If you paint your walls dark, I would paint the columns white like the woodwork. If you paint your walls light, I would paint the columns the same as the walls...like you show in the picture.

I so wish I hadn't looked up frottage. Annie, did you find a design definition of frottage and if so, what does it mean?

Frottage is another paint technique .
It's the one that gives off a leather-like look.
It's like ragging but instead of adding paint in areas
you paint completely and remove in spaces.
Does that make sense ?

I'd paint them the same color as the walls.

It really depends on if you want them to stand out or not...if you do...different color, if not, same color as walls. I would not treat them as trim and paint them white.

Paint them the same color as the walls, otherwise you'll have twin towers dominating the interior landscape.

What grandmaof3 said. I can really visualize chocolate walls with cream colored columns. It would be so elegant and cozy, especially at night!

Here are some YouTube videos linked below describing the frottage faux finish painting technique.

Here is a link that might be useful: frottage faux finish

Interesting. Never heard of that technique before...and never knew that the other activity had an official name, apart from the various slang and vulgar expressions we had for it....what you learn in GW is amazing!

I agree with lazy, paint them the color of the walls. I worry that the color might be too close to your sofa color though.

Ours are painted the same creamy white as our woodwork and plantation shutters on the windows. The walls are Macadamia (tan). I never even thought of matching the walls.

I'm curious why they left those as columns and didn't just make a wall there? I can't see what's going on higher up, but if possible, I think I'd have it sheet rocked and enclose the area between them.

Thanks so much for your opinions. Also, thanks a lot for the mockup awm03. I really appreciate it.

Now that I see the color on the wall, do you all think it blends in too much with the sectional and I should go with a little different wall color than the Virtual Taupe?

Although the rug is being replaced and I have pretty much a blank slate to work from, I'm not loving that taupe on the walls now that I'm seeing the mockup. It's looking rather blah, so if anyone who is good with choosing wall colors, has any ideas, I would love to know.

I hope it's ok to say I like the current color. I do wonder whether the taupe is too similar to your upholstery. If you keep the walls neutral you could introduce color (just about any color or colors) through art or accessories; or keep it neutral but add interest with different textures and a variety of materials. The plant really brings life to the room. I'd introduce some green, but then I'd introduce green just about anywhere!

OMG!

"I so wish I hadn't looked up frottage. "

Me too... :(

lazydaisy, thank you. I like the current color fine too, but it does need repainting anyway. Therefore, I thought I'd try a little different color. I plan to add a lot of color in my accessories and add some textural interest as well. I love plants.

LuAnn, I didn't know what frottage was either until I looked it up. It looks pretty in the right place. I don't think this is it.