Thanks all! Ttodd and awm, those pics really help. I think you are right - trim color it is. If I don't like it, I can always do it wall color later. In fact, I'll just have the painter skip it completely -- it will stay white like it is now and when he's done, I'll get the idea of whether it looks right in white or not. If not, I'll paint it wall color. Thanks all! Now, if I can only get over my "issues" about hiring a painter in the first place. This is my first time hiring a painter. I've always done my own painting and really enjoy it -- I'm just hard up for time these days with a job and 2 kids. I tend to be persnickety about the final paint job and often do 3 or 4 coats because I'm not happy with the coverage of 2. But I don't like ladders (or falling!) so I knew we were going to hire a painter to do the tall walls over the stairs and in a big open two-story area over the breakfast room. The painter we picked came recommended by a friend and his price seemed good ($300 for the tall stuff) so I asked him what it would cost to do the rest of the walls and ceilings that aren't done - he quoted another $800. Still seems like a good deal for all this space, but I'm having pangs about paying $800 for painting walls I can very well reach myself. Then again, I'm going to have my hands full wtih all the trim, plus we have two small kids who would probably rather be going places with mom and dad on the weekends instead of hanging out in the house while mom and dad paint. And I'm worried that I won't be happy with the final job because of how picky I've been in the past. He says he'll do as many coats as I want (for an extra fee, of course) but the prices he quoted only include 2. So anyway, I'm very nervous about how this whole experience is going to go...hoping I end up happy and feeling like the money we're spending is worth it. Thanks for all the advice!

Be careful not to have so much going on, that your guests are having to constantly be looking to see what the next whimsy will be. Sounds like simpler is better. The fish are fine, but is there a nautical or fish theme going on, or is it just another decor item that may not relate to what you already have in the room? If your art on the other walls is fish, or something like that, it seem fine. but if you have the Mona Lisa on one all, an image of castles on another and dogs playing poker somewhere else, it might be time to take every thing down, and try to come up with a theme for your art. For my clients, I always try to group similar things together, and work with colors that are already in the room, the rug or fabrics.

Yes! this was another idea as well. indirect lighting. And agree, the previous owners added the outlet when they redid the flooring a few years ago. We just moved in back in July. It is definitely a bit awkward of a space. I was thinking at a minimum to lower the wiremold track down to a standard outlet height. They wired it up from the basement then drywalled the basement up, so fishing that back out may be more trouble than its worth. Also, yes there is a fireplace on the other side of this brick wall. A track light highlighting the brick may work with some artwork on the brick too...

You are in great hands with flo. I also have a large entryway that needs something fantastic to happen thats why I popped in. You basically will have an entry that Im working on too! I know that I have one large piece and i finally decided on a simple bench over a console. I love a simple but impactful ”moment” ( i dont love that phrase) but it sums up whats happening there.