Maple and a lighter stain. The problem with maple is that it splotches a bit when stained. An experienced finisher can overcome that problem, but many carpenters do not have the experience in finishing. That is the reason many carpenters do not like maple.

Thank-you PPF, I will certainly consider that and based on pricing I'm seeing for what we want we may be forced to go in that direction regardless. However, I have seen many houses built with wood ceilings (mostly t&g) as well as traditional suspended ceilings that are not fire taped and didn't have a fire supresion system installed. Maybe what we are considering is different than those options, but it seems that there are lots of people that don't go the traditional drywall route and are successful in their execution. That said, I am concerned with safety and if a particular product or approach will result in a fire hazard I would have serious reservations in using it. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I do hear what you are saying, but I am still looking at options to do what we are after - without jeopardizing our safety of course. Maybe we need to do a drywall ceiling and then a drop ceiling below it. Or maybe a synthetic fire resistant material for the panels rather than wood. Thanks again! Matt

Why does the wall need to stand out more? Lower the TV so it is ~5" from the top of that tall side board. Move the stuff off of it and put it in a book case beside the TV. Lower the words behind the sofa so the middle of them is ~64" from the floor. Just because you have a tall wall/ceiling does not mean you have to fill it up to the ceiling. Your proportions of vision are the same. Your words have gotten lost in the dimensions. Or you could find a very tall large piece of art to fill in the space behind the sofa if you want to fill it.

All Alabaster trim looks great with Alabaster walls, but potentially can become a real headache down the line if you are likely to fancy whiter, more neutral wall colours. For the trim then is more colourful, less neutral than the walls which may limit some choices.(not a problem if more neutral whites are unlikely) FOR ceilings suggest either Alabaster or Delicate White or Extra White. Delicate White or Extra White & Alabaster have enough difference in Chroma (colorfulness) that the walls would not appear dingy by comparison. Which option you choose depends upon how much contrast you enjoy between wall and trim. Even Alabaster will offer subtle contrast when painted in a different sheen on the trim, the other suggestions will show a stronger contrast and feel more crisp. Ceilings painted the same colour as the walls can often look a little darker and more greyed by comparison. actual Ceiling paint can appear very stark in some lighting.