apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Don't do it.

don't paint! the natural look of the wood is beautiful. If anything paint the wood window trim so the ceiling is really stands out. I think its great!

NO WAY! If anything, I'd consider painting the trim around the windows. You can always put a throw rug over the wall to wall, bring some color and pattern down to the floor to balance out the strong (AND BEAUTIFUL) ceiling.

Noooooooooooo! And I'm not even in the "don't paint any wood, ever" camp.

you could "distress" the wood a little by sanding it. i'm sure that would be a mess but it looks like the cedar has a sheen on it (a laquer?) and if that wasn't there it would be awesome! don't you have to sand it down anyway if you are to get paint to stick? right now it does have a little of an early 80's oak look though it's not really bad. i would hate to see paint go over cedar.

I think it's beautiful! If it's too orangey for you, perhaps you could you strip it and restain it.

Keep the wood, paint the brick?

The wood is gorgeous.

I love how it looks! If it's too orangey for you, perhaps you could strip it and restain it.

oops- sorry for the double post! Ugh.

daaaaamn, are you for real?? don't even consider it!

JUST SAY NO. HELLLLL NO.

No, don't paint.

Don't do it!! It's gorgeous. I had a similar problem with an old house I bought. Nasty built in closets that I wanted to rip out. Instead I cleaned up the hardware and changed the door knobs and that helped alot.

Try this website "thisyounghouse.com", they have inexpensive design help. Maybe all you need is a fresh perspective.

Paint the trim around the windows so the ceiling pops more. And good idea on the area rug - would add some color, and ground the space more. Check out rugsusa.com - I just ordered a rug from them, it was ridiculous cheap, free shipping, and it arrived in 2 business days.

wow, the view is lovely. don't paint.

do not paint the wood!!!! Or the fireplace if you ask.

Oh please, please, please don't paint that wood. Sand out and refinish if the color bothers you. Paint the trim out a crisp white. Paint the brick if you must. Heck, paint the mantle. But it'd be a shame to take all the character out of that gorgeous ceiling.

I would definitely keep the ceiling wood (so gorgeous) but would paint all the window and door trim (similar color to walls). That way you'll see the view rather than all these little frames. Beautiful space.

I also don't mind the carpeting (looks warm and cozy). You can also get a smaller carpet to add color.

I think it looks great just the way it is. Why was the carpet a bad decision? I like it.

Paint the trim ... but leave the ceiling alone!!

Definitely paint the trim. I think the trim "cheapens" the look of the lovely expanse of the ceiling.

Also, I think a large area rug for the seating area will help pull the room together and lessen the "blah-ness" of the carpet.

NOOOOO! That is a beautiful ceiling - it would be a shame (crime?) to cover it with paint.

Same with the brick fireplace - ignore jenc (sorry jenc). Don't paint it.

OMG - I can't believe you're even considering painting the ceiling or that wood trim - That's a gorgeous ceiling exactly as it is - Do you realize how many people spend thousand$ to get ceilings like that in new custom homes?

If you really want a ceiling that's not wood - You might as well sell the place and go live in a sheetrock box and let someone else have that beautiful house.

BTW - Seeing that there's wood in the adjacent rooms, I'll bet there's wood beneath that awful builder's-beige carpet.

Painting that ceiling would be a CRIME.

Yo, it's your house, do what you want. But, if you do paint it, a baby angel will die. So good luck with your decision!

Overstock.com has some really incredible carpets for RIDICULOUS prices. 100% New Zealand wool at wholesale prices. Seriously. We have some of the exact same carpets in our vendor books, and O.com is the same price as our COST!

I WOULD NOT paint those beautiful cedar boards.
If you are worried about the color, try a toner with
shellac, varnish or lacquer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24611272@N04/3196174719/

Te ceiling is beautiful, the rug looks great in the room. The fireplace is perfect. Painting the trim would go a long way towards "modernizing" the look. I think another soft chair would look better than the white thin legged one. You also might consider warmer colored accessories, and tables that are larger in a warmer wood tone.

I agree with nearly everyone here - don't paint the ceiling. However, I would almost definitely paint the trim white (in some form or fashion) - as it looks like the trim in the rest of the house is white. I also agree with the area rug idea...Something with warm colors - oranges, reds, browns...that could pull in the fireplace AND the ceiling would be fabulous.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Handmade-Soho-Brown-Burst-Wool-Rug-76-x-96/3296809/product.html
or this:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Pizzazz-Multicolor-Wool-Rug-8-x-11/3308046/product.html

would tie things together and give it a retro feel without being over the top.

p.s. - love the clock(?)/sculpture over the fireplace. It's great!

please don't paint that ceiling! It is wonderful.

paint or stain the trim to compliment the ceiling- i think the trim is really throwing the room off a little bit.

but don't paint that beautiful ceiling! it's so pretty!

that is not awful builder's -beige carpet! I think it make the room very large, open and unified. Adding a carpet over the top would be an option if you do not like the open feel. As for the ceiling, , it is like your wood floor... but upside-down with the carpet being the plain ceiling. I think it works together great, but painting the window frames the color of the walls might make the view come into the room more.

