Ok, I'm just a Houzz follower, not a design maven, but to me, painting the arch and the built ins would be making the house look like every other modern house on the block, sleek and minimalist, and losing the things that make this house special.

No, do not paint the built ins and arches white! Respect the character of the room. If you want to go into a light to medium brown (for the built ins and arches) that matches the trim, that may be an option. Once you get the furniture and accessories in here, it will all look nice.

If you want to go in another direction, Google arts and crafts or bungalow living room, you will see some of the colors that balance your trim and make your room cozy. You can then pick up those colors in your accessories. Use these colors, or lighter versions of them: light olive green, light tan or tan, rust, burnt orange, golden yellow.

I houzzed some craftsman style living rooms that to me seem to look/feel genuine. The craftsmas era was decidedly organic and handmade to colors from living things I would think. Anyhoo. here are some pics to inspire you......I think the white would be fine, but I think you are going to have to find a warm saturated color. If you opt for a 'white' it should probably be like the inside of an almond, warm and creamy. One of the easiest ways to decide a color is to purchase a true Craftsman style rug and then use that as a stepping off point to find your color of choice.....the rooms are warm and cozy and I think you could find a white with those characteristics. See the Austin house below...so yes I say repaint those walls.

Arts & Crafts Reinterpretation · More Info

Porter Street Living Room · More Info

Austin house new build

Rocky River Living · More Info

Windward Oaks Custom Home - Oak Bay · More Info

Austin house different view; definitely warm white.

Rocky River Living · More Info

Craftsman Living Room · More Info

I see what you mean. I feel like a warmer color is needed. I know it's a pain, but it would be worth it to repaint the walls.

I've always thought dark wood in older homes combined with white paint is a little harsh. I know it's a popular look, but here are two different colors I found on Benjamin Moore's website. I prefer the blue, it lightens the space, still utilizes natural light and keeps the space bright. I included a grey-tan inspired color as well if you're looking to go in that direction. I do like the idea of painting the built-ins white.

I like using a bluish gray as it looks nice against both dark wood and white trim. Greens also look good against the dark trim. If you like the off white, try one with a bit more color so it won't contrast so much

Don't paint your trim because you don't like the contrast between the walls and the trim - repaint the walls. It's easier, faster and doesn't reduce the desirability of the home to old house lovers. Every year there are fewer and fewer vintage properties with beautiful, original trim and the remaining ones become more desirable to the old house crazies like me.

Let me explain what your boyfriend said. Leave it or find another boyfriend.

Leave the trim as is but if you're looking for a less harsh color, try Ben Moore's Palace White.

I agree, the white looks harsh to me as well. It looks nice in the first picture around the windows, I think because of the lighting. In the picture with the arch, it looks too stark. I wouldn't paint the arch, but could you paint an accent wall and just paint that wall with the arch? Not a super bold color, but a muted historical color...maybe a green...that would match with some of your accesories that will be in the room. I don't know...I'm not a designer, so that could be a horrible idea;)