Q:

Hello Tobi!

How do I decorate a wood paneled study?  My kids keep telling me to paint it.  Even though I know it would look great painted, I also love the wood look.  To me it makes it more of a study.  And once I paint it I know I can’t go back to wood.  I love modern and vintage things together.  Right now I’m using black and white and turquoise.  I hope you can help me.

Thanks,
Desiree of Hubby, Me and Three, Houston, TX

A:

Desiree,
Thanks for the great question!  And since these questions about painting wood paneling or trim just keep popping up, you are definitely not alone.  The good news…It looks like you’re off to a good start.  But the honey tones of the wood paneling in your study aren’t speaking to me.  I think painting this room would be an amazingly easy way to completely transform this room.

The dark, visually heavy antique desk would really look great in front of a freshly painted wall.  Here are a few suggestions:

Walls

Paint your walls SW 7008 Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams.  This will provide a great neutral backdrop.

Panel Moulding

Paint the panel moulding surrounding all of your wall panels with SW7009 Pearly White.  This paint color is just slightly darker than the wall color and will add a little depth to your walls.

Bookcase

Paint the back panel of your bookcase SW6478 Watery.  This will allow white accessories to really pop.

Chair

For an added pop of color, paint the chair near the bookcase SW6479 Drizzle.  It’s slighty darker than Watery and will add a bit more depth to your color scheme.

Then have fun with decorating and accessorizing to make this room really fabulous.

I hope this helps! And be sure to send me photos when it all comes together. I can’t wait to see your results.
Tobi