Design recommedations for this ? see photo

[Marcello Di Gerlando]

This is a 1970's traditional home, in one of the nicest areas of Colorado Springs 3900 sq. ft. I have been interested in updating and flipping one of these larger properties.

I've looked at a few like this and I get stumped on how to cosmetically update built-in wood cabinets and wood veneer paneling.  These brick fireplaces always leave me scratching my head too.

I am looking for cost effective design ideas to modernize these dated looks.

Love to know what the BP crowd would do.  If you like, post photos of what you have done or seen.

[Bill Gulley]

Dated......what do you mean dated??? That's classic!  Like Me! I would get rid of the pink curtains in favor of some burgundy hunter green plaid like mine, :)

No, really, I'm behind Carrie on this, especially the darker stain, might see what thick smoke glass shelves look like with the wood sides, change the hardware.

Don't mess with those beams, they look good IMO.

I wouldn't paint paneling, there is a thick paintable textured wall paper to use over paneling and then paint it. I'd use a very light subtle texture and use a contrasting color. 

Rooms need to blend with the style of the home, don't mess up a Queen Ann with throwing in contemporary rooms as if it were the Jetsons' place (I know, most probably don't know the Jetsons...google it). 

Looks like you have a family room or great room and a study being the smaller room. Look at pics of studies, I can see a desk in there in front of those shelves and a couple leather wingback hairs and a table between them.......oh, wait, that's my office! Never mind! :)