How Painting Wood Paneling Will Change Your Life!

There is simply no reason you must live perpetually with a dated wood kitchen if you don’t want to. Or live in a dark, wood-paneled den just because your home contains one.  And, no, you don’t have to rip the wood paneling out.

blue pillow

Pull Up a Comfy Chair and Read This Post

You need to lighten up your life by painting wood paneling in your home. I know, I know:  your husband says “No way, Jose!” Men have lots of reasons for leaving wood in its natural state as I expounded upon in my post, “Why Men Fear Painting Wood.”

Men Think Wood Paneling is Sexy, But It’s Not

 

My clients spent 16 years with dark, dated wood cabinets and wood paneling in their kitchen and adjoining den. Because their Nashville home is a 1970’s ranch, they honestly believed that they had no other choice but to live in that era as long as they lived in that home. Not true!

dated wood 1970s kitchen

 Before of Kitchen with Dated Wood Cabinetry

Honestly, it took a bit of convincing to reassure my clients that painting wood paneling would work and not result in a half-baked result. They thought they needed to rip out all their cabinetry and start over, which would have been prohibitively expensive. They were paralyzed by fear and lack of vision. Once I gained their trust, we began moving forward towards an amazing outcome. The proof is in the photos. Get ready for the transformation . . .

blue and white kitchen

 After – Same Cabinets, Painted White

Note how the peninsula was really narrow and not terribly functional – that was about to change.  Here’s another angle of the “before” condition of the kitchen:

dated wood cabinets before

 Kitchen Before Design Intervention

Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and updated lighting helped bring the kitchen into the 21st century, but the paint updates really make the biggest impact. The hutch you see to the left is great additional storage for a kitchen with no pantry. It was previously in the dining room, but I encouraged my clients to paint the dated oak piece white and move it into the kitchen. Notice the expanded coffee bar area with seating – the existing peninsula with an extended countertop created a new space for seating.

kitchen makeover by the decorologist

 Light and Bright Kitchen After Design Intervention

Shall we turn around and look at the “before” of the adjoining den? Definitely dated and underutilized:

before painting panelingWood Paneling Before

Painting wood paneling will change your life!  The paneling remains, but Benjamin Moore’s Woodlawn Blue transforms the look and feel of the space.

blue living room

 Painted Wood Paneling

Closer in now, another “before” shot of the adjoining den:

Den and Wood Paneling Before

The addition of black accents including the painted fireplace mantel, bar chairs, and drapery rod add sophistication and gravity to the airy and light room.

benjamin moore woodlawn blue

Den After

The before looks like circa 1974:

Wood Paneling Before

Dark days are over, now everything’s light and bright!  New furnishings and updated lighting make the den a family-friendly place to gather and watch television.

beautiful living roomBeautiful New Den

As an interior decorator my job was to cast the vision, specify the right colors, and provide expert shopping within their budget. These homeowners did most of the work in this lovely transformation themselves: painting, installing new hardwood floors, and installing the new beadboard backsplash. Their hands-on involvement resulted in a beautiful home that they can feel happy and proud to spend the next 16+ years in.

beadboard paneling

Expanded Counter and  Painted Beadboard Paneling

Really, do you need any better proof that you should paint your dated wood paneling?

124 Comments

  1. Barbara Jacobs

    Great points, Kristie – just more excellent examples of why paint is the most economical way to get the greatest change.

    Reply
  2. Jamie

    I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time scrolling between before and after pictures in any of your posts. Holy moly that looks amazing! Such a transformation and I love that they did most of it themselves. Definitely ogling that beadboard backsplash!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      a beadboard backsplash is certainly one of the easiest and most affordable ways to go – and it looks great, really classic.

      Reply
      • Ilene

        Thank you, Thank you for showing the beadboard backsplash. I had thoughts of doing that in my kitchen but when I said something to my daughter she crumpled up her face and said, it’s your house so then I doubted myself but after seeing this, guess what I’m doing!

        Reply
        • Kristie Barnett

          Yay!!! Paint it in semi-gloss, so it’ll be easy to wipe clean from splatters. Beadboard is one of the BEST backsplashes to have, even if it were more expensive (and it’s NOT)!!!