I'm with everyone else. Don't paint any of the wood or the fireplace. I agree the trim looks a little orangy so why not use that wall as an accent wall and paint it a pumpkin shade or something similar. That would blend everything so it doesn't stick out against the lighter wall color and make the ceiling more of a focal point as it seems less orangy.

I think you're getting a consensus here on the ceiling. However, I would seriously consider drywalling and painting the fireplace (I'm not a fan of painted brick in this instance). I really think that is the one aspect that really ages the place into the 90s for me. If it was a clean smooth architectural element it would make the ceiling look much more contemporary and crisp.

Good luck!!

Pleeeease don't paint the the wood! it's beautiful as is!

Wow, it's GORGEOUS, congratulations! Carpet, schmarpet, it will be fine for awhile. The star of this room is the view! It's so lovely to have a fireplace too. I might paint the brick.

I would definitely keep the wood as is. It's beautiful. I think a mid-century modern aesthetic, a bit modernized for current day, would be perfect in here. I can see a hanging chair, a C. Jere sculpture, Bertoia, some Paul McCobb, a little George Nelson (the sculpure over the mantle reminds me of him), some Scandanavian modern wood chairs, teak, a little Jonathan Adler, etc. thrown in.

Check out Frank Sinatra's house (featured in the 10.08 issue of Wallpaper*), Neutra's Kaufmann house, the mid-century modernist blog, frecklewonder.com's blog, the book Palm Springs weekend, Jonathan Adler's My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living, the furnishings at cityissue.com OK that's all I have for now. I am very jealous of you - what a dream home!

No no no no no no no!!! Yes paint the walls, maybe the trim (or stain in), but please not the ceiling!

P.S. 86 those glass doors on the fireplace if you do not have small children.

no paint!! it's gorgeous. Put some bright pillows on the sofa, some art on the walls, and maybe a colorful vase. but don't paint!

No, no, no!

(Nice house, though.)

Leave the ceiling, paint the trim the color of the walls, paint the walls a chocolate brown or clay to round out the neutrals palate.

I'd leave the beautiful ceiling as it is - wood. I might add a reddish afgan in the sitting area to add some symetry in warmth between the upper and lower space. The red carpet would be big enough to be tucked a couple of inches under the front of sofa and both armchairs.

I meant "afghan" or a persian rug in reddish tones.

Painting would be a big job, but yep, I'd paint it if it were my room. A white ceiling would really enhance the light in the room and make it feel amazingly sunny. With the windows looking over the water, you want it to be the best room it can be!

Besides, in the future when you get the hardwood floor, you'll have to paint it anyways or there would be too much wood, especially if you don't match it.

Another option -- install drywall over top the wood for a nice smooth ceiling. This is probably even better than painting, as the painted wood might feel too cottage-y.

As a human, we like rooms that resemble the outdoors - darker floor, lighter sky/ceiling. :-)

That ceiling is a gem and it's the only thing I would not touch!

Paint the trim and the walls instead. I think a bit of color on the walls will enhance your rug - which looks pretty nice anyway!

BTW - I feel the lake house linked is just too much white - and I like white.

I love the ceiling as is - please don't paint it!

But I do think an area rug with some character (maybe a lovely vintage rug) would break up the expanse of white carpet and make the ceiling versus floor contrast less, which I think is part of the problem.

I actually registered just to post this - Kristine, paint away!!!

I too once lived in a place that had wooden planks like that (in my case it was on the walls) and it has such an orange-ising effect that it can be very difficult to live with. I imagine the effect would be even worse coming from a ceiling. In fact, that you say you chose the light coloured carpet over your "ideal" of wooden floors may be a clue that you were on some level trying to "de-wood" the place to compensate for that ceiling.

When I painted the wooden walls of my place it gave it a really nice beach-house effect because you could still see the individual planks (I have to say, we didn't anticipate this, we just wanted rid of the orange wood). And as your house is a lake house that effect might work very well for you.

Other than that, I would say that if you could figure out if colour or texture was more important to you, that might help you decide.

What a lovely home, Kristine.

