My online home staging client, Jessica, was overwhelmed with getting her home ready to go on the market. The dark wood paneling sucked out any light and made the space feel smaller than it was. Her husband had resisted lightening up the house for several years, but when it came time to think about selling the house, they both knew they had to do something drastic to get top dollar so that they could build their dream home.
paneled living room before
Although wood paneling can be cozy, it can also be dark and dreary. And that can be a real turn-off for buyers looking for a happy space to settle in. In this house, the wood paneling ran though the living room, entry, dining room, and kitchen.
dark paneled entry before
After an online staging and paint color consultation, I created a furniture floorplan and Inspiration Board for the living room Jessica took it from there and got to work. I was so happy when she sent me some “after” photographs of the house – I was BLOWN AWAY at the difference, and I feel certain you will be, too! Are you ready for this? Here is the entry after a major paint transformation and a few minor decor changes:
painted paneling after
Can you believe how different the entry console and the mirror above it looks? The light backdrop of the painted paneling make the wood come to life. And the dark gray door is a fresh contrast against the white trim and new wall color. Let’s take a look at the change in the entire living room:
living room after
Jessica will take the new chairs, rug, lamps, and pillows with her on to her dream home when this house sells – in the meantime, she’ll get to enjoy her transformed space. You may have noticed how the living room is open to the dining room. Here’s a before of that space:
wood paneling in dining room before
New colors, a fun pair of lamps, and a darling painted vintage dining room set will help buyers envision themselves sharing family meals together in this delightful home.
dining room after
Everything is fresher, brighter, and man, does it look BIGGER. Wait until you check out the kitchen. Jessica wasn’t sure how to paint out this room in particular. The bottom cabinets were already painted an almost black, but since it needed a fresh coat of paint we chose a different dark color to work with the new color palette. Here’s the before:
wood paneled kitchen before
I needed to choose color that worked with several fixed elements in this kitchen, including two different granite countertops and a tin backsplash. By painting the soffit above the upper cabinets the same as the cabinets (rather than the wall), the cabinetry is visually elongated and the ceiling looks higher. And here’s how it turned out:
Again, notice how the wood sideboard looks transformed surrounded by these new colors. And the floor looks fabulous, too. I feel pretty sure that some young family is going to walk into this listing and fall in love with its still-cozy charm. Never doubt the power of just the right paint color and placement. It can be one of the most powerful tools in staging a home to sell, as you can see!
This custom paint color palette (four colors total) is available for $75. If you are interested, simply contact my assistant at [email protected] and she’ll take care of you.
Want to know how to choose the BEST neutrals, colors, and color combinations? Wish there was a no-fail system that creates cohesive and beautiful color schemes for any home with any finishes?
Now there is! I’ve been doing this for years, and now I’ll teach you how (including all the specific colors in BOTH Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints). You can find out more HERE.
that is amazing! will definitely be pinning this today!
blessings,
nancy
Why move now?! Gorgeous!
The good news is: she’s building in Nashville, and she wants me to help her with the new house 🙂
I have to say that this is one of my most amazing transformations I’ve seen you do – that looks fantastic! Just sent the link to the husband to prove that painting paneling is an awesome choice!!
Good Luck with your husband. Painting paneling is easy as well.
If I were her I would change my mind and not put it on the market! Doesn’t ben look like the same space! Another fab job Kristie!
WOW!! What a deastic transformation! Amazing indeed!
That should be: “drastic transformation.” I was so excited, I couldnt’t spell it correctly. LOL
Haha, thanks so much, Lora! (I almost had to google “deastic”)
I think you’re doing this poor woman such a disservice. After this, she’s going to be so conflicted–move or don’t move! It’s stunning.
You scared me there for a minute, Eileen! Thanks!
Incredible Transformation!!!
What a transformation! From the pictures it looks like it’s okay to have some of your baseboard painted and some of it stained, even when it connects at a corner. My house was already done that way when we bought and it looks “off” to me. If you say it’s ok I’ll stop worrying about it.
Awesome! My finished basement has this same dark and dreary paneling and I need to do this too!