          Reply
  3. Jennifer

    Love it!!! I would paint paneling in a heart beat…..the space is gorgeous now. What a complete transformation! Bravo Kristie!!!!

    Reply
  4. Leif

    WOW!!!! I love it! I never get tired of seeing the before and after shots.

    I love that you moved the light fixture from the center of the den and created that “off center” gathering place. I would never have thought that would work but it looks wonderful. So excited for your client. It is CHIC and refreshing! GOOD JOB my friend!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      thank you so much, leif! sometimes you just have to move a ceiling light fixture for the room to make sense – either over a table or in the center of a conversation area.

      Reply
  5. kelly arent

    Kristie…You did it again! Love following your work! I wish all clients were convinced that it could look this fabulous!! What a transformation!!

    Reply
  6. Kim Hoegger

    Beautiful transformation! Great work Kristie, thanks for sharing. This gives us all hope for rooms with paneling!

    Reply
  7. Interior Painting Ideas

    Such a difference that some lighter colors made in both rooms. Love the look. The white goes so well with the beach blue. Makes me wish I had some spare time to dive into my ugly outdated cabinets at home tonight!

    Reply
  8. Kelly Berg

    Wow, Kristie! This is fantastic. You should be really excited about this project. Great job. (It’s so much more attractive to have the wood on the floor as opposed to the walls, isn’t it?)

    Reply
  9. liz

    Absolutely amazing!! I am always checking out before and afters and I am still always so surprised at how much difference a coat of paint can make. These rooms are so lovely and livable.

    Reply
  10. Linda

    Yowzer!! What a beautiful difference paint made in this home. I can only imagine how very thrilled the clients must be. Bravo my friend!

    Reply
  11. Jennifer

    It looks great and is adding to my inspiration!

    I am planning on painting my kitchen this summer. It has knotty pine walls and NO ONE thinks I should paint it. I, however, can not live with it anymore! I can’t wait to do it and I hope it turns out as lovely as your project.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Jennifer,
      I’m sure you will be so glad you did!!! Let me know how it comes out 🙂

      Reply
  12. Stacy Naquin

    Bravo Kristie! The space looks fantastic!!!

    Reply
  13. Phillip Barnett

    Painting paneling and cabinets definitely worked for us!!!

    Reply
  14. Phillip Barnett

    Painting cabinets and paneling definitely worked for us. Thanks Kristie

    Reply
  15. Maria Killam

    Spectacular Kristie! Your clients must be soooo thrilled!
    x
    Maria

    Reply
  16. Julie

    What a beautiful transformation! I’ve painted paneling but I’ve always gone with a “safe” color like white or gray but now I feel like even more options have opened up in front of me. This looks beautiful!

    Reply
  17. gertie @ The Old Block House

    What a lovely transformation! Everything is just beautiful and fresh.

    Reply
  18. Cyndia

    What is it about guys not wanting to paint either wood or brick? When we bought our home 13 years ago, one of the first things I wanted to do was paint the brick. Hubby was incredulous. I finally wore him down, but it took ten years. He even volunteered to paint it! And now it’s a lovely shade of warm green. He can’t believe he fought me on it for so long, and he loves it!
    I’ve even convinced him to paint several pieces of wood furniture!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      good for you, cyndia! glad he finally came around 🙂

      Reply
  19. Jeanna

    Wow! Great before & afters, what a refreshing color change, thanks for sharing your home! (found you from the inspired room!)

    Reply
  20. Susanne

    Wow…that’s great. It looks like a completely new home. I’m looking for a for just that very thing. However, I need a fairy godmother and a magic wand and some very hand mice..lol.

    Reply
  21. sonia

    Wow, another amazing transformation, Bravo Kristie!
    Happy Valentine to you and your love one, Sonia xo

    Reply
  22. dana tucker

    Another amazing makeover. You are the guru, wizard, magician, maker of beautiful spaces 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Wow, Dana, thank you for that compliment 🙂

      Reply
  23. Dianne Tant

    GREAT POST great job!

