Pesky - I don't think you can go wrong with a cream color, antiqued slightly with a dark wax. I would probably do the interior the same and let the art and display pieces be the center of attention in there.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

OMG! I have that same piece in my house!
I got mine at a garage sale approx 10 years ago as something to use until I could afford better. It is one of the few pieces I have that I am not fond of for keeping long term. I have plans to paint it a glossy black, change the hardware and paint the back part of the interior a silver or glossy white or find a pretty wallpaper in a subdued pattern (maybe a foil type pattern).
It has served its purpose for many years but it needs sprucing up. I will always keep an eye out for an antique or vintage piece in wood to replace it, but will save our money in the meantime. Too many other things have a claim on any money that comes in for now, lol.... I do better when I chance across something like that than when I seek it out specifically. As a real estate agent, I often get an early chance at things before they have the garage sale or try CL. I always ask if they are selling things if I see something I love and I know they are downsizing or moving far. I have scored some great finds that way.

In the meantime, I will be messing with my version of this breakfront in the Spring when I can get to projects again. I can't wait to see how yours comes out and I may shamelessly steal some ideas or techniques from you, lol.....

White! Paint it white--- and while you have the paint out, I would paint the mantel as well.

Your DH is wonderful! I tend to agree w/ the white or cream and a darker antique wax finish.

Why not pull a color from your area rug? How about Citrine? I guess this morning I'm in a bold- expressive mood..
With your fireplace being a whiteish and your tables being whiteish - I'd think about something bold and making a statement w/your find. Your walls look turquise, maybe a darker shade of the wall color then a popping color on the interior..

pesky, GO FOR IT, you wont regret it (well maybe you might because it's a lot of work, but you'll love how it looks whatever color you decide on. I just posted a b/a of one that I recently painted. I actually painted the inside as well (I regret that now, as it was SO much more work. In hindsight I would paper or use fabric and then cover the fabric in a water based poly for durability. It would have been much easier. This one actually would look AWESOME with your colors!!! come to GA and you can still buy it from my booth at the antique mall :)

here are some pics

another one I'm in the middle of painting (cream) this is primer so far and I'll distress it because of the great lines and detaling that will really show up. I may also take the backing off (it's needing retacked, so I may just carefully remove it and then cover it with my paper or fabric then reattach it. And then just do the inside sides.

I discovered that painting these cabinets is a LOT of work, but the outcome is so worthwhile. it literally transforms them.

{{!gwi}}

I love the B/A pics here! Having recently painted DD's old desk with hutch from a "before" tired French Provincial yellow to an elegant black, I can attest to the fact that painting the insides (in my case, the inside of the hutch) is a lot of work, but so worth it! Whatever color you choose, I hope some experienced painter here, like Rjinga, will give you ~ and all of us ~ some pointers on how best to paint interior shelves, etc. My suggestion? Wear a shower cap! I got so much paint in my hair doing DD's hutch (LOL!).
As for a color to paint yours, I'd go with either the antiqued white or the espresso.
Don't forget to show us your after pics. And, BTW, you have a really sweet DH!
Lynn