I think it is awesome to give a piece of furniture a new life. It is sometimes a bit daunting to take a paint brush to a piece made from genuine old timber but if you are going to get many more years of life and enjoyment out of it I think it is better than dumping it. I believe it shows your love. jbof4 I started with a heat gun to remove most of the many layers of paint, (some are easier than others to strip this way). Then I used an orbital sander and sanded and sanded and sanded. You might also try liquid paint stripper although I find this very messy. I believe you can also get them professionally stripped. Good luck with the resurrection, go for it what have you got to lose.

Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

New Zealand! You live in paradise! Porch paint is specially made paint for wooden porches or decks. Its not a stain but an actual hard wearing & weather resistant paint that allows the wood texture to show through. Its safe for indoor or outdoor use. It is self priming & self sealing. I have used porch paint for wood paneling & kitchen cabinets & when remodeling a staircase formerly covered with carpet. It comes oil based or water based acrylic. I prefer oil based for a glossy easy to clean finish for a wooden table top. You may check your local home improvement/hardware store or paint store. I use Glidden Porch Paint. Takes me only 2 coats for white & the oil based goes on easily with a roller. Dries quickly too. Good luck!

Hi Jennifer K, thanks for your comments. The photos you have posted are really lovely but not really suited to our environment and house, which I know is impossible to tell from one photo. We have built a modern farmhouse on 10 acres. That room looks out to beautiful green countryside and the river below. The dining room is a bit of a feature and is completely different to the rest of our relaxed lodgey style house but I don't want it to be too modern, if that makes sense. The photos have given me a few ideas so thank you so much for your help!