One of the biggest bang-for-the-buck projects for any level of DIY’ers. Looks a-mazing! Too bad it’s so hard to convince the hubby’s to paint stained wood. It’s a guy thing. There should be a separate planet to house all the recliners, wood-panelled dens and 80″ screen tvs! 😉 I guess Mars ran out of room.
What a shame that this kind of change typically gets put off UNTIL a move. It looks Amazing!
I think I hear the Hallelujah chorus singing on this one. Fantastic job!
Kristie, I agree, one of the best transformations I’ve seen! Fabulous job, it really doesn’t look like the same house!
WOW Kristie!!! It’s hard to believe this is the same house. I am going to show this post to my parents. They have had the same paneling for 40+ years. My Dad has wanted to paint, but my Mom has been resistant. Maybe this will change her mind. Great Transformation!
Beautiful! Paint does wonders!
Great job Kristie, keep going!!
And in another note, about the color of the year I guess you and me nailed it a little saying that maybe purple or lavender could it be the new Pantone color of the year. I found our conversation haha:
https://thedecorologist.com/the-2014-benjamin-moore-color-of-the-year-breath-of-fresh-air#comments
Too funny – I see that we did!!! I guess that I should brag that I knew all along! 😉
Yes you should 😉 hehe
Well because of YOU! My husband has a new project added to his Spring/Summer to do list. Painting the wood paneling in our living room Memphis home!! Thank you & great job!!!
Yay! Make sure you do the necessary prep work and the right paint, and it’ll turn out great!!!
What does the necessary prep work involve? I would love to paint the paneling in our home office to lighten up the space, but I am worried it will involve heavy chemicals and lots and lots of sanding…
All I can say is WOW!!!!! What an amazing difference! In addition to the paint, the on-trend pillows, lampshades, and rug really make it sing.
I need to think about the rug situation in my house. I have some Karastan oriental-style rugs that I thought were so classic that I would use them forever at the time I bought them. But when I see spaces like this where a geometric is used, I do see that it really updates a space so much.
Unfortunately, I believe that many, many people have been sold a bill of goods about the importance of purchasing very expensive rugs. I’ve heard people say that they considered them “investment pieces.” Well, the truth is: it’s very difficult or impossible to sell older oriental rugs because color combinations do date themselves. And many of them seem so dark by today’s trends. Changing out a $300 rug every 7 years doesn’t hurt so much and gives you the opportunity for something that can instantly update a space. Maybe you could store one of your rugs for a season and try something lighter and fresher for awhile?
Kristie, this is an amazing transformation and an inspiration! We moved into an older home with darker wood paneling. I knew it had to change and spent a lot of time brushing it (shaggy rustic wood), vacuuming it and then priming it- 3 coats! I have been flummoxed trying to decide what to do with it these past four months. But now that I see the light grey paired with the white trim, I think I now know in which direction I will be going. Thank you- it is always a pleasure to read your posts!
WOW! What a major transformation.
One of my favorite things to do = paint paneling or wood walls.
I’ll bet they are just kicking themselves that they didn’t do this much sooner.
Question: Did you send a professional photographer in after the work was done?
the after photos are the MLS photos, so i assume their Realtor took the photos or had a real estate photographer do it
Hi I am confused by living room before and after/ Was a wall taken down?
Fantastic transformation! The only minus for me is the microwave on top of the wooden cabinet. Why not in the kitchen area? Maybe I’m missing something about this area.
Great before and after pictures. I love the eclectic style you bring in here. Such a great and refreshing transformation.
Crazy beautiful, this makeover is a great example of what the magic of paint and sweat equity can do. Good job!
Just found your site today – beautiful make-over. I’m linking to this article…very inspiring!
Absolutely Stellar!!!! Kristie you did it again!!!! Thank you for sharing your vast talents and vast knowledge!!!! You are an inspiration on making our homes a special place for our family!!!! Wishing you and your family as well as your followers of your blog, the joy of Christ and the peace of a Savior as we celebrate the birth of a special baby!!!! “For unto us a cold is born, unto us a Son is given…”
Ah, thank you so much, Syl! Blessings on you and your family this Christmas, dear 🙂
This is a GORGEOUS reveal, Kristie! There’s so much to love about it but I especially love the tip about painting the kitchen soffit to elongate the look of the cabinets. Thanks for sharing!
