After several hours during the week clearing and cleaning up a messy garden my day started like this
I used to just paint everything and move all the furniture around when he wasn't home.
Poor thing never knew what he was cominjg home to 
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, Bushie.
I would definitely paint the wood panelling.
In regard to colour? I can see two ways.
1. The whole wall painted the one colour with matt on the plain surface and a semi gloss on the panelling
2. A light semi gloss colour on the boards with a different hue above.
Get the best paint brush you can afford. They will last for ages and do the job more easily.
For the panelling, consider 2 coats of primer/undercoat for coverage
I think trestles/planks would be the go for your handyman for the cutting in at ceiling height. I suggest doing a wide ceiling cutting in for the whole perimeter. By then the original ceiling cutting in is dry enough for the wide band of wall cutting in. It can be started at the same point and paint in the same direction. Then proceed with the roller work. (while the trestles are rented out to the neighbours who will copy cat your renos
)
Oh......and make sure he has his underpants on when he's above eye level. Otherwise there might be more panting than painting.
DEB
All sorted, thanks to the mods which puts me in a better mood. 
Painting all finished curtains about up - coffee break with a slice of coffee cake 
( thanks to Mr Woolworths) I think it looks amazing. Pictures tomorrow hopefully and the china needs to go back in my display units. Mr Painterman paid and very happy, he will be invited back to do the bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and hallway. I promised I would send him pictures when the place is back to normal.
Glad to see things have been sorted to your satisfaction (and to your many fans' satisfaction).
Okay.....I can't wait for the big reveal from a proud renovator. Photos expected soonish.
Then a little rest after a busy, busy week?
All the wondering about colour decisions, adjudications, ruby coloured gift selection, that coffee and cake was deserved.
DEB
All done except for 1 display unit and then pictures, but not until tomorrow.
