Painting tongue and groove wood in our living room

by Trish
(Washington )

I have a question about painting over wood. We live in an old home built in 1916. The last remodel was in the 1970's when the previous owner installed tongue and groove wood with a dark stain on the walls of the living room. This makes the living room, with only one window, very dark and seem very small. Painting it will brighten up the whole room and make it seem larger.

Do you have any tips for us?