You have options! An accent wall can be a great way to accentuate interesting architectural features. Pulling the dark smoky blue from your dining room onto the living room wall furthest from the dining room would help blend the spaces while balancing the visual weight of the saturated color. Painting the wall adjacent to the dining room in that color might create a density on that side of your blended spaces. The alternative would be to pull that blue in in accessories. Best of luck with your project!

if you really love grey, go for it. but I really think that grey toned hardwood floors will never work with a warm toned ceiling. so mockup #6 would be the best bet. what's giving me pause is how it looks against that one wood accent wall. it's so hard to tell how it's really going to look in real life. DIY software is helpful for narrowing ideas down, but it's never going to get the color exactly right. note: I'm not an interior designer. I'm a graphic designer with a good eye. I can help people with ideas and examples when they feel stuck, but by no means am I qualified to make strong recommendations. you have some really big decisions here, and you might want to hire a pro for this! if anything, they can do mockups that are much more realistic so you can get a better sense of the outcome.

Thank you, "shiplap" is the word I needed to unlock a wealth of Google search results :) From what I am reading it sounds like it might be reasonable to install shiplap directly over the studs. I wonder if one concern is whether the edges could be finished off cleanly in that scenario since the adjacent walls would be exposed, finished drywall.

Choosing the right paint colors for your interior can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your space. Here are some considerations: Ceiling: For the alcove and cove ceiling, a matching color or metallic finish can add a touch of elegance and continuity to your entryway. Metallic finishes, like a soft silver or gold, can reflect light beautifully. Art Wall: Since you plan to create an art wall to the left of the entry, consider a color that complements the artwork. A soft neutral like a warm gray or muted blue can provide an excellent backdrop for your gallery-style display. Exterior: The light floral white exterior and gray awnings suggest a fresh and contemporary palette. You might want to continue these colors into the interior for a cohesive look. Lower Level: Once the lower level stucco is dry, assess its color. Depending on its shade, you can choose a complementary or contrasting interior wall color. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal style and the ambiance you want to create in your home. Consider getting paint samples to test on your walls before making a final decision.