Bravo, Kristie – and kudos to your lovely client for trusting your advice and putting it into action! I love how the wood floor and wooden furniture pieces have so much presence now that they have some colour to help them stand out. Thanks for sharing!
Completely spectacular!! Great job Kristi! x Maria
Client must be over the moon happy about this. I love that you are charging for the paint colour palette. Brilliant.
Amazing girlfriend! Unbelievable difference in the before and afters. They must be so thrilled with it! I also would have suggested to paint the paneling, such a huge difference. Great job Kristie!
OMG! This is amazing. I never would have imagined how beautiful painting over paneling could be. Excellent job!
Amazing transformation Kristine! I have seen and tackled similar probems but this one topped my list. What a great transformation, owners prob was blown away on how this turn out! Exellent job! As ussual!
I have never painted knotty pine. I need ideas on how to paint it. I was told it was very difficult. PLEASE HELP!!!!
Amazing! This is the most impressive make-over I’ve seen online — ever. Simple choices of coordinating paint colors made a huge difference. As stated above, her beautiful furniture stands out now instead of blending in with the wall panels. Plus, you picked a grays that actually worked with her carpet color.
I love all the makeovers, however, I wish you would give a tutorial on how to paint paneling without it looking like “painted paneling”.
Thanks, I hope you respond.
Yes, i too was hoping you would reply to Marilyn’s request!
Really like the makeover. Our house in Melbourne Australia built in the 80’s has cedar walls and gives me hope to also transform our home. Thanks.
Good luck on your project and thanks for the comment 🙂
Finally some really beautiful before & afters. My husband wants to take down the old
1970 dark woodish paneling & replace it with white. Would it be an improvement.? A lot of work we should just dry wall if we are going to remove… So how can I get your beautiful results by painting the stuff? How do I paint paneling, fake dark wood paneling! My three grown up boys are too embarrassed to have friends over because of the terrible looking basement! Please can you help me?
Andrea, do some research on the prep work required. Mainly, it’s sanding, priming with oil-based primer (KILZ is good), and several coats of good quality latex paint in eggshell finish. It’s less work and less expense than removing it and drywalling. AND, in my opinion, the inherent grooves/texture of the painted wood planks is architecturally superior to drywall! Good luck!
In the first photos I notice that the base trim was stained wood throughout (can see it running down the hall). The molding was painted white in the updated room but was left wood stained color in hall. I run into this with my clients often. They switch off room to room with their trim color. I find that it sometimes ruins the ‘flow’. Using too many different flooring materials in a small area tends to do the same thing (stops the flow).
Would really love to hear your thoughts on this! Is it really okay to keep switching color of trim, ( which can also cause change in door color), from room to room? Thanks! Love you!
You are correct, Kristie – I would have preferred ALL the trim to be painted in this house. Because they were limited as to how much they could do, it was best that they did paint the trim in the main areas of the house – what you could see upon entry. Also as you mentioned, changing flooring always breaks up the flow and actually makes a space appear smaller. I always advice staging clients to keep flooring as consistent as possible, which often includes removing rugs that break up the visual field. Thanks for much for your input!!!
What a beautiful transformation, and it really does not look like the same old drab home. Now vibrant and refreshing, and inviting! I am sure this painting project helped sell their home in record time! I have a paneled family room and have been wanting to paint it a light color. For certain, I will paint it this spring. Off to Home Depot to see what I need to do to prime the paneled walls. I could hire someone, but really am anxious to try this myself!
That sounds great! Good luck with your project, Cathy!
Rather than paint the knotty pine panelling in the den of my 50’s house in Dallas, I had it covered in 1/4″ sheetrock and painted. I then added built-in bookcases on one wall and enclosed the staircase on the opposite wall. I installed wide-plank mahogany engineered flooring to replace the carpet and painted the walls a neutral desert color from Sherwin Williams and painted the brick fireplace and mantle a flat white to match the french doors and trim on the wall opening onto the deck. It looked great.
What’s the paint? Like name and brand. I’m wanting to transform my den and I’m interested in that paint color. Thanks!
Now I’m having a hard time deciding… I was going to paint my trim when I paint the paneling but the picture with the wood color against that lovely shade of gray it just POPS! 😮