Do NOT paint the ceiling or the trim. The wood is a gorgeous detail, and very fitting for a home of this style and location.

You're right that the finish appears a bit orange. I think that is partly due to the fact that there is so much contrast between the wood and the walls. If you paint the walls, I think it will soften that a bit. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the wood! And a mid-tone is probably best. (You have so many windows that a pale color will just wash out and if you go very dark, the windows may look like pronounced cut-outs.)

I would do something with the fireplace, as I'm not a fan of that particular brick. If you need to be economical, paint it. If you have the resources, you might consider refacing it.

The ceilings are beautiful as they are. I would suggest embracing the orange color, and bring in other hues to complement. The ceiling color would feel much less abrasive if there were more warmth color-wise in the room.

I think the room would benefit from a bit of grounding, maybe darker tones on the floor? Some artwork on the walls? Any blue accents you bring in would be automatic focal points as blue is the natural complement to orange.

This is much less drastic than painting the ceiling, and can be undone much more easily than stripping cedar on a 10 foot ladder.

I think the grey walls and carpet as well as the dark brown wood railing and coffee table make the ceiling seem more orange... while they are nice, they don't work together.

The high shine of the ceiling brings even more attention to itself.

I would investigate how much work and expense would be involved in stripping the ceiling.

Here is some inspiration on how beautiful the stripped wood might look:

http://www.remodelista.com/2009/01/19/architect-visit-gustave-carlson-in-inverness/

I think the wall colour -- a creamy ivory -- might also be more appropriate than the grey you already have.

As for the fireplace, have you considered soapstone? That would introduce grey (which you seem to have an affinity for) and update the look.

Here are a couple of options:

http://www.tulikivi.com/www/TLTuoteU.nsf/MallistoEN!OpenForm&id=Takkauunit_pp&id2=TA0

http://www.rais.dk/Default.aspx?ID=24&M=Shop&PID=31&ProductID=2756

Another option would be a Rais woodstove....

http://www.rais.dk/Default.aspx?ID=56
http://www.rais.dk/Default.aspx?ID=59
Poleo, Epocha, Rondo...
http://www.rais.dk/Default.aspx?ID=582

Paint the shit out of that ceiling. it's hideous. and while the views and the windows themselves are lovely, the window trim made me throw up a little in my mouth. while sanding and restaining everything might be ok, it would be a monumental task. especially since there appear to be small divets between each plank in the ceiling (unlike hardwood flooring). sanding down in those guys would be tough.

But most importantly, remember: this is YOUR house. do with it as you like.

No no no, please don't paint the ceiling!! It's beautiful! Find some lovely complementary colors for the rest of the room and make the most of it.

Paint ME green with envy. Oh my god, that space!!!

I'm another vote for leaving the ceiling as is (at least for now), and focusing your paint desires on the trim around windows and doors, and reworking that slightly disjointed fireplace wall.

Do the people who like the wood actually like the colour? Or do they just like it because it's wood?

Personally, I think that if you wouldn't paint your ceiling orange than there's no reason to keep the wood that colour. Restaining would be an incredibly tough job--can you imagine all that sanding and the sawdust falling in your eyes?--and since cedar is naturally orange you might end up with an orange tint in the end anyway (unless you go even darker). I say paint that puppy white. It'll brighten up the whole room.

Or, another idea: would it be possible to strip the wood off the ceiling and use the boards as floorboards?

Agreed. Don't you dare paint that beautiful wood. Possibly stain it darker (including the trim around the doors and windows) and paint the walls darker to compliment? Or give me your house and, ta-da! Problem solved!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!

Hee! Nothing gets a lot of comments like a post about painting over wood.

I'd leave it alone, and try to design the rest of the room with colors that enhance its orangey-ness. I agree with the suggestions to paint the trim around the windows instead and maybe do something with the fireplace.

Given that this is your 'dream house' I don't think a painted wood ceiling is a suitable solution - probably not quite as bad as painted brick, but still a cheap fix that won't bring long term satisfaction. I'm sure there are much better ways to give the ceiling a less orangey (and maybe less shiny) modern look.

I would take care of the fireplace and fireplace mantel first - I think with a sleek, modern fireplace (*not* painted brick) and some work on the rest of the trim, the room with the wood ceiling would look stunning.

Instead of painting why not cover it up with vinyl siding or buy some of that stick on paper for drawers.

Seriously, pain the trim white to match the trim in the adjoining room. The ceiling is amazing.

2nd comment: I think the first picture in the first link provided by mschatelaine is fantastic, and would be the look I would aim for if this was my living room.

If you really don't want to keep the wood as-is, I think tam-tbag had a good suggestion: installing drywall over the wood. I think you could accomplish what you want (changing the ceiling color) while still preserving the wood underneath.