    Reply
  24. Christina

    What about paneled walls with molding in the home office? House built circa 1999, we’ve lived here 9 months. The realtor said we should NEVER paint it because it adversely effects resale potential. I’m thinking I don’t care. It’s oak, not even quarter-sawn and the room is dark and dreary. I know painting it would make it a fabulous room.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      I assure you, it will not negatively effect resale if it is done well!

      Reply
  25. Laura@Elegant Nest

    Thanks for the amazing Before and After pictures! This is a perfect example of a house with “good bones” as they say…and just needing a little help to show them off!
    Great Job!

    Reply
  26. patricia

    This is quite possibly the BEST kitchen re-do I’ve *ever* seen! Spectacular! From a dark and dated cave to a beautiful light, modern, INVITING, happy space. LOVE IT! And love bistro table… perfect!

    Reply
  27. Sarah A.

    I, too, have dated ugly wood paneling. I’ve been waiting for an “ugliest kitchen contest”, but since I haven’t found one, I’ve just left the paneling. After seeing this, I want to cry! I am so excited to give it a try!

    Reply
  28. Kelley

    This is amaziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing! Great job!

    Reply
  29. Donna@The Space Within

    What a beautiful transformation! The colours are sublime. Just a question on whether you have any tips on preparation to ensure a long-lasting paint finish on the panelling? I’d love to recommend this to a few “clients” (read family!) to update their home.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Proper prep work is definitely key. Thoroughly cleaning and sanding of wood paneling is necessary, then a good bonding primer before painting.

      Reply
  30. Lorri M.

    Love this! This is one of my favorites!!

    Reply
  31. amy@maison decor

    This is one of the best before and afters i have seen of wood paneling…bravo!!! I am amazed at how fabulous it turned out…they must be in awe of you!

    Reply
  32. Ragan Corliss

    Great job…. Love that fireplace hearth!

    Reply
  33. joy

    wow, really nice…I wonder where they got that leather sofa, looks good. great transformation.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Joy,
      We got the sofa at Merridian Furnishings here in Nashville.

      Reply
  34. Shari

    All I can say is, “WOW!” Kristie, this has to be your most stunning reveal yet! Like a previous responder, I just kept scrolling back and forth to really soak in the ‘before’ and ‘after.’ I would be looking for excuses to be in that kitchen and den now. Simply beautiful and very inspiring. Makes me want to create some bold and grown-up changes in my own house. Wonderful work. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
  35. Sheila Zeller

    This doesn’t even look like the same place! Yet another Kristie-on-fire makeover!!! Practical perfection!

    Reply
  36. Andrea

    This is gorgeous. Paint is something awesome. Now following you.

    Reply
  37. Rebecca Dumas

    Kristie,
    Wow, what a transformation! Your pictures are always so well done, they really show what is possible.
    Very impressive, and I share your love of paint!!!!

    Reply
  38. Barb

    Bravo! I say paint it, paint it, paint it! I just painted my kitchen, too. It’s amazing what a few cans of paint can do!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Thank you so much, Mallory! I’m headed over right now 🙂

      Reply
  39. Jacqueline

    Wow!!! What an amazing transformation! I love the color combo and the fireplace brick looks great.

    Reply
  40. Aimee - ItsOverflowing

    Beautiful! I’d love to have you join my party…it just opened!!! Thanks LOTS! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  41. Simone

    Hi Kristie

    This transformation is incredible. Do you have the instructions for painting 1970s style wooden cabinets?

    Reply
  42. Jen

    Wow, that looks gorgeous! It really is amazing what a few cans of paint can do. Great job!

    Reply
  43. Tammy

    I just love this makeover, that blue on walls is beautiful . I ordered the chairs but without the arms. I was glad to see them here with a brown sofa. Do you recall where you got the rug from?

    Reply
  44. Karen

    You are awesome. Do you work any in Georgia?

    Reply
  45. Diane

    Hi, I’m moving into an apartment soon with paneling and will try and paint them. How do you make them look so smooth? Looks like regular dry walls. Any advice? Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  46. Teresa Dove

    Have you been in my house? My house was built in 1970 and has that exact paneling on every wall, floor to ceiling, entire downstairs. The cabinets in the “before” pics look just like mine, and that boxy light fixture hangs over my sink!! I was happy to see the turquoise walls — I just painted my kitchen walls turquoise and green, and had already planned to paint my cabinets white! So nice to see an “after” pic before its done!! Thank you for the funny and inspiring website!

