Decorative tin was a 19th century mass-produced simulation of more expensive decorative plaster. Considering that origin, it is very appropriate to paint it. Some of the marketing at the time was aimed at convincing people to install it over aging plaster ceilings, walls and stairwells for its cleanliness and architectural interest. In some cases, they are conducive to being antiqued/glazed to highlight the contours of the design. Casey

FYI I find a difference in flat versus matte finish paint so I choose matte. As for when to paint the drywall needs to be primed first and that has to wait until the drywall mud is totally dry and then the primer needs to be dry which IMO takes a dy to be sure .Use matte for the wall and a semigloss even on the trim , it will be a nice contrast with 2 colors that are close .

I'm no expert, but I don't think you should do shiplap or paneling, even though I have a house full of dark paneling from the 60s that I painted white in the 90s and I am reasonable happy with the look. I would remove the framed mirror from the dining wall and leave that wall blank. I would also remove the white relief artwork from the hallway--I don't think that every wall needs to be decorated. Remove the "C" above the sink and the tchotchkes over the kitchen cabinets and elsewhere else in the room. I would also look at inspiration photos to figure out something simpler and bolder for the mantel decor, because I would think that's where you want the focal point of your kitchen and dining area to be.

@calidesign Ok, its good to know that I can paint the hallway a different color than the kitchen, family room, and dining room. Keeping the walls all white with the tray ceiling in blue is a nice idea. I especially like the inspiration picture you posted. It shows my previous drapes in it. I have no windows in this dining room, but I was thinking of adding drapes like those to my family room right across from the dining room. I'll have to buy new because the ceiling is a lot taller 10'. So, another question would be; must the foyer be the same color as the hallway? As you can see I am at such a loss here. It would be ideal to move into the house and live with all white walls for a while and then decide, but it is so much easier to have the house painted before we and the furniture move in. So that's why I am obsessing over getting this right. I appreciate all you help. @Beverly I love the idea of the navy blue above the wall, but sometimes it scares me and I think I should go with a safer color and the one in that photo looked good. My dining room is 11'7" x 11'2" so my Clarissa Chandelier will be too small. It is 19". I don't mind buying something new, but I would really like to use that Clarissa somewhere in the house. I was thinking possibly over the table in the kitchen. Posting a picture of the foyer. Feel free to give ideas for chandelier, rug, paint color, etc. The ceiling in the foyer is 12' high, dimensions 7'x14'. Thank you!