You're right most pictures show white trim. Maybe paint below the chair rail the same color as the trim and the top lighter. Or 2 tones

It sounds like you might have 2 people with different opinions? I can help you more if you post a photo of what you would like your dining room to look like and what this other person would like it to look like. Thanks.

If you have to keep the wood trim, I would paint the walls all one color paint the chair rail the same color as the wall but in a different finish, like semi-gloss. I did this in my dining room and it looked great.

Keep in mind also, there has to be some consistency throughout your home, especially if the dining room is open to other rooms. It looks like you might have a beautiful craftsman home.

Design does not happen in bubble, so more information on your overall desires for the home would be great!

Hi @CDR Design, LLC .. Yep! My husband doesn’t care much about what it looks like- only requirement is that the wood trim just has to stay- unpainted. I like anything that will make the space look more modern. I also love light neutrals and a touch of minimalism, but then again..I’m also tempted to just paint the whole thing navy so the trim doesn’t stand out as much! I guess we’re trying to marry classic and modern styles. Is this possible?!

@CDR Design, LLC (sorry just saw your second message!) yes, it is open to the foyer (which also has a wood chair rail that is staying, walls likely being painted some shade of white, undertone TBD. DR is to the right of foyer, living room to the left (no chair rail, but wood trim around windows, and molding) also a light, off white TBD. More chair rail found through to the office... and den...

**added a screenshot of some of my Pinterest board, as well as the view from inside my dining room, looking out.

@JudyG Designs YES! I love that design And the simplicity so much!

If you are looking for a more contemporary inspiration photo with dark wood chair rail, you likely won't find one. That is because a more contemporary room would either remove or paint the chair rail.

The room Judy G posted, has great clean lines, but is not showing a chair rail.

I suggest creating a room similar to what she posted and hope over time you can win the battle.

@CDR Design, LLC lol great strategy. I’ll have to try it. Thanks!