    Reply
  47. Danielle

    This is amazing!!!!! We are looking at buying a house that has a kitchen that looks almost identical to the before pictures. What was the budget for this amazing kitchen?

    Reply
  48. Allyson

    Hey Kristie,

    This looks amazing. I have a living room and hallway of horrible wood. Is there any recommendations for colors I should use to cover the wood? Can I choose any color I want?

    P.S. The wood walls have horizontal line design textures that will be noticed even after painting.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      It’s ok if you are left with texture – don’t let that stop you from painting that wood! I actually like the lined look of painted tongue-and-groove walls – more character than flat drywall, right? Yes, you can choose any color you like. If you are scared to go a real color, a nice off-white will brighten that hallway like you wouldn’t believe.

      Reply
  49. Holly

    LOVE THIS KITCHEN! We’re going to duplicate but on a smaller scale in the house we just bought. Wondering though about the floors. Those changed as well. Do you know what kind of flooring that is?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Maggie,
      I love that idea, maybe even better because the panels are different-sized! If you do it, send me pictures!!!

      Reply
  50. Sarah

    I stumbled on this while searching painting wood paneling. We just purchased a home that is eerily similar to this – and I want to duplicate your work in my home! I think it is absolutely stunning!! Can you tell me the paint color you used? Thank you so much for giving me hope regarding the wood paneling!

    Reply
  51. Dawn

    I found these pics when searching for kitchen cabinetry to compliment my thick knotty pine paneling in a beach home. I painted the old wooden cabinets white when I moved in 7 years ago, looked great for but now it is really time for a new kitchen. I have been laughing over all the man comments. My husband would love to paint over the walls, but not me. That wood hides a multitude of wall hanging mistakes! Ironically, I have the same armchairs as the photo, and they really look great with wood walls as well. Loved the transformation nevertheless, but still wondering what style/color cabinets for the kitchen.

    Reply
  52. Rachel

    Saw this on Pinterest and repinned it myself. I cannot believe the gorgeous transformation! That blue is my absolute favorite color and I love seeing it used in a kitchen. You can see the quality of workmanship in the execution of the makeover. I remember painting my mom’s paneled family room and it was not nearly as well done as this – like you said, good prep work and materials are essential. Thank you so much for a fantastic before-and-after example of painting paneling, and thank you for giving me the inspiration to try it myself!!

    Reply
  53. shannnon

    I just saw this post as I was searching ideas of how to paint over paneling. This is AMAZING, can you please do mine:) My husband is also a fan of anything wood, and I have have fianlly convinced him to let me paint over the paneling on our front room/ office space. In your pics, I can not even tell there is paneling underneath. Did you fill in the grooves with any wood fillers or joint compund? I hate the thought of all that tedious work, but if it makes that much of a difference, I would do it. Can you give me more specifics as to the steps for preperation before the paint. Assuming your not gonna knock on my door and plan it out for me:)

    Reply
  54. Shirley O'Neil

    I love the transformation of this den and kitchen.  My house is a "little sister" to this one.  I have similar questions to Shannon.  I do not want the grooves to show when I paint the paneling.  What should I use to fill them in?  Then I presume the whole walls will need to be texturized.  Could you give me a run through of procedures that need to be done, from bare paneling to the finished painted walls.  You have inspired me to "get er done".

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Don’t fill in the grooves!  Painted paneling or beadboard adds great texture to a space.  There’s just no need to fill in the grooves, and I can’t imagine you could make it perfect so I wouldn’t bother.  Just roll on a nice eggshell paint after a good prepping and priming with Kilz or maybe Benjamin Moore Advance paint for wood cabinets.

      Reply
  55. Connie@Connie Nikiforoff Designs

    Oh my goodness! This transformation is positively gorgeous! If I had a dollar for every prospective client home I’ve been in that looks just like this (dated paneling and kitchen) I’d be rich, rich, rich 😉 That old saying ‘Just cuz its wood, doesn’t mean its good” is so true! One project I didn’t get after the consultation, started this way, “What can we do to make our kitchen look newer and lighter?” I answered, “Paint the dark dated 80’s cabinets.” The husband literally grasped at his chest! I thought we were going to have to do CPR! The wife said nothing and the teenage daughter came and did a high-5 with me 🙂 Sadly, they never did a thing and kept living in their dark, dated home unhappily ever after. Well, guess ya can’t win ’em all. 😉 I LOVE these rooms you showed. Wish I could get my parents to be on board with updating tired wood cabinets. {sigh}

    Reply
  56. Dixie Lee

    Have been fighting with hubby for 23 years over painting paneling in den. Finally have his buy in and a paint sample…sending this link to him.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Yay!!! Good to hear, Dixie – I hope your patience pays off 🙂

      Reply
  57. jack

    Jeez!
    You just proved OUR point!
    You look incredibly hot against that mind blowing wood paneling!!!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      uh, i’d say “thanks,” but that’s not me in the photo in front of the wood paneling!

      Reply
  58. Taryn

    What is that blue color? I love it!

    Reply
  59. Sarah

    Can you please send me how to paint wood paneling. The stuff in my home looks the same as theirs. How do you paint over wood paneling???? My living room and dining room are so dim and blah.

    Reply
  60. Jenny

    Wow, thanks for the inspiration for redecorating my 80’s kitchen! I never thought of painting the wood cabinets, just got stuck on replacing them (obviously way more expensive). I love the work that you have done on this house.

    Reply
  61. Crystal

    Love the transformation in this space!! I am going to try to duplicate it. WHat is the color blue on the paneled walls?

    Reply
  62. SherryJ

    I am soooooo glad I saw and found your page. We have knotty pine paneling in the family and living room and we were thinking about getting rid of it. I have seen people paint over paneling and I honestly didn’t like it. Maybe if we chose the right color, it may not look to bad. I just love the after photos. You did a fantastic job.

    Reply
  63. Donna Baker

    I have an early 1980’s Wausau home with vaulted ceilings and lots of paneling. It’s the large sheet kind with lathing strips to hide where the sheets join. 8 ‘ x 5 ‘ I think. It is on the entire wall to the 13’ high ceiling and they also paneled the top of the wall from the low to the high wall straight across. The other wall is paneled with closet doors I want to paint the rooms but should I paint just the paneling and strips of wood or the whole room the same color or remove the strips and caulk the grooves or drywall over it or texture paint everything? Whew! Thanks for any suggestions!

    Reply
  64. Holly Jordan

    Did you use the Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue in the kitchen too? To me the blue in the kitchen appears darker.
    I am embarking on renovating a 1970’s hot mess complete with paneling in EVERY room and a dark brick fireplace. This gives me hope!

    Reply
  65. Christina Kee

    Holy. Moly. Shut up. This is amazing. AMAZING! How do you do that?!?!! I just bought a home with a terrible “third bedroom” that has horrible wood paneling. It is so dark and dingy and scary. But your post inspired me that while we save a bit more money to overhaul the room, we can totally update it in the meantime! Thank you!

    Reply
  66. LibbyP

    I need a tactful way to email this to my mother-in-law!! They have a very nice home but 70’s panelling keeps the home outdated, no matter what else she updates. If I lived near here, I would just show her this webpage….

    Beautiful job as always, Kristie!

    Reply
  67. Lesa Bell

    Had to laugh at the “men think paneling is sexy but it’s not” comment because it’s so very true! Painted paneling and painted brick always look great because it adds texture and character. Adorable redo!

    Reply
  68. Emma Jones

    I absolutely love that transformation!! I have a wall (two story) in my living room with dark DIAGONAL wood paneling. It was obviously built in the 70s… but it is so dark and dreary. Any suggestions? The rest of the room has a kitchen overlooking wall, one wall with a stone fireplace and the other is the entryway. Help!! (and my husband was all for painting before we moved in, but now he does NOT want to do anything with it!)

    Reply
  69. Holly B.

    WOW! I WISH!!! We have wood paneling, big sheets of solid pieces of wood. My husband won’t let me redo them because his grandfather built the house. He thinks it would be ungrateful to his Grandfather and mother who let us have the house. I painted a ceiling fan once and got in trouble. Maybe these photos will help!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      I sure hope they do, Holly! I’m sure your husband’s grandfather meant for your home to be a blessing, not a curse that brings you down. Brightening things up could be a great blessing for you both!

      Reply
  70. lee

    I have painted wood paneling in a bedroom, looks like flat paint. I wanted to repaint it a different color, is flat paint the way to go?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      No, I recommend an eggshell paint for walls, especially on paneling. Flat paint looks too chalky and cheap.

      Reply
  71. Dee

    I’ve been hesitant to paint a wood panelled wall in my house and this post was the final nudge I needed. I felt claustrophobic looking at those before shots, the transformation you’ve done is incredible! Gorgeous, gorgeous result.

    Thank you for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Yay, Dee! Good luck with your project, you’ll love it!

      Reply
  72. Heather

    I love the remodel! We have tons of wood paneling to deal with in our new house and this is great inspiration. I really like the teal color you used in the kitchen – can you tell me what you used? Thanks!

    Reply
  73. Serena B

    Love this makeover!

    I did it in my last home….a 1961 brick traditional in middle TN (oh I miss that house!). We painted everything that didn’t move! Dark brick FP got whitewashed, brown paneling was painted a sandy color, and I even painted over old grasscloth wallpaper that had been on the walls for almost 50 years! It was NOT budging, so I painted over it and the result was a lovely textured wall. It did soak up paint like a SPONGE, so it required a lot more paint that I had planned on, but the end result was worth it.

    Reply
  74. JoanD

    This make=over convinced me! i’m going to paint my wooden kitchen cabinets a white or light color. The natural oak is beautiful but . . . it’s time to move forward. And, painting the solid wood is better than opting for some melamine/foil covering over pressboard that is just not going to last! Your choice of modern hardware also helped the update. Those stainless industrial door pulls look great.

    Reply
  75. Lauretta West

    I love the colors and this has inspired me to paint my kitchen like so. I’ll be buying a new house built in the 1940’s and the kitchen currently looks like your before picture!! I cant wait to transform it… but I have one question. A piece of advice maybe… would you use cement counter-tops or stick with granite? I plan on doing white cupboards and a light blue or green paint but I cant decide on counter tops. I love how cement looks, but I’m not sure if it goes well with the era of the house and im thinking of resale in the future!

    Thank you!
    Lauretta

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      How about a quartz or quartzite countertop? Or a granite that has a lighter, marble-look? I don’t know much about cement countertops, except that it’s a messy job and very heavy.

      Reply
  76. jpulire@yahoo.com

    LOVE this what great kitchen inspirations and definitely proves painting wood paneling can look amazing!! QUESTION- 🙂 I have been staring at these pics for days now and trying to figure out- is the beadboard backsplash and beadboard on peninsula a different color than the wedgewood blue on the walls? Or are the shadows playing tricks and making it look like it’s a deeper/ different color? Hope someone can answer thank you! What an amazing transformation proving what a difference a paint makes!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Yes, it’s a different color – the beadboard is either Jamestown Blue or Del Mar Blue, I can’t remember because it’s been several years since I did this house.

      Reply
  77. Moni

    I jusr saw this post going through Pinterest. I hope you can answer my question, What about the lines? I have wood panelling that I want to paint but I have a thing about the joint lines of the panneling. How did you and your clinets get that sleek look or did you?

    Reply
  78. Sandra McKinney

    Hi Kristie,
    I love the kitchen and going to paint my cabinet. I have a question, these cabinets are plain wood and have copper colored strap hinges along with a matching knob. Would you remove them or paint them?
    Many thanks for your help
    Sandra

    Reply
  79. Cheri

    Kristie, your work here is amazing. If you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. My kitchen is right out of the 1970’s. The cabinets seem to be a laminent materal rather than wood. Even the backspash is that material. Can I paint over that type of cabinet and if so, what do I need to do.

    Reply
  80. Cheri

    Kristie, your work here is amazing. If you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. My kitchen is right out of the 1970’s. The cabinets seem to be a laminent materal rather than wood. Even the backspash is that material. Can I paint over that type of cabinet and if so, what do I need to do.

