I have these moldings in my dining room, which is small (maybe 12 x 14). Originally we had the walls painted a color (gray mirage) and the molding was painted the same as the trim color (china white). Later, when we repainted the room a bolder color, we painted the molding the same color as the walls. It does make the room seem larger. Our room is also "chopped up" quite a bit w/ windows and doors, and the molding just added to that and made the room too busy. Painting the molding the same as the walls was a real improvement. I can try to post a picture in a bit.

Please post pic.

My sister had to use a heat gun to remove paint on a area of her home that was in bad shape for repainting, sanding would have been impossible. It was peeling and lifting on most of the south side of home. It is at least 60+ year old home but wood inself in good shape, unbelievablely good, it is redwood, not a speck of rot even where there should have been. It was only on the south facing, lap wood siding. Time consuming, at least it wasn't a huge area. Yes, redwood siding, I had never heard of this in Minnesota before. And they were thinking of residing rather than deal with some areas of peeling.

can I just suggest a few outside colors? scrach the gray and do a blue that leans toward periwinkle. Either of these colors (And larger light fixtures) really amp up the front. (which I love. you have a beautiful home). the soft blue tones play well w/the stone colors. compared to a gray which just looks blah more of a blue/gray that leans toward purple gave you black w/black lights, but I like the blue tones better look at some of these, or some icy platinum shades Any of these could work too I could even see some of these beautiful dusty mauve/blush/orchid/darker gray/lavenders too. stunning w/your stone work-gray color and the brick. this shade of dusty lavender Gorgeous color. pair it w/silver or soft gold light fixtures/hardware either of these could work on the inside too and a soft blush looks gorgeous w/gray and white. or, if you like the cooler gray colors to go w/the rug: