Way better with the header;

No, don't paint the ceiling the same color;

with that green, I'd paint the ceiling a gold.

I think it is better with the header. But what happens on the left hand side? I can't really see how it is resolved.

I like it, and yes, I'm afraid you need the header.

I much prefer it with the header...sorry.

Yes, agree...otherwise it just looks like an afterthought.

Header.

I would absolutely not do the header because people pay thousands to take out headers. Plus, the header accentuates the right wall and then calls attention to the lack of balance as there is no such spacer / wall on the left side of the trim.

Instead, try a thicker trim and larger faux beam. Full disclosure: I have a large beam wrapped in wood as well as faux beams in my new kitchen. I Love it, but it's a love it or hate it kind of decor. With ten foot ceiling, you can go bigger.

Pal, I should have posted another pic showing the left side. It presents another possible issue. The end of the kitchen cabinet is aligned with the edge of the wall on the right side. I think there's enough room to position the trim so that it's aligned as well but the left side would be hidden by the cabinet.

So far the consensus is header except for Dilly. I have some example pictures below of what I was thinking about and I think this is what you have. I was hoping to get away with something smaller but you are probably right, we would have to do something more substantial which would then make the actual work about the same either way.

I would do something like the last two pics you posted. No header but beefier woodwork. I think that would look great!

Lovely home!

Love the idea, love it with a header, and I'd even add columns...love columns! Reminds me of my library and dr. Only thing is beams or square columns may serve you better than round ones....

This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Wed, Jul 23, 14 at 12:17

Love, love, love the rustic heavy beams. Do that.

Lol.

Love the last two pictures you posted! Sorry Annie - but I really don't picture columns in the OP's room(s), although they do in yours.

Actually, the pics look a little craftsman to me, so knee wall and short tapered columns...

I think the left might look odd if the cabinets extend past it into the opening.

I would go with a faux beam as well

Last two, definitely!

I'll dissent - Why add any more headers beams etc? You can just paint it the way it is now. If your goal is to show off the artwork, why cloud a smallish area by making it visually smaller with more stained woodwork?
You can paint first; carefully change color at the drywall corner and paint over to the kitchen cabs. Done.
No need to involve a husband.

Header isn't really what I'm picturing--more like very large cased opening. Not just a header but a bit of wall on each side.

It isn't a small job...

Aktillery - Thank you!

Annie - Your home is lovely but the columns do not fit the style of my house. Our home isn't craftsman but Texas Hill Country. It takes inspiration from a mixture of German Farmhouse and Spanish Hacienda using simple lines and local materials.

Tina - Thank you and I agree.

Tibbrix - I should have added the beam inspiration pics to begin with!

Pal - Yep, that would look odd. A wall will have to be added behind that cabinet.

Missy - The pictures probably aren't conveying the openness of the room. The dining room all by itself is 17x11. That is a 9ft table. As far as changing the paint color at the corner - I just don't like that look.

And to those I didn't mention - thank you for your comments as well!

So I discussed the project with DH this morning and he's on-board. We will have to bring the wall out about 3 feet on both sides for balance (like Fori suggested). Surprisingly DH said he could go either way with a big beam or bringing down a header and a trimmed opening. It would be more straight forward that way but I really dig the look of the big beam.

Here's another photoshopped pic with walls and a big beam. Sorry, my wall angles are messed up!

THAT looks beautiful! Not only does it do what you're looking to do, I think it dramatically enhances your rooms. I love the way the trim frames the green.

I would decided on which side of the opening the balance is more important.

If it is more important on the dining room side, make it equal on that side. If it is more important walking into the dining room from the kitchen side, you could make the wall to the right in this picture equal to the depth of how much the wall projects past the cabinets.

Pal, I actually prefer the right wall shorter because I think a wider opening would look better. But I was assuming because the window and chandelier are centered in the room that it would look weird (from both sides) with an off-center opening. You don't think so?