overzealous developers/flippers with questionable taste). In the right neighborhood, your dining room would fetch a pretty penny here. But you have to live there and eat there and entertain there - so it's ultimately your decision. I just wish there was an option where you could achieve the look you want without ruining all of that gorgeous original wood - the wood that is honestly true to the style of your home.

JP-

but it's still defacing something that can't be reclaimed later on.

It can totally be reclaimed later on. It's called stripping off paint. One way to make this easier is to apply a wood sealer on that wood prior to painting. this way if someone ever did want to strip the paint, its so much easier and the wood beneath it is protected. But even if it's not, stripping the paint and sanding off the rest of it can be done. wood is pretty forgiving in this manner. Not saying it's fast and easy, I'm just saying painting wood can be reversed.

I just wish there was an option where you could achieve the look you want without ruining all of that gorgeous original wood - the wood that is honestly true to the style of your home.

There is. And it;s been mentioned twice. Drywall. Just drywall over all of the walls and 'bury' the wood paneling. it will shrink the room a few inches, but not a big deal.

JP L, I'm also in LA and get what you're saying. We don't have those old homes like that (in abundance) like they do back east. Just trying to find a craftsman is next to impossible. They're either in the 2mil neighborhoods, or in the heart of the ghetto. nothing in between. And those that can be had at a decent price are completely ripped apart for vinyl flooring and gray walls!

Lastly, the love for vintage homes like you have just isn't there for some people. They don't care. (not saying it's good or bad, I"m just saying people are like this) They don't look at 100 year old wood and 'ooh and ahh'. They see it as old and dark and want it new and bright.

Thanks @Beth H - nothing in this world makes me as emotional (except maybe my kid), but an old home removes all reason for me - I hate "new and bright" so much, mostly because it's everywhere here. Thanks for thoughtful suggestions that make sense.

I get what you guys are saying. I love old, antique and vintage but at the same time, I also need light. I live in a cold, dark and gloomy part of the country, though, so too much dark woodwork or dark paint colors can get seriously depressing.

Very interesting lisianthus - that we have such different color associations. I could very well say the same thing about so many of the dreary colorless white /grey /putty color interiors I see on this forum. Particularly in a low light situation some of the whites/lights can look very dingy indeed.

Color on the other hand - and by that I mean well chosen and in context of a well chosen palette - energizes me like nothing else can . And yes, this does include rich, dark colors in the right context - whether thats a whole room (typically a dining or bedroom) or just contrast or accent within otherwise white or neutral rooms. The bottom line is- do the color combinations do what you want them to. IMHO there are no bad colors, only bad color combinations.

You can have an interior that reads as "fresh", "bright" and "new" that incorporates wood and mid or dark colors - that's all Im trying to say. Now if someone just does not like wood, period, end of sentence - OK, that's another conversation one likely to end in me saying "OK, moving on now."

I agree with you on the dreary colors, not a fan of gray here.

That is a beautiful room. I would not touch those wood walls or the stained glass. All it needs is decor and it looks like there are some great ideas here.

Late to the discussion . . . if you decide to keep the panelling and doors (I would), you could create a gorgeous room by using very modern furniture, rugs, art, lighting, etc. The juxtaposition could be stunning if done well. I love a mix of vintage and modern, as long as the balance works. A great designer could help pull this off. Good luck with your project.

Do you have another area that could be used for dining? If 'no', then ignore this suggestion - it was fun envisioning a different use for the room while keeping the woodwork as is. If 'yes', then possibly this room could become a TV/family room/library.

Heavy-weight white/cream curtains on the windows and a large Persian/Oriental rug on the floor. A large light-toned comfy sofa or two, and/or chairs, that face a TV wall across from the windows (we can't see that wall in your photos). Maybe a low wall of bookcases (perhaps painted the same light color as the curtains with the back wall of the shelves wallpapered in a print) underneath the TV and filled with books and games and mementos, etc. A couple of plants in the room, one large in a pot on the floor and another on top of the bookcase wall. I can visualize a small table with a couple of chairs at the far end of the room where kids could do homework or the family play card games or Dad can close the doors and work on his computer.

Here are my suggestions. Hard to suggest from the picture what you can do to your ceiling but I would paint it white.

I've read all the comments and I can understand all the different points of view. I like both light and airy and dark and moody. I like painted paneling and stained paneling. What I don't understand is why someone would buy a home, especially a Tudor, and then want to completely change it. My husband hates Tudors, so when we looked for a home, we stayed away from them. I don't care for ranches, high ranches, split levels, "splanches," or modern (midcentury or otherwise) either. But I respect anyone who does like those types of homes and wouldn't ever buy one and then try to make it into something it's not. I like classic Colonials, Craftsman bungalows, Shingle style or old farmhouses. So we bought a 1920s Colonial Revival as our primary residence and built a Shingle style vacation home. It makes decorating so much easier when you go with the original design style of the home.

But I also understand that sometimes you don't have a choice. You need a home and that's the only one available in your preferred area because of good schools, proximity to work or transportation, etc. People seem to move around a lot these days--from reading the design dilemmas on Houzz it seems as if no one stays in a house for more than a few years. So if you don't like the original style of the home, why not go with it until you can move to a home whose style you like better? And then sell it to someone who can appreciate the house's style and pedigree? Just my thoughts.

Have you checked out Farrow & Ball paints? Their website is full of inspiration and you can have a color consultant come to your home. Many vintage homes on there site with deep colors and stunning results. Their paint is very expensive, but their colors are amazing and could truly take your space to the next level. Because they are a British company, the showcase lots of vintage elements like fabulous paneling, mixed with contemporary design lighting and furniture. They also have great recommendations for combining their colors so you can choose a ceiling color to compliment the paneling. Best of luck!

https://www.farrow-ball.com
They have great inspiration posts and videos on their Instagram as well.

Here’s an example of painted paneled walls in a traditional home w contemporary fixtures and decor. It can be stunning.

This is a lovely room! The entire room and furnishings are perfect so far. It just needs another layer of details.

Have a professional restore the wood paneling, please don't paint it.

Ceiling: Gold leaf or silver leaf.

Floor: Large light color rug under table. Without knowing the size of the room, go as large as possible.

Window Treatment: A beautiful Pierre Frey printed linen, ceiling to floor, embellished with a border and trim. The width to be at least 2-1/2 times the width of the window, Don't skimp. The windows should be classic and luxurious.

Please post when finished! Would love to see what you do.