Patty - thanks for your perspective! We do need the lamps as they are arranged, because we use them at different times - usually not all at once. And no, the room doesn't feel like a Starbucks with a small chair in the corner; in fact, it feels perfect and complete with that chair there. I'm really excited that the new chair has already shipped and should be here on Saturday. Last night I arranged the books on the shelves and am amazed at how few books we actually have in contrast to the space now available to put them on! I love the look though. I especially love that we can now easily locate our reading material. In our previous home the books were scattered all over the place - upstairs, downstairs, and all points in between. I really like storing them in one central location. I know I do tackle and complete projects quickly. I just can't stand to have things that I want to do and not do them if the budget permits. Having recently closed on our old home, we are in a better position to move forward on the new house. DH really can't stand unfinished projects, and actually stresses when things aren't worked to completion. So that kinda works to my advantage as well. ;-) I know we all do things differently though, at our own pace. There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking one's time! Anitamo, thanks for asking about our kitchen cabinets. That job has been completed, and they look fantastic. A crew came out and pretty much dismantled the kitchen, rebuilt a few things and redid the finish on the cabinets. We are very pleased with the way they addressed the problem.

You will need to show us the space. But, stained wood can look good with other colors than cream/tan. Take paint chip samples of colors you like to find a color you like with the wood grain color. But, keep in mind, you may need new furniture too! Paint color is usually selected last...after the floors, area rugs, furniture, etc. Plus, your design and lifestyle makes a difference. Photos and info?

I just realized I did not come back and update what I decided to do. I so appreciate everyone's commnets and suggestions. I did have them painted white and love the result! it feels like such a tranquil room now. I don't know if it is just an itch to have something different, but now I am trying to decide if I want to have the kitchen cabinets painted white since to rooms are open to each other. I am not concerned about following trends. The cabinets are either maple or birch. As I have polled my friends and family I get differing answers. I am not good at visualizing and have tried the paint visualizers from SW and BJ but it looked like a kindergartener scribbled on the picture with a crayon! I did try homedesign.ai and no matter how many times I ask for white cabinets, it always produced this picture: I actually really like this look, but it also has new countertops and backsplash. I just wasn't ready to do a whole kitchen remodel.

all white w/wood mantle. they did shiplap on the top portion white painted shelving and wall above. black shiplap all above the white portion would look amazing w/the dark floors or just try painting it black, everything else white Or, try something like this another option would be to do all white, but paint the back panel of the shelves in black or a gray or try a cool wallpaper or do them all in black