I like them! I'd think about other elements, like your stair could look great painted black or strong colour.

Thank you, I hadn’t thought about the staircase! I’m just finding it hard to visualise and really don’t want to make a mistake. Do you think painting the staircase white/ cottage cream could work too? Would l have to match the staircase with the doors too. Thank you.

Would you consider sanding them to be a lighter colour or even painting them white?

I would definitely recommend keeping the cedar ceiling as it is now.

To achieve a more aesthetic and design look, the fireplace bricks could be painted black. The doors of the upstairs cupboard could also be painted, for example, in the colour of the wall.

Love the ceilings, so warm. They give the room 'hug'. Agree with J about changing other elements - wall color, curtains, rug and maybe consider using plasterbaord to cover the brick (either the whole fireplace or maybe firstly just the areas to the side). With colorhappy's suggestion of a warm white, you could go a linen type material for  curtains, in a relaxed rather than stiff formal style.

It’s overload to me. I would definitely get rid of it.

Thank you all for your comments. I’m thinking of maybe changing everything else before considering the ceiling as many have suggested. Change staircase doors carpets etc and see how it changes before racking them/ if at all. I must say when I saw them first on a photo they looked overwhelming but actually when you see them in person … they’re rather charming! 🤣

The staircase is my favourite bit. If you changed it, and lightened it, it wouldn't work with the ceiling and it could set off a chain of decisions you might regret. I do think thin profile black windows could look really good.

https://www.whistles.com/inspiration/arts-culture/6-of-the-best-mid-century-interiors-on-the-modern-house.html

Inspirational, thanks colourhappy. Please excuse my ignorance- what ‘profile black windows’ . Is that the same as the ‘Crittal ‘ style?

Yes, sorry, just thin profile or Crittal. I adore your house, it is exactly what I would buy in a heartbeat. But then I am a huge fan of art, studio ceramics and all things crafted, all look perfectly at home in this type of environment.

yes,me too

Fabulous wood elements with so much character. After you have lightened all other aspects ( and I would leave the wooden windows too), I think you need modern strongly coloured artwork that will stand out from the wood. Good luck and please keep us updated!

ok.Thank you

Personally, it is too much wood for me. And It probably gets quite dark as it is not reflective color. And the orange undertone is not forgiving.
It is also quite a dated look - very 70/80 - in my opinion.
Personally, I would paint them white. You would still get the wood plank effect but it would lighten the rooms.

Could you try in a small room (like a toilet or other) to see what you prefer?
Or use some large painted sheets of paper (using blue tack) to see if you prefer it?

It is a important decision as if you do paint them, it will be difficult to undo.
All the best.

Thank you all for your advice. Love your idea of trying on a small room first CD, only problem is the swiping is only in the main bigger areas. Lounge, dining room, hallway, landing etc . Does anyone know of any good free app I could use to visualise the rooms with the wood painted? Thank you xx

The wood ceilings are unusual and give your house character. I’d want to be very sure before removing them. Looking at the photos (which may be deceptive, you’re the best judge of that) it looks like the wood has a sheen/varnish. Personally I’m not a fan of this - I think they would look much better with a matte finish. I would also consider staining them to mitigate the yellow tint. Or, if you have the height and budget, you could break the continuity by introducing black beams to add more interest up there. There’s an example of black beams on this page https://www.digsdigs.com/wooden-ceiling-ideas/

Having said that, I would start by reducing the size of the fireplace, which looks overwhelming and dated. Whether you want to keep it in red brick, or give it a more modern look by painting the brick in white or black, is up to you. Personally I’d go black, but it’s a matter of personal taste. It would make the ceilings even more impactful and would be a good background to your furniture and art.

I would also definitely change the curtains to some that touch the floor - the current ones are too short and that’s immediately what the eye is drawn to. They need to gently kiss the floor.

As for the staircase, it’s interesting that some posters love it while for others it needs to be replaced altogether. I suspect this has to do with background - if you grew up in a Georgian townhouse, you may see it as streamlined and different, while for some, it screams 70s semi.

There are lots of interesting, modern alternatives out there (wrought iron, cantilevered, etc) but staircases are expensive to replace. You may as well consider all your options before going down that path. I’m quite partial to 70s design myself, so I find it quite funky. With the right carpet and lighting, it may be just the thing.

This book might have some inspiration.

Thanks colourhappy, will order xx