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Design Dilemma
jillshires

Grade two listed paneled lounge

jillshires
7 years ago

Hi I am renovating an old 3 storey property that was originally part of a farmhouse .My lounge is dark wood panels and the floor is original wood ,with beams on the ceiling .It has three windows but is constantly dark.I want to keep all the wood but need to lift the room with soft furnishings and possibly paint the ceiling .I have a huge black chesterfield sofa that I want to keep but would like ideas on lighting and furniture as it just looks really dark and unwelcoming .I have already thrown out the curtains , pelmets and wall lights.

Featured Answer
  • Lauren
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    What a great space to work with! The ideas already mentioned by yourself and others are great. I have a couple other suggestions to add.

    Since you're keeping the wooden paneling as-is I think you can afford to break the rules a little an add in some large scale pale artwork (along with the mirror already suggested - personally I'd want to put that above the fireplace though).

    I would also add a large pale area rug which still feels in keeping with the age of the property. I've linked some suggestions below. The first photo I've attached shows a combination of these two suggestions to good effect - with the pale lampshades also complimenting the colour scheme nicely.

    http://www.benuta.co.uk/velvet-vintage-rug-beige-2.html

    http://www.benuta.co.uk/velvet-vintage-rug-cream-5.html

    http://www.benuta.co.uk/optic-cosy-rug-white.html

    Finally I would consider adding warm LED flat strip lights on top of the wooden panel ledge which would create an even uplighting to for the room but remain invisible unless looked at from above. I can't find a photo of exactly what I mean featuring paneling but hopefully the hallway pic gives you the idea. Then layer a multi-arm pendant and floor/table lamps to create an invitingly lit space.


    Comments (15)

    • mayfly182
      7 years ago

      Hi Jillshires,

      You're not going to make that room look light with furnishings and paint on what little wall it has. I suggest instead you go dark but colourful and install good lighting.

      I suggest a 'Persian' rug for the floor - a real one. By that I mean traditionally handmade rather than really Persian as Persia hasn't existed for nearly 40 years. I would take some time to choose a really nice colourful one with that lovely orange-red-brown background most of them traditionally have. Then I'd paint what little wall and ceiling there is a red which goes with the carpet. Craig & Rose paints have some good antique reds but otherwise you'll have to hunt around or get the carpet colour matched.

      I'd suggest a plain white roller blind for the windows. It's going to be a bit of a swine to dress them with curtains and at least a roller blind will let the windows speak for themselves. I can't really comment on the lights as they're probably going to mostly be determined by where the existing points are or where new wires can be run without disrupting everything.

      jillshires thanked mayfly182
    • cavgirl
      7 years ago
      Does the Grade 2 listing mean the panelling must stay exactly as it is re finishing? If so, perhaps investigate adhesive wallpaper for the inside each panel that can be removed with no harm done.

      If you are allowed to refinish the wood, perhaps strip the varnish back and wax it in something pale. Osmo do good finishes. I would not paint it, though, even assuming you're allowed.

      Beyond that, exploit the darkness. Rich rugs on the floor, rich pictures on the walls, glowing, shimmering cushions and throws on the seating. Mirrors. Metallic light finishes. Use the top rim of the panelling to conceal runs of led lights (the kind on sticky strips that can easily be removed); that will cast a soft glow and enhance whatever colour you put above the panelling. Books.

      The poster above suggested Craig and Rose red; they also do deep greens and glowing orange/terracotta tones that would be lovely with the wood. You're so lucky to have such an amazing feature; I would love it!
      jillshires thanked cavgirl
    • PRO
      Ministry of the Interior
      7 years ago

      Hello Jillshires. Mayfly182 makes some interesting points and that is one of the two ways to go. The other, I'm sorry to say, is to embrace the good in what you have - the panelling and super windows and get rid of what you don't like - the darkness. So paint the panelling, paint the walls, the colour will depend on the aspect, but start off with one of the darker colours from the marble fireplace. Paint the wood in the window seats the same colour. Get rid of the light fittings and add a lot of extra light where you can - ideally an LED strip along the top of the panelling as well as several wall lights and put everything on dimmers. Paint the area above the panelling in the same colour as the panelling.

      And as Mayfly suggests, add a rug - go large.


      Paint the radiator black or very dark grey. If you have to keep the sofa cover it in a lot of sheepskins and throws.


      And then, importantly add plants, real or fake.


      Let me know if I can help further.


      Kind regards,


      Sarah

      jillshires thanked Ministry of the Interior
    • Angela Gilham
      7 years ago
      The listing will say what's covered. And interior finishes are usually fair game on a Grade II -- otherwise I wouldn't be faced with removing the hideous non-breatheable pain my predecessor slathered over a set of 450-year-old beams.

