I am painting the downstairs in our house, but am having a real problem trying to figure out a color. Here is the situation:

The walls are divided in 2, the top half i want a deep Red for sure, then it is divide by trim which I am putting in white. The trim will go around the walls and doors. Now here comes the problem:

The bottom half of my wall is a wood panel. Now it’s a light color, same as my wood floors. I don't think it will look good to keep it that color..

Should i paint the panels, if so which color or leave it the same. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Here is a pic of the basement.