Oops

Ok. I'm back for help. I began to paint the wall surrounding my fireplace with the same color and finish as the trim ( alabaster, semi gloss). Should I continue? I thought I would paint the rear of the bookcase with the darker shade of my wall color. Please give me your thoughts

I would leave the walls around the fireplace the same as the other walls and paint the back of the bookcases a shade or two darker than your walls. The mantle is going to disappear with the Alabaster.

Deb is right, if you continue with your painting you will lose sight of your beautiful mantle. You started before I got a chance to vote for the Venetian Plaster!

stefanie...leave it the existing color. Paint the back of your bookcases darker