Design Challenge

When we bought our house, I knew I would be making a lot of changes to this room to bring it up-to-date. Either I've lost my decorating mojo or I overestimated my decorating abilities, because this project has me overwhelmed. I feel stuck!















Before: A room desperate for updates.

















Hello, my name is wood. I'm everywhere!



Fireplace

• Plan A: Keep the red brick look. I actually like the look of the corner fireplace.
  

• Plan B: If it absolutely will not look modern regardless of other things we do in the room, then we paint it.

I get exhausted looking at this room because there are lines going every which way. I hope that painting it will help the lines "disappear." Removing the paneling is not an option now.

I am leaning toward a glossier finish than I'd normally do on sheetrock. Yay or nay?

What color for the walls? A soft white? A light grey to coordinate with the mortar and hopefully tie the room together?

The trim throughout the house is white, and I plan to paint the trim white in this room.

We don't have a purpose for this room yet. We're thinking a family room - without a tv. Maybe big comfy chairs to lounge in...
















Progress: Light fixture replaced!

















All primed and ready for... something?