I would do them one color thats a lot of columns I don’t think they will disappear but at least you won’t call attention to them.I would make the ceiling my focus depending on your style but I would wait to choose acolor until you are in and all their stuff is removed.

I think it would actually be nice to have a contrasting color, but light colors, nothing that would be too bright. In that way they would stand out but not too much. It comes down to the colors you choose that would either make them disappear or stand out.

If little grubby handprints aren't an issue in your home your plan for making them "disappear" with white is a good one. That would be a nonstarter in a house with little kids though.

I'd neutralize them and paint inside the coffers to draw attention there.