      If the flooring isn't original, I'd be tempted to paint it cream. And maybe do a lime wax on the panelling as well.
      jillshires thanked Angela Gilham
    • PRO
      Seraphin Design
      7 years ago

      Hi Jill

      From what I can see you have a beautiful room there but obviously with a few obstacles. I would suggest putting simple but well made custom roman blinds at the windows. You did the right thing by removing those wall lights!

      Focus on textures and lightning if you want to lift the room. Keep furniture and clutter to a minimum and add some colour by replacing the window seat cushions with something bright that would maybe tie in with some trim on the roman blinds..

      Hope this helps!

      Sarah


      jillshires thanked Seraphin Design
    • Kyle Barrett
      7 years ago
      I agree with many comments here. While it's totally subjective, don't get too hung up on a room having dark colours!

      Ample and great lighting, reflective or glossy textures among other things can make it a non issue!

      I'd actually go with a cheap cotton white/cream rug. Any light that comes in from window will bounce up off it! Although I do like the idea of a beautiful Persian rug too, there's nothing like a white rug on a wood floor.
      jillshires thanked Kyle Barrett
    • PRO
      V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
      7 years ago

      May get crucified here but I'd love to paint that paneling. A real traditional English colour. Our wall paneling looks great with some colour. Personally the dark woods are not my thing, Go easy guys.

      jillshires thanked V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
    • jillshires
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Thank you ,I felt the same about painting the panels when I first bought the house .But the wood is so gorgeous ,I cant do it.

    • Kyle Barrett
      7 years ago
      I am not against painted panels to look at. Just against the horrible job you're giving your future self or future owner. And i usually feel it's important to conserve elements of a house's history.
      jillshires thanked Kyle Barrett
    • jillshires
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Yep I totally agree ,The wood paneling is the first thing that visitors comment on ,it gives the house a decadent ambiance .If I get the room to look a bit brighter and welcoming ,I would be very happy.


    • Jonathan
      7 years ago
      If this were mine I would go dark and sumptuous.
      However it is yours and you want it to feel lighter-
      I think you need to add lots of light reflecting furnishings and accessories. I would get a large pale coloured rug to bounce light into the room, I would put pale curtains on a wide pole so that they don't obscure any of the glass- full length curtains will make the room feel taller. Add a sheepskin throw to your black chesterfield, get a pale chair(s), buy an oversized mirror and rest it on the floor against the paneling, invest in numerous lights and add additional white painted furniture such as a coffee table.
      Enjoy
      jillshires thanked Jonathan
    • jillshires
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Hi Jonathan ,Thank you yes that is the answer .I didn't think about an over sized mirror my old house was Victorian and I had one leaning on the wall .Sheepskin on back of Chesterfield would work and light curtains and furniture .I had just moved in when the pictures were taken so the the room was chaotic .I know sumptuous seems right for the style but I have lived with it over the winter and it makes the room depressing being so dark .And I know I wont use it in the summer if I dont address it now.

      I have never had this sort of problem before ,when I buy a house straight away I can envision every room but I think I can see it now dark wood and light creams with a hint of copper.

      Thank you .

    • Kyle Barrett
      7 years ago

      Sound perfect Jill!

      I am very excited for you and this room. I mentioned the light rug but Jonathan really nailed it overall, a sheepskin on that Chesterfield would be amazing. I am not a big fan of sheepskins usually, but it'll soften the look of the Chesterfield and not be as informal as a throw. White linen cushions would be nice too! H&M do brilliant washed linen cushions covers that I have myself. And with the light rug, make sure it goes under the front of the sofa, so that the sofa sits on the light colour!

      Huge mirror, also an amazing suggestion, keep that light bouncing around. Another mirror can be like adding another window in terms of spreading the light you have. I still need to do this in my place!

      And finally white painted furniture, usually not my favourite call - but you could also go with lime or bleached wood.

      In this sense the panels are a boon! They can act as a really nice structure for your room while it's filled with light/white wonderful objects. If you did that in a neutral room, it'd all muddy together and have no definition.


      Kyle


      jillshires thanked Kyle Barrett
    • jillshires
      Original Author
      7 years ago

      Hi Lauren

      Thank you so much for including photographs ,I can see exactly how it works with lighter furnishings now.All the research I have done shows dark cosy rooms which I know doesnt work in the Summer months .The rugs are gorgeous and so reasonably priced ,I will definitely order one .I am an artist so I have to see things visually and it just wouldn't come to me ,and friends have all said dark is the answer.But I need light surrounding me ,dark is gloomy and doesnt offer me any inspiration.The light strips will work ,now I have seen them on the photograph of the hall they are the key to creating some interesting lighting ,I will also invest in a floor lamp and side lamps .I have lots of artwork which friends and former students have gifted me ,I dont hang my own work as I end up criticizing it ,and spend hours asking myself what I should and could have done differently ( very boring ).....I am now really excited about this old dusty, wooden room of mine .Thank you so much for taking the time to send me photographs ,I still have 2 bathrooms a bedroom and hallway to do after this project .I will be back for more ideas. Jilly.

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