The only thing you can do with the skirting and architrave is sand it back to a smooth surface, and re-paint with oil-based Satinwood ( not eggshell, it chips ). Or if your landlord was amenable, the only other option is to rip them out and replace them. Depending on the age of the building, ( as it looks old ), it won't be easy and will more than likely damage the walls, so i'm guessing it probably won't be agreed to. If you paint the skirting and architraves the same colour as the walls, your eye will not be drawn to them x

Hi Ree :) I would take off all the existing skirtings (yes everyone does it differently?!) It will be more work/money as you will undoubtedly cause damage to the plaster when removing them, which will need to be made good then redecorated. You will then be able to see where any cabling and pipes are. Almost certainly some of the skirting will be damaged during removal but this is easily replaced with 'off the shelf' product or you could take a piece to your local timber yard and they can make you some to match. I've done it this way in all rooms in my house and this is how we do it for our clients. All the best Jason :)

Thanks again everyone! I agree that I wasn't sure if the warm wood tones would work well with a dark floor but stumac23 your family room looks great!! I think it looks like a surprisingly good combo! I still think white would look good too but it may be best to leave the bay window frame alone. Unsure. I guess I'll see what it's like once the walls and floor are done

I have eggshell on all of our panelled walls downstairs, up the stairs and landing. Everything got painted in the same finish panelling and walls and it doesn't look shiny at all ( we used Farrow and Ball). It is so easy to keep clean with the dog and everyday wear marks and scuffs still looks the same nearly 4 years on. I also have Benajmin Moore's eggshell in my studio and that doesn't look shiny eitherl. I know I am not MATH but wanted to give you my experience. :)