Design help needed, 100+ year old "Edwardian" in SF

[Account Closed]

You guys were a big help advising me to go with quartz vs. granite on our last flip (BIG thanks for that!) so here's the next "issue" in front of us:

We just closed on a very old house and inside there is gobs of original wood:  exposed ceiling beams, (tons of) paneling, rather wide door trim, doors, etc. and it is all stained very, very dark brown.  This is not a "throw down some grey laminate, spray on some paint and call it a day house."  Rather we want to redesign this neglected mess very carefully, for maximum appeal.

The big question is do we strip all that wood (mega hours and $ in labor) and re-stain it lighter OR do we simply prime it all and paint it white???  

Nearly all the pics I've seen on the 'Net showing Edwardian houses or old houses, etc. have white freakin everything.  I understand the light and bright concept, but you lose all the grain, all the character of that old wood.  Has anyone themselves dealt with this issue?   We were thinking maybe a shade of grey stain, since that seems to still be the color du jour - but we are quite undecided.  There is also  darkkkk original wood floors in the living room and dining room which we will refinish/lighten....and I'm thinking natural wood looking 6"x24" plank TILE for the entry way and kitchen (they are connected).  Might be a good tie in/complement to the original wood floors??

And we still need a STAGER with expertise with this type of house..........feel free to PM me.

Many thanks again,
PT

[Jonathan Thrasher]

don't strip it and don't paint it!!!!!!  when it's dark wood like that it's best to leave original, especially if it's in an area of other historic homes and that's what buyers want.  

The floors are fine to be sanded and stained a lighter color but NOT the trim.  The only time I paint trim like that is if it's honey oak color.