We are thinking of purchasing the home in the picture and want to get some ideas on what to do with the paneling on the

walls. We like the idea of it but want to have our home reflect a real contemporary vibe. We know we want to have gray walls. My question is do we remove the paneling, paint the paneling and walls the same shade of gray, or paint the paneling one shade of gray and the walls another. Any opinions will be welcomed. Thanks!

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17 Comments

Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

Teresa, I can't tell by the pic; is the paneling on top or bottom.
CP

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 1
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Teresa, I would keep the paneling, I think it will still looks very contemporary. I like the fact that the paneling is horizontal instead of the vertical paneling in traditional homes. I would paint the paneling a nice grey, something urban and mod, then paint the upper walls a softer grey. Nice modern frames on the mantle with colorful art, some unique lighting and this place is contemporary. I am already imagining this space. I will be glad to help you with color selection anytime.

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 2
Teresa K Athens, GA

@CP, the paneling is on the bottom part of the wall.
@ Yamini, thanks for your suggestions. I'm currently leaning towards two colors of gray for the room. Now what about that mantel? Keep it white or go crazy and use my accent color of turquoise?

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Tellin' ya PP, great minds think alike. If the white works for you Teresa, leave the bulk white as well as the base moulding.Do a trim of the turquoise in the outline trims (thin) on the fireplace maybe one of the greys on the lines down the sides and carry the turquoise through on the shoe moulding...there's my dime and a half! Best 2 U! JL ENJOY the Choices!

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmo... Duluth, GA

Turquoise will be amazing but when you do this I would suggest you keep decor in naturals and plain simple lines. I am very excited about the turquoise though. I would say go for it girl, but do a muted turquoish color.

on Sep 21, 2011 · Like 0
Cheryl P

we had ours skimcoated & painted, would never know paneling was there

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 1
Enchanting Interior Archi... Atlanta, GA

I suggest using the two shades of grey on the walls & leaving the moldings white. You can then come back and add the turquoise in the accessories around the space. You want to keep the furnishings neutral and add the "pops" of color in the "little things" (i.e. paintings, rugs, vases, lamps, pillows, etc.), those are the easiest to change if you ever change your mind about your color palette.

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 2
Jenn R Winder, GA

Teresa, the paneling would look super contemporary if a "grey wash" were applied to the bottom, while painting a darker more mature grey on the walls on top. That room has some serious potential !!

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Heidi G Savannah, GA

that looks like shiplap, I'd preserve it if you can.

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Innovative Improvements, ... Buford, GA

You could paint it a metallic silver or even cover in a metal finish product.

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Teresa K Athens, GA

Thank you so much everyone for offering up your opinions and advice. We now have so many ideas to think about. So far the "grey wash" idea is winning over my guy. He wants to know exactly how that would be done considering the boards are already painted white. I like the idea if it will look fresh and contemporary. The house is a late 19th century bungalow reproduction. We want to keep the basic feel of the place but add a modern spin. Sure hope we get to actually buy this house. :)

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Allison A Atlanta, GA

I like the grey wash idea but I'd change out the mantel all together.

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

Teresa, a wash or a glaze can be made in any color and opaqueness. It can be brushed on and left as is or partially drug off.
CPeace

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 1
Straight Nails Constructi... Cumming, GA

I agree with the "wash"... or what I was going to suggest was antique it. Either way... that paneling will stand out from a focal point.

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

And you can always install a "specialty mantle" right over top of the old one using any type of material your heart desires...JL

on Sep 22, 2011 · Like 0
Teresa K Athens, GA

Thank you everyone. Once we know for sure if this is the house we will buy, I'm sure I will be back with plenty of other questions. In the meantime ya'll have given us a lot to think about.

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 0
Danica B Austell, GA

I love it just the way it is : )!

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 0