Removal of Original Mahogany Paneling

M husband and I thinking of buying our first eichler. We love the feel of Eichlers. The house we are considering putting an offer on has the original mahogany paneling in the bedrooms, and unfortunately this is one the things we don't like as it makes the small rooms appear even smaller, and we generally prefer lighter walls. And from what I've been reading, people actually have spending effort restoring the original panels, and here we are thinking of painting over them! Are we unworthy of living in an Eichler?!! Or is it okay to replace the panels and maybe give them to someone who actually wants them..

Also, my husband and I are not very handy (read completely incompetent when it comes to home maintenance). Is that a requirement for an Eichler owner?