I finally took the leap and painted the wood paneling in the TV room! It took awhile for me to decide whether or not to paint and then what color to use, but I’m really happy I did it. The wood was so dark and made the room feel more like a cave than a fun sitting area… Here are some photos of the cave-like room.
I didn’t have a good photo of the other side of the room- they are all really dark and hard to see- but I have one from when we looked at the house.
Here is a close up of the paneling with its crazy texture.
Now onto the new, lighter look. I painted all the paneling a light gray color (the same one that’s in the living room) and the trim and built-in desk are pure white. Here is the transformation.
It feels so nice to have the bookshelf organized and all the shelves clean! Now I have a really big workspace, with lots of light from the new silver lamps (which I found at Tuesday Morning!).
I organized the books by color since I can usually remember the color of the cover and then it’s easier to find things when I need them.
The final touch was some cut roses from the rose bush that my Mom planted in the front. They are so beautiful, and they’re blooming like crazy. :)
What do you guys think? Do you like the new color or do you prefer the paneling? Let me know what you think. :) Thanks for stopping by!
A Date with Design 
Ohmygosh, girl! I LOVE it! I was really worried when Erin and I visited you for the lovely day in OKC in May and you said that some guy had told you that the cherry wood panelling was worth a lot and would take it if you took it off. And since it was worth so much and so unique you thought you’d just leave it up. I remember thinking, “I wouldn’t. If anything I’d paint it.” I’m a huge stickler for light and anything to ward of SADS or a depressing mood is game in my book! :) I am SO happy to see that you put your amazing Martha Stewart skills to work and redesigned this whole space. It looks, truly, amazing! It’s my favorite room you’ve designed so far. Funny how that room was so dark and my least favorite before, and now it’s my fave and so light and happy. It’s perfect for your workspace, too. I couldn’t imagine buckling down to do homework or work in a dark room but this beauty is amazing! And your book organization by color is brilliant. I have been saying that to myself nearly every time I stare at my own bookshelf, since you mentioned that would be a way to de-clutter the look. Now that I see photos of it and how beautiful you made it all look, I’m taking a stab at it! I love it! Okay, a huge reply, but congrats, girl! I’m in love with this room! Bravo!!
What a transformation! You definitely did the right thing – you will especially appreciate the cheerfulness of that room in the winter months. I like the shelf arrangements and the lamps were a great find.
Thanks! I’m happy you guys like it… I guess there’s no going back now! :)
Grandma, it was nice in the summer to have a place that was cool and dark, but i know that I’ll want something lighter and more cheerful when winter comes.
I love it! Painting paneling can have mixed results, but I think the color you chose works great to keep some of that texture but also make it fresh and modern. I love the white trim and built-ins against the gray. It gives a nice Cape Cod cottage feel, clean, fresh, and breezy. I am SO jealous of your built-ins. One of my major must haves in a house. As usual, the overall finished product looks fantastic right down to your book arranging. Keep the updates coming! It’s better than HGTV!
You’re so sweet, Barbie! I love the built-ins too since it gives me a nice big workspace, but I won’t ever have to pack them up and move them.
Aww, the room is so cute!(: It’s so much lighter!
Ohmygosh, that looks like a million bucks! It’s spectacular! I love paint-the-paneling/wood transformations! Wow.
It looks amazing! Great job!
~Chelsea
Wow! Love it. What a great way to clean up some visual clutter with the white on the desk area. Glad you pulled the plug on the cherry color and lightened up (and modernized) the room. Thanks for all the pics!
Thanks, Mom, for all your help while you were here with moving the furniture around! The new seating arrangement really helps make the room functional and enjoyable. I’m happy you like the new look!
WOW! What a huge project. It turned out great.
Thanks for stopping by, Corie! I’m glad you like it!
Holy crap! What a transformation!! I can’t even believe it’s the same room. Man, I love paint! I love how crisp it all looks with the white trim and desk. Fantastic job! What an inspiration!