Why do you have a sectional blocking the access to the dining area and the kitchen? To say nothing of the bifold closet! Is this a basement apartment?

paint ceiling but not beams

I would paint the living room walls white,including the arch above the sofa. If you are truly committed to painting that deep green in the dining room, I would use it on all the dining room walls. Save yourself both time and money and put up a deep tone primer first. What are your plans for the dining room ceiling?

Thank you all for the suggestions! I agree that the BM's "Revere Pewter" comes off too muddy and SW's "Pewter Green" is very dark for a space that has a moderate amount of natural light. I will try a soft white paint swatch or a light gray color (e.g., SW's "Lattice" Gray). As for the accent wall, I think a sage green is a great idea! Thank you.

Since it doesn’t get much natural light, you need to add it. Are that floor lamp and ceiling light over the table your only sources? That looks like a very unique space with tons of potential. If you take the time to develop a plan—that includes lighting!!—you won’t be sorry. (In other words, slow your roll!)

Will you please post photos of the rest of the space? Also, what is the deal with that sectional, anyway? :D

Can you show the entire living room space? The huge sectional seems like a barrier to the dining room. Yes, sofas can often be used to separate living and dining areas in a single space, but the dining area is incredibly cramped. If we can see the entire space, it'll be easier to make recommendations about paint since paint choices and available space and light go hand in hand.

can't see an accent wall in your dining area, unless you are moving the sectional, as an accent wall serves as a focal point and you can not get there from the LR.

Accent walls absorb light, so your dining room will be darker, not lighter. Your floors and ceiling echo each other, so light painted walls in a warm white throughout will make your space seem bigger. Add color and light in art work, pillows, light patterned living room rug, pendant in dining room, and good lighting in the living room, which I hope you'll share in more photos.

Pearl District Condo · More Info

Vaulted Wood Ceiling in White Sun Room · More Info

Consider a bright, colorful art work in the dining area. Since you mentioned considering green with some gray to link with your sofa as well, pieces like this would brighten your dark areas better than an accent wall.

ART:

"Track" 60x60 IN Black red gray abstract Art Large Modern Painting MADE TO ORDER · More Info

Rug that echoes art:

Jaipur Rugs Colors 2'x3' Polypropylene Rug, Multi and Blue · More Info

Atomic pendant that spreads out light to living area:

Warehouse Tiffany's Jackstone Chandelier · More Info

Thank you all for the feedback. The sectional is entirely too big for the space -- I miscalculated but fell in love with it once it arrived and just decided to keep it :) It's definitely added to the challenge of configuring this space. Although I was able to create a "L" shaped pathway to the kitchen and the bedroom (see photo). As for the dining nook, you're right housegal200 - it is tight! There are two entrances are both side of the table - making the configuration so confusing. I tried my best to find a small table set - the table has a unique shape and sits against the wall well. As for the natural light, I completely agree but I have no clue what to do to make it better. I hired a Havenly consultant and they recommended a sconce near the entrance. I've included more photos of the space and the decor plan - I hope this helps?

Decor blueprint (done by consultant) The paint options were suggested for an overall paint aesthetic but I've found these colors to be too dark for the living room.

Here are my pictures on the space.

Good luck with your home. Going forward when you post a Dilemma, show the entire space from all four walls/corners and room dimensions. Share restrictions like the fact that the couch has to stay. That's a problem because in a limited light situation, you have a massive amount of gray dictating color choices. It would've been more helpful to see your pro's choices included with your first photo. Hope somebody else can help.

Because your room, is on the dark side, you could use some color in there to brighten things up. Have you thought about separating the sectional, so you are not blocking the entrance to the dining room? Your room looks like it has only 8 ft ceilings. That dark ceiling would be gorgeous on 9 or 10 ft ceilings, but, it is bringing your room down, and making it feel cave like. I had a ceiling like that, complete with beams in my dining room and kitchen. It was dark and very cave like. Beams were removed in the kitchen, and kept in the dining room, and kitchen ceiling painted white. Dining room, was painted white between the beams, but, one year later, I also painted the beams too. The room, is lighter, brighter and a much happier place to spend time, without that dark ceiling. Usually, I dont recommend painting wood, but, there is a time and a place that wood should be painted, especially, when it is as dark as yours is.

following.....Please pics as you go along so we can see the progress.