Need ideas to update my living room... (hardwood floors, fireplace, paneling)

[limike820]

Just bought a new house and im looking for some ideas to update the living room. Since there are hardwood floors under the carpet i was thinking about just removing the carpet and refinishing the hardwood floors. Im not sure about the wood paneling on the wall. Anyone have any ideas? Should i paint it or take it down? Any idea on costs? Im not sure if maybe i would like it better once the carpet is out and the wood floors are done. Im a first time home owner and dont have a clue on costs.

[MandyBlue]

Not sure on cost, but I agree; refinish the floors, and remove everything you see in wood in your picture (paneling and cabinets on either side of the fireplace)

[suzannewright]

I would do the hard wood floors and then a large area rug. I actually like the wood paneling on the fireplace. It looks like REAL wood, maybe cedar??? If you put a nice neutral color on the walls and position your furniture around the fireplace, I bet the look of the wood would be really nice. Oh, and minus the bike...hehe. Make sure to post pics when you are done

[limike820]

<img src='http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/200000024583113/1/216/A-E_l3vv4T8XWI81OKjku6scpaoV5XOi.jpg>

[limike820]

I just posted the picture a little bigger. All opinions welcome...

[bellalunatic]

Taking up the carpet is really easy...do it yourself. Removing the tack strips is a bit trickier but also easy, as long as you take care to go slowly so as not to scratch up the wood floor.
Depending on its condition, you may be able to get away without refinishing it, (cross fingers), but not always likely.
Afterwards you may find that the wood panelling and built ins around the fireplace looks good with the wood floor....just take it one step at a time. you can't do everything right off the bat, eventhough it feels like you should since you are now the property owner.
Congratulations and good luck.
Would you post pics of your progress? thanks.

[limike820]

thanks, My closing date on the house is supposed to happen within the next 1.5 weeks. The living room and kitchen are the first 2 things i would like to make some changes to with out spending too much. I will definetly post pics of the progress as i make changes. Im completly new to this and can use any suggestions.

[beachmouse]

If you hate the paneling (and it would be easy to do so) I'd paint it white and call it faux beadboard since getting rid of it and the cabinets would require demo and probably new drywall.

[seven of nine]

I agree with the previous poster, that is some nice wood. You could paint it or stain it, just have to sand off the finish.
Nice room

[Mr. Whips]

Originally Posted by limike820

I just posted the picture a little bigger. All opinions welcome...

drywall cost around $4 a sheet, from the size of that wall 4 pieces should be enough. It shouldn't cost you no more than $200 with labor.

Refinish floors prices around $2.50 a feet or replace carpet for $3.50 a feet. Tile your floor for around $4.00 a feet.