Stained woodwork

[stevedo]

We live in a house that has a large quantity of dark stained wood, think mahogany type colour. This includes built-in storage cupboards, panelling, skirting, internal downstairs doors etc etc. I don't mind it as it is and would certainly not want to rip it all out (the prvious owner spent £34k on having it all done , I've got the invoice) but it would be good if I could lighten it up, maybe to an oak colour. Any ideas if this would even be something worth attempting, and if so, what sort of products would I use?

Many Thanks
Steve

 

[big-all]

your choices are

to try and remove the stain [extremly time consuming and possibly wont work]
or
introduce a lighter colour paint and cover with a grain effect finnish[yuuukkk]

or
live with the wood and try and lighten up the room by introducing brighter colours [creams whites very light colours] where ever possible and practicle with maybe darker bands [dado/ picture rail and or skirting ] to tie the look together !!!!

 

[stevedo]

I thought as much. Brighten it up it is then