SAVE THE WOOD - but paint the plaster, you can never have too much wood but you can have too much grey.

restain to a more neutral (and less orange) tone, or at least sand it down to get rid of the shine! I think the issue is that the wood ceiling is the only darker element in the room. with all of the light carpet and light furniture, the room feels a little upside down. try incorporating more color/depth elsewhere in the room to balance it out. an area rug under the couch/conversation area to define the space would help weight everything down.

I would like to add that a ceiling that color casts a beautiful warm amber glow when lit up in the evening. And EVERYONE looks terrific in that kind of light. I wouldn't paint them, maybe a light sanding and a coat of wax to dull the sheen.

It's your house...do what makes you happy.

It's too orangey for me too...I'd pickle it. My neighbor just put this in her house. cedar planks pickled - it's beautiful and makes the space (also lofted) so airy and light feeling while adding the texture of wood. More of an all white choice which is what makes me comfortable...do what you'd love.

It is too 70's for my taste. I simply hate orange wood. I'd whitewash the ceiling and paint the trim, the fireplace, and the mantel.

Jumping on the bandwagon here and leave the ceiling as is.

What you have here is a room that the only real color is the cedar and that may well be where the problem lies. Not sure if I'd paint the trim but you may find that if you went darker on the walls w/ a brown or reddish brown color of some sort perhaps, it will help to tone down the orangeness of the wood and you may not need to paint the trim.

Either way, do that and I'd see about tiling the brick in something simple like black granite or marble or heck a shiny, smooth black ceramic tile to help w/ the fireplace some.

Put down a colorful area rug to define the seating area and add artwork and it'll help pull the room together in a big way.

Good luck with whatever you do.

I have ZERO issue painting over stained wood when it is called for, however in this case I don't think it's necessary. I don't think you really even need to stain it a new shade, but rather integrate it better into your decor. It would be cheaper (and more easily reversable) to try mixing up the room as others have suggested with a warmer wall color, some colorful accents like rugs, lamp bases and pillows first.

Just remember once it's painted it will be nearly impossible (or at least terribly expensive) to change it back! Not that fear of future styles should keep you from living comfortably. If you absolutely can not stand it, paint away! Let us know what you decide to do either way.

You have a maintenance-free beautiful ceiling. Why mess with it?

Dont Paint!
It does stand out right now, but I think its partly because the rest of your room is so cool and the ceiling is so warm. I agree with the people who suggest a warm area rug, But I also suggest some throw pillows, art, and accessories in warmer shades. I might even consider painting the walls a warmer color to mellow out the orange.

There are many good ideas here--choose what you like best, but please post pictures of what you decide! I'd love to see the finished product!

NO NO NO NO NO!

If you don't want a finished-wood ceiling, then why pick that house to begin with? Pick a house with a painted ceiling; don't destroy the wood finish or the character the house already has.

It's done that way for a *reason*. Don't try to turn it into something it's not.

don't paint - terrible idea, what a pretty space

paint the trim. leave the ceiling.

I'd paint the trim white to match the other rooms in the house, but keep the ceiling as is. Because the trim is different to other rooms in the house (judging by the photos) it makes the amount of wood stand out, whereas the ceiling could become a nice feature on its own.

Also, as the walls, floor and couches are all a similar colour, I would consider painting the walls a different colour - perhaps a pale blue or even white/cream. Maybe see how it looks after painting the trim white - if you decide to do that. That might be enough to give it a nice lift.

Otherwise, as some others have said, maybe focus on adding more colourful pieces to the room to break up all the grey. I don't think the carpet was a bad decision and if you do keep the ceiling as is, it would be hard to match wood flooring with it. I would keep both as they are.

I am having the same situation and I am definitely going to change it. I don't think the wood looks good and it darkens the room.

However, what I am going to do (and my advise to you) is not to paint it but to cover it with ceiling plates (I am not english so I do not know the proper word, but the kind of ceiling that comes in big plates that you just nail up...) This way, if you change your mind, you can always take it down and go back to the original wood, but you will still benefit from the light.

If it was me, I would also paint the windows, but then again, I think wood is rarely nice in a home - most of the time it makes it look old (in a bad way).

Here's what I think you should do.

Say to yourself, with conviction, "OK, I'm gonna paint that ceiling for sure."

Now, do you feel lighter and more psyched? (If so, paint.) Or do you feel worried and slightly distressed? (Then, don't.)

It's your house, and although it might reassure you to hear all the input here to save the wood, in the end, you (not us) will have to live there.

You just need to know your own mind.