Expert: Jennifer Taylor Wojcik - 2/13/2009

Question
We are updating our 70's kitchen.  Currently we have very dated maple or pine cabinets with a very orange-yellow finish and real wood paneling on the walls with the same finish as the cabinets. We have begun to sand & restain the cabinets in a classic cherry stain, looks great. My question is... in your opinion to update the walls, would you personally recommend painting them? If I did it would be "Sensational Sand" from Sherwin Williams, a warm medium beige.  Is is tacky to paint real wood paneling? I don't want to do something that is in style now but regret it 10 years from now, as paint is not easily removed.  What do you think? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Kristen!

Thanks for the question.  Congrats on updating your cabinetry.  It sounds as though they are beautiful.

I give you a huge YES for painting the paneling.  Real wood or not, it's paneling and dates your kitchen.  Your color choice is great - particularly with the cabinet stain, and you will be SO happy once the project is done.  

Go for it!

Best,
Jenny