    Reply
  81. Pam Boatright

    Did you have groves filled in on paneling or did you paint over them?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Pam,
      I wouldn’t dare fill in the grooves, as I think they lend architectural character!

      Reply
      • Pam Boatright

        Thank you so much!
        How can on get on your site for new ideas?
        Do you think Formica is still used or what do you recommend to replace counter tops with?
        I’m getting a kitchen remodel and painting paneling and wood kitchen cabinets from 1980.

        Reply
        • Kristie Barnett

          Pam, there is some beautiful new Formica available – some that mimics wood and marble/quartz with edging that makes it look more “real.” To subscribe to my posts, just scroll to the bottom of my post and enter your email where it says “subscribe to my emails.” Thanks!

          Reply
        • Pam Boatright

          I have groove design in kitchen cabinets do they have to be filled in
          They have to build I cabinet unit and won’t match so do they jjust build new one or try to match?

          Reply
          • Pam Boatright

            WE ARE PAINTING THE PANELING IN THE DEN AND THE BREAKFAST NOOK HAS THE SAME PANELING ONLY ABOUT 2-3 FEET .WE ALSO ARE PAINTING CABINETS. MY QUESTION IS DO WE PAINT ALL THE PANELING SAME COLOR ARE DO YOU PAINT THE PANELING IN THE BREAKFAST NOOK SAME COLOR AS THE CABINETS AND THE SHEETROCK IN NOOK ANOTHER COLOR?

  82. Pam Boatright

    Lines in paneling?

    Reply
    • pam

      The cabinet doors have a routed pattern on them the builder wants to fill in because one double door cabinet has to built, what would be another solution to the problem.

      Reply
    • Pam Boatright

      The cabinet doors have a routed pattern on them the builder wants to fill in because one double door cabinet has to built, what would be another solution to the problem.

      Reply
  83. Pam Boatright

    What do you recommend for counter tops, Granite,Formica or another material?

    Reply
    • Pam Boatright

      WE ARE PAINTING THE PANELING IN THE DEN AND THE BREAKFAST NOOK HAS THE SAME PANELING ONLY ABOUT 2-3 FEET .WE ALSO ARE PAINTING CABINETS. MY QUESTION IS DO WE PAINT ALL THE PANELING SAME COLOR ARE DO YOU PAINT THE PANELING IN THE BREAKFAST NOOK SAME COLOR AS THE CABINETS AND THE SHEETROCK IN NOOK ANOTHER COLOR?

      Reply
  84. Mary Ellen Anhaiser

    The before is exactly what I am living in!! But our kitchen counters are peachy orange.. wish I could post a picture. Don’t think my husband would ever let me paint it!

    Reply
  85. Amanda Windle

    I love that blue. Its not in my color pallet of my new furniture. Can you suggest an equally appealing shade of green (stem green but muted and tranquil) I have the hardest time picking out paint colors.

    Reply
  86. Yisell

    Beautifully done!! Did you straight paint the wood paneling or was there a prep method? I can’t wait to get ride of my wood paneling.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Definitely need to properly prep and prime before painting! Clean the panels thoroughly first. The paint needs something to grip, so sand to remove any gloss finish and remove dust. Prime with something like KILZ, then paint with 2-3 coats of good quality paint. There are lots of tutorials online you can google!

      Reply
  87. Deborah

    I had forgotten visiting this post. I ended up doing much the same thing. I painted over wood paneling, including filling in the indented lines to get a smooth look. I used a sophisticated pale taupe and added framed art and soft jacquard drapes with valances. In the kitchen, I painted the cabinets white and had stone countertops put in, quartzite which has bits of real quartz.I had perfectly good white appliances and I kept them. I really like what you did with painting the hutch white and bringing it in the kitchen. I had a similar issue but I added a corner unit to my formal dining room set.

    Reply
  88. Tracy

    My question is how do you prepare the wood to paint it. I have rather slick faux wood and know just painting is not going to work. How do I start the project?

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Tracy,
      You have to prepare the surface by sanding the surface to remove the sheen, or else the paint won’t properly adhere. After sanding, dust thoroughly. Then, use two coats of a good oil-based primer like KILZ before painting 2-3 coats of quality latex paint. Good luck with your project!

      Reply

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