I like these darker wood pieces in there just as they are. They're really nice with the grays.

Why do you think they need to be painted? Are they in bad shape? What other wood pieces do you have in the room? Painted or not? Since the entryway is not really separated, you should think of the whole area as one room.

I was thinking of painting to change things up but the reality is I do have other wood pieces in my front room, kitchen and living/dining.  

Perhaps I leave them alone since they may stick out if they are the only painted pieces..... 

That may have just saved me a huge weekend project lol.

Well, don't give up on the weekend project! Are they dinged up? You can touch them up with a stain pen or something. Okay, that's a 10 minute project. Weekend is still open!

After sleeping on it, I decided that buy a new small bench (I found a wood and teal upholstered mid century looking one on Wayfair for a good price).  It will break up the all wood look and add some color.  

I will then chalk paint the small bench a light color and move it to the other corner of that room - which is daughter's play area - and use it to display her Lego sets!  

So still a project just a smaller one ultimately!!